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What is a solutions manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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The job of a solutions manager is highly versatile as it involves several phases of a project. In some organizations, a solution manager is also known as a product manager. Solutions managers are usually involved in a project from inception to completion and may be responsible for overhauling procedures, supervising completion and implementation, and other roles.

As a solutions manager, your role changes to accommodate the needs of the project. In the beginning, you may meet with clients and stakeholders to define the project's scope and parameters. As it advances, you may be involved in project planning, developing solutions for issues, or overseeing material procurement. By the end of a project, solutions managers may also continue to assess the project's processes and see how new strategies can be used to improve them.

To become a solutions manager, you need a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related subject. You also need skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

ScoreSolutions ManagerUS Average
Salary
8.2

Avg. Salary $122,023

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate 16%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.21%

Asian 13.67%

Black or African American 6.75%

Hispanic or Latino 10.13%

Unknown 5.21%

White 64.04%

Gender

female 29.87%

male 70.13%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.7

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Solutions manager career paths

Key steps to become a solutions manager

  1. Explore solutions manager education requirements

    Most common solutions manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.8 %

    Master's

    15.9 %

    Associate

    9.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific solutions manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Healthcare10.07%
    Cloud7.82%
    Project Management6.02%
    Architecture5.41%
    Business Development5.02%
  3. Complete relevant solutions manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New solutions managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a solutions manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real solutions manager resumes.
  4. Research solutions manager duties and responsibilities

    • Lead and manage the ETL process with a team of five analysts and developers.
    • Lead and assemble combined RFI and RFP response teams and negotiate contracts.
    • Manage offshore team SLA within require results for the core business functions.
    • Attain more successful cloud deployments by generating blueprint for Cisco s cloud services.
  5. Prepare your solutions manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your solutions manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a solutions manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable solutions manager resume templates

    Build a professional solutions manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your solutions manager resume.
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    Solutions Manager Resume
    Solutions Manager Resume
    Solutions Manager Resume
  6. Apply for solutions manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a solutions manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first solutions manager job

Zippi

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Average solutions manager salary

The average solutions manager salary in the United States is $122,023 per year or $59 per hour. Solutions manager salaries range between $92,000 and $161,000 per year.

Average solutions manager salary
$122,023 Yearly
$58.66 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do solutions managers rate their job?

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Solutions manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2021
Pros

I loved the diversity of collaborating with those multiple business divisions. It allowed me to use my critical and creative thinking skills in coming up with solutions. I got a ton of satisfaction in helping others to make their day-to-day work responsibilities easier.

Cons

Juggling multiple tasks and projects was always a constant struggle. I also felt very frustrated at times working with third party vendors and consultants remotely.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

Good pay, good communication with other people

Cons

Less technical, but with some traveling sometimes


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Pros

long term analysis

Cons

redesigning due to lack of understanding the requirements


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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