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An efficient business can meet deadlines, outpace competitors and deftly adapt to market changes. Many companies depend on operations management to foster the highest level of efficiency possible within an organization. Let’s look at this career, skills, education and salaries. 

In short, operations managers help organizations run more efficiently.  Operations management (OM) describes how organizations use business practices to foster maximum efficiency. At its core, OM is the conversion of materials and labor into goods and services to maximize an organization’s profits. It focuses on elements like the workforce, a company’s processes and the supply chains a company uses.

Whether pursuing a business degree or scaling a company, find out more about how operations management helps enhance an organization’s productivity by satisfying customers, improving revenue and gaining an edge over other businesses.

Effective management of business operations is fundamental to achieving an organization’s strategic goals, operating profitably and delivering value to customers and stakeholders. It ensures all aspects of production or delivery work seamlessly and efficiently. This type of strategic management involves more than supply chain management, although that’s a fundamental component.

Without good operations practices, a company might fall behind in production because its processes aren’t up to standards. Customer satisfaction might dip if deliveries are late or if product quality suffers. Brand reputation might suffer if, for example, the company fails to operate sustainably and harms the environment.

OM, in other words, touches many facets of a business with the opportunity to make a significant difference in either direction.

Operations managers implement practices that can help companies innovate. They are typically responsible for developing and implementing processes that improve efficiency.

Responsibilities can include the following:

• Production
• Quality assurance and process improvement
• Legal compliance
• Employee hiring and onboarding
• Ongoing employee training
• Customer service
• Project management
• Budget management
• Warehouse and inventory management
• Supply chain management

A variety of skills are needed to help streamline efficiency in the workplace. Strong communication and organization skills facilitate creating, implementing and optimizing processes that improve a company’s workflows.

The ideal candidate for an operations management position might possess or develop the following skills:

• Technological proficiency — Using computers, phones, information dashboards and other technologies to optimize the efficiency of an organization’s operations.
• Public speaking — Frequently interaction with employees, vendors, stakeholders, executives and other internal company representatives involved in business operations.
• Performance management — Teaching company employees how they can improve daily habits in ways that bolster efficiency and productivity.
• Data analysis and reporting —  Analyzing metrics to identify ways a company can further improve operations in areas like purchasing totals, costs, customer behavior metrics or other data.
• Risk analysis — Assessing the current state of a company’s operations, identifying potential risks or challenges the organization could face as a result of current procedures.
• Problem-solving —Countering market challenges with unique solutions that drive success and satisfy stakeholders.
• Product optimization — Informing product design, simplifying workflows, overseeing quality control and managing production budgets to optimize the way an organization creates and offers products or services.

Students aspiring to a career in operations management might not possess all these skills. That’s perfectly fine. Over time, they can develop them through training and practice.

Students can also build operational skills through ongoing education, including earning a business degree. Many of the skills needed in OMare also in-demand skills among Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduates.

Operations managers can work in a variety of industries and can work in many different locations, such as:

• Warehousing and storage
• International business
• Construction
• Technology
• Healthcare
• Government
• Education

Many work on-site at their employer’s place of business. Some have an office in a warehouse or an office environment to maintain proximity to other employees or team members. Others work in a company’s human resources department, given HR’s involvement in new employee hiring and training.

In certain cases, operations management jobs can be remote. As long as job candidates have access to communication tools and a stable internet connection, they can draft and implement effective operations policies from a distance. However, even remote managers usually visit the office periodically to connect with team members and get a closer look at operations.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of operations managers to between 2024 and 2034.

As of May 2023, salaries of operations managers ranged between , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Region and industry can significantly influence pay and earning potential, as different fields and organizations have different needs and opportunities.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2024-2034 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to ���۴�ý students or graduates.

The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of ���۴�ý. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. ���۴�ý does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

Becoming an operations manager is a process that can take time, effort and financial investment. Candidates for this job typically need to fulfill some necessary education requirements in addition to any required certifications.

Seeking degrees that can prepare for an operations management career is a fairly straightforward process, as many business programs include some elements of management in their curriculum.

A first step might be to pursue a business degree. A Bachelor of Science in Management, for example, or a degree in a closely related field might strengthen skills for operations roles.

Aspiring managers who want to work in operations could also elect to pursue an industry-respected Bachelor of Science in Business with an Operations Management Certificate.

Depending on needs and competition in the market,  obtaining a master’s degree such as a Master of Management might be a good choice to educationally prepare for these opportunities, as it teaches skills in operations, strategic planning and leadership.

Online MBA programs are popular before beginning a career as an operations or business manager, or a financial analyst.

In addition to the required education, some companies may require one or more third-party certifications for this position. Operations management certifications provide education in particular operations fields. They can deepen knowledge of inventory management, service operations and other fields. 

Some programs offer an Operations Management Certificate that touches on many principles, like Lean Six Sigma and supply chain management, that are valued among operations management professionals.

These and other certifications may help polish understanding of effective business and help to further qualify a candidate for a professional operations management role.

Technology’s profound impact on operations management practices has historically led to significant improvements in .

Automation, for example, can streamline processes and reduce manual labor. Advanced data analytics tools can enable managers to make better forecasts and manage inventories. It also allows for improved supply chain transparency thanks to real-time tracking of goods and materials.

Finally, companies can use technology to improve the end product thanks to quality control measures, leading to better products and, hopefully, happier customers.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an operations manager, ���۴�ý has online business programs to help you get started:

• Bachelor of Science in Management 
• Bachelor of Science in Business with an Operations Management Certificate
• Master of Business Administration 
• Master of Management 

Contact ���۴�ý for more information.