What Is an Operations Manager? A 2026 Career Guide

Operations managers oversee an organization's operations to ensure the efficient completion of a good or service. At a glance, here's what you need to know about this vital business position:

• According to the US BLS, operations managers earn an above-average salary of about $102,950 as of May 2024 [1].

• They tend to oversee intern processes, though they may also engage with external stakeholders as needed. They work across industries, such as manufacturing, retail, and health care.

• Most operations managers possess a bachelor's degree, but with the right skills, experiences, and credentials, it's possible to get a position with just an associate degree or high school diploma.

Below, you'll learn more about operations managers, including what they do, their job outlook, and how to become one. Afterward, if you want to start building job-relevant skills today, consider enrolling in the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Operations Management: Organization and Analysis course.

What does an operations manager do?

Operations managers make sure an organization's operations run as smoothly and efficiently as possible at every level. Working in a wide variety of industries, including retail, health care, finance, insurance, and manufacturing, operations managers' duties vary depending on the needs and size of the organization. Some common duties an operations manager may perform include:

• Evaluating, designing, and implementing business processes

• Overseeing the production of goods and services

• Planning the distribution of resources and materials 

• Making sure every department meets its goals and key milestones

• Preparing and overseeing budgets

• Managing human resources, including personnel documentation, staff communications, and performance reviews

• Formulating company policies and ensuring compliance

• Helping an organization's processes remain legally compliant

• Performing quality control and assurance on production

• Examine financial data and analyze it to improve profits

Operations manager salary and job outlook

Operations managers earn competitive salaries and are projected to experience relatively stable demand over the coming years.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), general and operations managers in the United States earned a median pay of $102,950 as of May 2024 [1]. Between 2024 and 2034, meanwhile, job openings for professionals in the field are projected to grow by 4 percent, which is on par with all jobs in the country during the same period [2].

Operations manager vs. supply chain manager

Operations and supply chain managers are both involved in value chain management, but their focuses differ. While operations managers tend to oversee an organization's internal processes, supply chain managers coordinate external networks and partnerships to get products to customers. Evenstill, the two positions may overlap occasionally as needed.

How to become an operations manager

If you’re interested in a career as an operations manager, these steps can help you get started. 

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree

Most employers look for candidates with at least a bachelor's degree in a business-related field, like management or business administration. According to Zippia, 62 percent of operations managers have a bachelor's degree, and 17 percent have an associate degree [3].

Your education should focus on developing technical skills like mathematical modeling and statistics, along with workplace skills like organizational behavior and leadership. Key courses might include financial accounting, business communication, and management principles.

2. Build job-relevant skills

To be an effective operations manager, you'll need strong leadership skills. Being a leader means identifying and resolving issues that prevent teams from meeting their goals, monitoring operations without micromanaging, and encouraging team members to perform at their best. Leaders help employees and teams stay motivated, and they supply them with the tools and confidence to succeed.

In addition, a good operations manager can multitask and oversee many moving parts. Using critical thinking and excellent communication skills, an operations manager is good at conflict management and should be able to address sensitive issues to keep everything running efficiently.

Consider learning how to use different operations management systems, so that you can increase your efficiency in an operations manager role and make powerful decisions within your team. Examples of these software programs include:

• ClickUp

• Connecteam

• Scoro

3. Gain experience in entry-level and junior roles.

Operations manager jobs typically require a few years of professional experience in a management or supervisory role. Start with an entry-level role in the business world to build your skill set, expand your business knowledge, and make connections that could later help you advance your career. Some job titles include retail manager, customer service representative, business operations analyst, and project manager.

As you advance, look for managerial roles in retail, supply chain, or finance, where you can gain valuable leadership experience.

Find a mentor

A big part of your role in this job will be mentoring new employees and providing outstanding leadership. One excellent way to learn how to lead by example while also getting a good feel for what the job is like is by finding a mentor to guide you. This relationship can provide guidance or connections when it’s time to apply for a leadership job yourself. 

Read more: How to Find a Mentor and Grow Toward Your Goals

4. Get certified.

An industry-specific credential may give you a competitive edge by validating your essential skills to potential employers. Some certifications to consider include: 

• International Association for Six Sigma Certification

• ITIL by Axelos

• Institute of Certified Professional Manager (ICPM) Certified Manager 

• Certified Supply Chain Professional

• Certification in Production and Inventory Management 

• Certified Program Management Professional

Prepare for the Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Green Belt, or Black Belt certification exam with Specializations from the University System of Georgia.

5. Consider getting a master’s degree.

According to Zippia, 9 percent of operations managers have a master's degree [3]. Getting a master’s degree isn’t an absolute must, but you may find in your job search that employers prefer operations manager candidates with advanced degrees. Look for master's degree programs that include courses in supply chain management, project management, and business ethics to gain skills in key business functions.

Read more: Master’s in Management vs. MBA: Which Is Better?

Build your operations manager skills on Coursera

The path towards becoming an operations manager involves building the right skills, gaining the right experience, and obtaining the right credentials. Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses. 

Build job-ready skills with Coursera Plus

Start 7-day free trial

• 
• 
• 
• 

Start 7-day free trial