Posted on June 9th, 2025 in Blog, Business

What Does an Operations Manager Do?

Ensuring a strong and motivated workforce can help improve company performance. A 2024 study by Gallup found that businesses scoring in the top quartile of employee engagement rates had 23% higher profitability and 18% higher sales productivity than those scoring in the bottom quartile.

Lack of employee engagement can result in decreased motivation, higher absenteeism, and higher turnover, according to Gallup — consequences that can impede operations as the company must replace employees or recover from workforce inefficiency. Professionals such as operations managers can help mitigate these issues by supporting employee well-being, enforcing company policies, and offering leadership to the workforce.

Those interested in becoming an operations manager should learn more about the role’s varying job duties and the steps an individual can take to become one, including the benefits of earning an advanced degree in a field such as organizational leadership.

Operations Manager Job Duties

Operations managers help their employers improve efficiency and achieve long-term goals. However, their duties may vary by industry. For example, operations managers can work to oversee a company’s supply chain, manage projects, or work in human resources (HR).

Their duties may include planning and strategizing new policies to improve a company’s workflow. They may also help a company integrate updated technologies into its workflow. Depending on the industry, they may also help manage quality control, oversee storage and distribution of products and services, and monitor budget performance and planning.

Operations managers regularly work with company stakeholders, such as investors and senior management, to explain or advocate for policy changes. They also regularly communicate with employees to inform them of company news or policy changes and to uplift company morale. They’re often key members of HR departments, helping onboard employees and create training standards.

How to Become an Operations Manager

The qualifications to become an operations manager vary by employer, whose requirements may depend on business size and industry. However, prospective managers can take a few steps to help stand out from the competition, such as completing a business degree program, gaining work experience, and developing certain skills.

Earn a Degree

Employers typically require a bachelor’s degree, often in business administration or accounting, as the minimum education standard to become an operations manager. However, companies may prefer job candidates with an advanced degree, such as a Master of Arts (MA) in Organizational Leadership. These programs often help students better understand the global business environment while exploring leadership theories and developing the executive-level skills needed to manage employees and business processes.

Gain Experience and Certification

As a senior management role, operations managers are usually expected to have significant work experience. For example, spending several years in entry-level HR roles can help candidates better understand how to manage employees and see firsthand how policies are implemented and enforced. While not always available, internships can also provide hands-on experience while shadowing a more experienced professional.

Individuals should consider looking for entry-level positions or internships in fields such as business administration, resource management, or policy development. Depending on the prospective employer’s industry, some experiences may be more relevant than others.

Earning a relevant certification also helps prospective managers stand out to employers. For example, the certified manager (CM) credential from the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) helps demonstrate an understanding of leadership and employee management.

Develop Key Skills

Operations managers often need a combination of hard and soft skills, including technical knowledge in policy development and the ability to work with and motivate the workforce. Below are a few skills that prospective operations managers should develop to succeed in their careers.

Hard skills:

Financial management
Policy development
Software (for example, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Wrike)
Legal compliance
Ethical business practices

Soft skills:

Communication
Leadership
Time management
Problem-solving
Empathy

Operations Manager Salary and Job Outlook

Becoming an operations manager can be a lucrative career option. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for general and operations managers was $102,950 as of May 2024. This is significantly above the average median wage for all occupations, $49,500. However, salaries may vary based on company size, location, and industry, as well as the candidate’s experience and skill levels. Some companies offer operations managers benefits unrelated to their salary, such as stock options or bonuses.

The job outlook for operations managers is also positive. According to the BLS, the projected job growth for general and operations managers is 6% between 2023 and 2033. This is higher than the average projected growth of 4% for all occupations. The BLS suggests that demand for improved company functionality will drive growth for operations manager roles.

Take the Next Career Step Toward Operations Management

The role of operations manager is a versatile position that can build a senior management career in various industries. Employers often seek out operations managers with a strong education and background in business-related fields. Prospective operations managers can consider the benefits of Warner Pacific University Online’s MA in Organizational Leadership degree program to help them prepare for this role.

This two-year program helps students build their leadership skills and understand the human elements of the business world. It offers a curriculum focused on how to lead a diverse team, current technology trends in business, an understanding of ethics, and project management. Additionally, the program is available in both online and hybrid formats, giving students the flexibility to choose the learning environment that fits their educational needs.

Launch your career in operations management with WPU Online.

Sources:
Gallup, 2024 Q12 Meta-Analysis
Indeed, “How to Become an Operations Manager (With Salary and Job Outlook)”
Indeed, “What Does an Operations Manager Do? (With Requirements)”
Institute of Certified Professional Managers, Certified Manager Certification
Teal, Which Tools Do Operation Managers Use?
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Top Executives