What Education Does an Operations Manager Need?

A bachelor’s degree in business is needed for a job in business operations. This type of degree program will focus on business fundamentals that are critical for success. Things like finances, budgets, supply chain management, and strategy are taught in business management undergraduate programs. This will give you the knowledge and experience you will need to get started in operations management. A bachelor’s degree alone likely isn’t going to get you a job as an operations manager. You may have to start in a more entry-level position and work your way up. It would also be beneficial for you to obtain your Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA). This additional credential demonstrates skill and mastery in leadership—a key element of any management position. An MBA will focus on leading people, overseeing processes, and creating more advanced strategies for an organization. This is key for operations management. It’s important to know that most positions will require that you also have some experience before hiring you as an operations manager. You may have to start in a lower-level position and then work towards growing into a managerial role.

How Much Does a Operations Manager Make?

The average income for an operations manager is about $66,500 per year. Your income will be dependent on your education, experience, and geographic location. The low average income for an operations manager is about $43,000 and the high average, for more experienced operations managers, is over $100,000. Your salary will likely increase as your experience increases. The more experience and education you have, the more likely it is that your salary will be closer to the average or higher average.

Where Do Operations Managers Work?

Operations managers can work just about anywhere. From hospitals to banks and retail stores, just about every organization needs an operations manager to run the day-to-day business. As an operations manager, you could work for many different types of organizations including manufacturers, service providers, banks, credit unions, and retail.

BUSINESS CAREER GUIDES

Operations Manager Career

Q: What Is an Operations Manager?

You may be wondering “what does business operations mean?” Business operations are all the activities accomplished behind the scenes to keep the business running. In most businesses, operations managers oversee the big picture of their organization. They are responsible for managing processes, purchasing, accounting, human resources, inventory, and IT. There are different levels to an operations manager’s career path. Operations managers are sometimes also known as chief operating officers, or COOs. Their role is critical in ensuring businesses run smoothly and have everything they need to be effective.

Q: What Does an Operations Manager Do?

The responsibilities of an operations manager will vary for different organizations and industries. But in general, you can expect to do most of the following tasks while working in business operations: Processes: An operations manager is responsible for implementing and maintaining the processes that an organization uses. This includes software and other programs that the organization uses to function every day. Personnel: Human resources is a big part of operations in any organization. As an operations manager, you will either be overseeing the HR department or working very closely to help solve personnel issues. Inventory: This is especially true when for an operations manager who works in retail or for a business that sells specific products. Financials: Accounting and finances are another big part of an operations department. Similar to HR, you will either be overseeing the accounting department or working closely to review budgets, revenue growth, and profitability. Reporting: An operations manager is responsible for reporting on how the business is functioning and whether the implemented processes and policies are working or need changes.

Q: What Skills Does an Operations Manager Need?

There are skills that every person working in business operations needs to have to be successful in the field. There will be some jobs that require you to have more specific skill sets, but these are a few of the most common skills that you should have: Leadership: As a manager, you will be looked upon as a leader in your organization. Strategizing: Understanding business strategy is of vital importance and you should be able to plan and implement strategies as well. Analyzing: You will be responsible for analyzing processes and policies to ensure they are working for the organization. Decision Making: As an operations manager, you will be responsible for making decisions on behalf of the organization. Conflict Management: This refers to not just personnel conflict, but any conflict that occurs within your organization’s business operations.

Q: What is the Projected Job Growth?

The job outlook for an operations manager is good. The field is expected to grow by 6% over the next several years. Because of the vital role an operations manager plays in an organization and the fact that there are so many different industries that you can work in, there will always be a reliable need for operations managers.

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OVERVIEW

What is an Operations Manager?

Operations managers are essential to ensuring that a business operates efficiently, consistently, and at its highest level of performance. From formulating inventory plans and establishing KPIs to streamlining workflows and supervising staff, their responsibilities span multiple departments. They interact with nearly every part of an organization—including purchasing, production, accounting, human resources, facilities management, and quality control—to align day-to-day operations with the company’s core objectives. If you enjoy managing resources, teams, and processes, tackling complex problems, and ensuring operations run smoothly, a career as an operations manager may be a good fit.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

What Does an Operations Manager Do?

Because their role spans so many functional areas, operations managers must balance short-term operational needs with long-term strategic priorities. Every task an operations manager performs contributes to strengthening the systems, processes, and teams that keep a business running effectively. While day-to-day duties can vary based on the industry and organization size, an operations manager’s responsibilities may include:

Process optimization. Operations managers oversee key business processes with the goal of optimizing efficiency and performance. They check production and supply chain operations, identify inefficiencies, and implement strategies for improvement.
Quality control. Operations managers help ensure that the company’s products and services meet quality standards. They set goals, collaborate with quality control teams, monitor quality assurance, and implement changes to meet evolving market conditions and customer demands.
Supporting HR initiatives. Aligning workforce strategies with operational goals is crucial. Operations managers work with HR departments to determine staffing requirements and meet productivity needs.
Inventory management. Operations managers track inventory and supply levels, implement supply chain and warehouse best practices, forecast needs, and maintain vendor relationships.
Financial management. Operations managers control operational costs, allocate resources, and partner with finance teams to develop budgets. They facilitate a culture of continuous improvement to drive profitability.
Reporting. Operations managers create detailed reports about inventory levels, employee workloads, productivity, and performance. These insights help business leaders determine whether the current processes and policies meet the organization’s needs and make any necessary changes.

Do I Need Certifications to Be an Operations Manager?

Certifications aren’t always required for operations manager roles, but they can be an effective way to demonstrate industry expertise, strengthen your résumé, and show your commitment to continuous learning.

For professionals looking to build the skills needed to advance their careers, WGU’s business leadership certificate offers a competency-based curriculum that’s specifically designed to give emerging leaders the essential skills they need to inspire, guide, and direct others in a business setting. This certificate includes transferable credits towards select WGU School of Business bachelor’s degree programs.

Common industry-recognized certifications to pursue include:

Certified Operations Manager (COM)
Certified Association Executive (CAE)
Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES

How Do I Become an Operations Manager?

To become an operations manager, you need a mix of education, practical experience, and strong management skills. The following key steps can help you prepare for a career in operations management:

Step 1: Earn a Degree

Most operations managers start by earning a bachelor’s degree, which provides foundational knowledge needed to oversee people, processes, and daily business functions.

An online business management degree program teaches fundamentals such as organizational behavior, principles of management, operations and supply chain management, and financial strategy.

A supply chain management degree is another strong option for a career in operations management. This bachelor of science degree focuses on data analysis and visualization, business analytics, quality assurance, budgeting and trend analysis, and project management.

Step 2: Gain Hands-On Experience

Relevant work experience is critical for developing the practical skills needed to succeed as an operations manager. Many professionals begin in roles such as business operations specialist, supply chain manager, or team lead.

These positions provide an opportunity to gain experience in workflow management, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration—all skills that translate directly to operational management.

Step 3: Consider Earning a Master’s Degree

Because operations management is a role with a high level of responsibility and authority, some roles require an advanced degree. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree will expand your knowledge of advanced leadership and management principles, accounting, economics, marketing, and other business essentials. These skills can strengthen your qualifications and open doors to senior level roles.

Best Degrees for an Operations Manager

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Business Management – B.S.

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Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...

Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:

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Time: 61% of graduates finish within 19 months
Tuition: $3,830 per 6-month term
Courses: 40 total courses in this program

Skills for your résumé this program will teach you include:

Business communication
Product development
Decision making models
Project management strategies
Budgeting for business

This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.

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Supply Chain and Operations Management - B.S.

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This online supply chain and operations management program will prepare...

This online supply chain and operations management program will prepare you for real-world experiences in business.

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Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 19 months.
Tuition: $3,830 per 6-month term.
Courses: 36 courses in this program.

Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:

Project Management
Strategic Planning
Detail Oriented
Management
Leadership
Operations:

Business

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Master of Business Administration

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The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management,...

The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management, strategy, and leading teams:

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Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months
Tuition: $4,805 per 6-month term
Courses: 11 total courses in this program

Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:

Leadership strategies
Talent management
Communication
Data collection and interpretation
Financial statements

Our competency-based model gives you an innovative learning experience you won't find anywhere else—and our MBA grads tell us they loved accelerating their program to see a faster ROI.

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Business Leadership Certificate – School of Business

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Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the help of a leadership certificate from the School of Business.

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Time: 4 months from start to finish.
Cost: $1,125 for the certificate.
Courses: 3 courses total in this program.

This program is for emerging leaders, however this program does not require a bachelor’s degree, and provides transferable credit towards a WGU degree program.

Whether you aspire to work for a Fortune 500 organization, a government agency, a non-profit organization, or a fast-paced start-up, this certificate can give you the keys to success in a variety of industries, including:

Finance and Banking
Healthcare
Manufacturing
IT
Consulting
Nonprofit
Government

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Supply Chain Fundamentals Certificate – School of Business

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Boost your résumé and gain valuable experience with a supply chain...

Boost your résumé and gain valuable experience with a supply chain fundamentals certificate from the School of Business.

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Time: 6 months from start to finish.
Cost: $2,500 for the certificate.
Courses: 4 courses total in this program.

This program is designed for individuals who are ready to take their supply chain experience to the next level and become a front-line leader in their organization.

Whether you want to advance your career in this field, or you're just getting started, a supply chain fundamentals certificate can help you be ready for your next career step. You'll be prepared to work in a variety of industries including:

Startups
Healthcare
Manufacturing
IT
Retail
E-Commerce

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Management Skills for Supervisors Certificate - School of Business

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Enhance your résumé and take a step in your educational journey with the help of a management skills for supervisors certificate from the School of Business.

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Time: 4 months from start to finish.
Cost: $1,200 for the certificate.
Courses: 3 courses total in this program.

This program is for aspiring supervisors, however this program does not require a bachelor’s degree, and provides transferable credit towards a WGU degree program.

Whether you are an aspiring manager, transitioning into a management role for the first time, or already working as a supervisor and looking to refine your skills, this certificate prepares you for success in a variety of industries, including:

Manufacturing
Healthcare
Retail
Hospitality
Fast Food

How Much Does an Operations Manager Make?

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According to Payscale, the average annual salary for operations managers is $75,930. Pay can range from $51,000 to $117,000 depending on education, experience, industry, and location. Professionals with advanced degrees and substantial industry experience often qualify for more prestigious positions and higher salaries than entry-level professionals.

What Is the Projected Job Growth?

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Businesses must consistently fine-tune operational practices to navigate challenges, and operations managers are pivotal in this pursuit. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for administrative services and facilities managers, which includes operations managers, is expected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034. About 36,400 openings for administrative services and facilities managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

SKILLS

What Skills Does an Operations Manager Need?

Operations managers need a mix of hard and soft skills. While daily responsibilities vary depending on the organization and industry, these core competencies support the most common operations manager responsibilities:

Hard Skills

Project management. Operations managers often oversee planning of multiple projects and provide valuable input to numerous teams in an organization. Strong project management skills are essential to managing timelines, delegating tasks, and prioritizing responsibilities efficiently.
Data analysis. Operations managers rely on quantitative and quantitative data to make informed decisions about process improvements and to anticipate future needs and challenges.
Resource allocation. Managing workforce capacity, budget constraints, and production deadlines requires careful allocation of personnel, time, and materials to maximize profitability and reduce waste.
Technological proficiency. Operations managers leverage AI and digital tools such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, project management software, workflow automation platforms, and analytics to gather and interpret data, evaluate performance, track inventory, and manage customer and vendor relationships.

Soft Skills

Leadership. Employees, managers, executives, vendors, and other stakeholders look to operations managers for guidance and motivation.
Time management. Operations managers oversee multiple processes and projects simultaneously and must meet tight deadlines, making strong time management skills essential.
Strategic planning. Optimizing workflows, managing inventory, and coordinating daily operations all require strategic thinking, foresight, and adaptability.
Decision-making. Operations managers regularly make impactful decisions about complex issues that affect overall business performance.
Communication. The collaborative nature of this job requires strong communication skills. Operations managers coordinate activities between multiple teams, resolve conflicts, interface with external stakeholders, and present reports on key metrics.
Negotiation skills. Operations managers negotiate contracts with vendors, service providers, and contractors. They work to secure favorable agreements that keep costs low while meeting the organization’s needs.

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