OVERVIEW
What Is a Business Operations Manager?
A business operations manager supervises a company's day-to-day activities, ensuring that they run smoothly and efficiently. This role involves overseeing a wide range of departments, including finance, human resources, and customer service, among many others. Operations managers are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to boost productivity and minimize expenses while maintaining high-quality standards.
For example, an operations manager might help an organization make informed decisions regarding the location of their offices, factories, or stores. Determining the right location is vital to guarantee the seamless running of operations, timely deliveries, and satisfied customers. Operations managers use their expertise to research, analyze the pros and cons of different locations, and identify factors such as cost, accessibility, availability of resources, and cultural suitability. Based on their analysis, they can then recommend the most suitable location that maximizes efficiency, minimizes costs, and aligns with the organization's goals.
Overall, a successful business operations manager must possess excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. The role also requires a firm understanding of the industry and an ability to adapt to changing market trends.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Business Operations Manager Do?
The day-to-day responsibilities of a business operations manager include:
- Organizing events to increase staff motivation and engagement.
- Analyzing data to calculate the cost-benefit ratio.
- Locating problems in the company's supply chain.
- Establishing and monitoring employee schedules.
- Creating programs for employees' professional development.
- Setting objectives for increased output and improved efficiency.
- Monitoring the overall budget of the business as well as departmental budgets.
- Establishing corporate guidelines and procedures.
- Resolving disputes between departments about resources.
- Examining the company's resource management and looking for ways to boost employee productivity.
- Developing tools to automate repetitive processes.
- Monitoring on-site projects and field operations.
- Resolving inventory management concerns.
- Constructing logistics-enhancing solutions.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Business Operations Manager?
The first step towards becoming a business operations manager is to obtain a bachelor's degree in business management, supply chain and operations management, or a related field. This provides a firm foundation of knowledge and skills necessary for the role. After obtaining a degree, it’s important to gain relevant experience by working in roles such as operations coordinator or business analyst. These roles will enable you to understand the procedures of a business and develop the necessary management skills.
In addition, seeking professional certification such as the Certified Manager (CM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification can improve your chances of securing a job as a business operations manager. You might consider furthering your knowledge and income potential by obtaining an MBA or a master's degree in accounting. Finally, networking with professionals in the field and staying up to date with industry trends and technologies are essential to success.
Best Degrees for a Business Operations Manager
Business
Business Management – B.S. Business Administration
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 19 months
- Tuition: $3,755 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.
Business
Supply Chain and Operations Management - B.S.
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.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish similar programs within 19 months.
- Tuition: $3,575 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
Master of Business Administration
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management,...
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management, strategy, and leading teams:
- Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months
- Tuition: $4,755 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.
Business
Supply Chain Certificate – School of Business
Boost your résumé and gain valuable experience with a supply chain...
Boost your résumé and gain valuable experience with a supply chain certificate from the School of Business.
- 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 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
How Much Does a Business Operations Manager Make?
$97,970
Business operations manager salaries can vary based on a few factors, including location, experience, and industry. While the average salary for a business operations manager is around $97,970 per year, those with experience and skills in high-demand areas can earn upwards of $150,000 annually. In addition to their base salaries, many business operations managers receive bonuses and benefits packages. Ultimately, the earning potential of a business operations manager depends on their individual qualifications and the demands of their industry.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
7%
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects for business operations managers are projected to grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. As industries expand and global markets become more competitive, the need for skilled operations managers will continue to rise. However, competition for these positions may be strong, particularly for job applicants with limited experience.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Business Operations Manager Need?
Successful business operations managers possess a variety of soft and hard skills, most notably:
- Communication: The ability to communicate effectively with employees, customers, and other stakeholders is vital. Operations managers must be able to clearly explain tasks and objectives and give feedback in a way that is easily understood.
- Organization: An operations manager also needs to be highly organized. This includes keeping track of multiple tasks and deadlines, prioritizing tasks, delegating tasks effectively, and following up to ensure they are completed on time.
- Problem-solving skills: A business operations manager needs to be able to identify problems early on and develop creative solutions that address the root cause of the problem. Additionally, operations managers must also implement solutions to minimize disruptions to the business.
- Decision-making skills: The ability to weigh pros and cons and to make decisions based on what is best for the business is crucial. Also, managers need to justify decisions made and stand by them even when faced with opposition.
- Analytical skills: Operations managers require the ability to analyze data and information. This includes identifying trends, using data to decide where the business should go next, spotting errors or discrepancies, and investigating them further.
- Interpersonal skills: Building relationships with employees, customers, and other stakeholders is essential. Operations managers must be able to understand the needs of others and find ways to meet those needs while still achieving business goals.
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