Roles

• According to the Occupational Information Network, a business operations manager oversees the entire operations of a company or organization. An operations manager manages daily operations, formulates policies and plans the use of materials and employees. These managers are too general to be classified in one specific area of management. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the duties of operations managers can overlap those of a chief executive officer.
  
  

Environment and Hours

• Like other top executives, operations managers typically have spacious offices, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. General managers typically have flexible schedules. Under the pressure of having the responsibility to succeed, many commit themselves to long hours that include nights and weekends. General managers in poor-performing companies or departments may risk losing their positions.
  
  

Education and Training

• Formal education and experience varies for business operations managers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many have a bachelor's degree or master's degree in business administration, liberal arts or a specialized discipline. Many operations manager positions are filled internally by promoting lower-level managers when an opening occurs. Personal qualities distinguish the competition, such as the ability to clearly communicate in a persuasive manner. Other important qualities include leadership, motivation, self-confidence, flexibility, decisiveness, good business judgment and sheer determination.
  
  

Earnings

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, general and operations managers earned a national mean hourly wage of $53.15 and a national mean annual wage of $110,550 in May 2009. The industries that employed the highest number of general and operations managers were management of companies and enterprises with a mean annual wage of $134,590; the local government, $90,350; computer systems design and related services, $147,170; building equipment contractors, $110,600; and management, scientific and technical consulting services, $145,470.
  
  

Job Outlook

• According to the National Employment Matrix from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for operations managers is expected to experience little or no growth through 2018. Competition will be fierce for job openings because the recognition and high compensation attracts many qualified applicants for the few job openings.