Business operations managers hold one of the most critical roles in any business organization. They lead the coordination among each department to ensure operational efficiency. They design and implement strategies that will help meet the company goals.
With the primary objective of making sure the business is running well, their tasks typically include the following:
According to 2023 data from U.S. News, the median annual salary for Business Operations Managers was $101,280. Those in the top 25% of earners made approximately $160,290, while those in the bottom 25% earned around $65,180.
You need a combination of formal education, practical experience, and well-developed leadership skills. Below are the key qualifications and capabilities employers typically expect:
A bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, finance, or a related field
A master’s degree (such as an MBA) is optional but can improve your chances of promotion or leadership roles
Strong leadership and team management abilities
Strategic thinking and long-term planning skills
Effective problem-solving and decision-making
Analytical thinking for interpreting data and optimizing operations
Clear and professional communication, both written and verbal
Project management experience, including managing timelines, budgets, and teams
Familiarity with productivity and planning tools (e.g., Excel, ERP systems, project management software)
One to three years of experience in business operations, administration, or a related entry-level role
Hands-on experience working with cross-functional teams and coordinating across departments
Certified Manager (CM) from the Institute of Certified Professional Managers
Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute
Lean Six Sigma certifications for process improvement and quality management
A business operations manager ensures that an organization’s day-to-day processes run smoothly and efficiently. Their core duties include:
Planning and streamlining operations across departments to meet business goals
Developing and enforcing policies that support productivity and cost-efficiency
Budget management, including tracking expenses, forecasting, and approving expenditures
Supervising teams and providing leadership in hiring, training, and performance evaluation
Implementing systems and tools that improve operational efficiency
Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate success and identify areas for improvement
Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and company standards
Business operations managers are needed in nearly every industry. The most common sectors include:
Technology – managing cross-functional tech teams and aligning operations with rapid growth
Manufacturing – overseeing supply chains, production scheduling, and cost control
Healthcare – ensuring efficient patient services, regulatory compliance, and budget oversight
Retail and eCommerce – managing inventory, logistics, and customer fulfillment
Finance and Insurance – improving operational workflows and internal controls
Education, nonprofits, and government – optimizing programs and improving service delivery
The job outlook is strong. The role is expected to grow 5.8% from 2023 to 2033, with 210,400 new positions projected. Median annual wages vary widely by industry—from $75,000 in retail to over $150,000 in finance and tech leadership roles (BLS, 2023).
To stay efficient, operations managers use a variety of tools, including:
Project & task management
Asana, Trello, ClickUp, and Notion for tracking deadlines, team tasks, and workflows
Slack and Microsoft Teams for real-time communication and collaboration
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 for managing company-wide processes like finance, HR, and supply chain
Automation & analytics
Power BI, Tableau, and Excel for analyzing performance data and visualizing trends
UiPath or Zapier to automate repetitive tasks and streamline data entry
Finance & customer tools
QuickBooks, Xero, HubSpot, and Salesforce for managing billing, budgets, and customer relationships
Familiarity with these tools is a competitive advantage and often required in mid- to senior-level roles.
Most professionals enter operations management after gaining experience in business coordination, administration, or logistics roles. A typical career path looks like this:
Operations Assistant / Analyst – entry-level support roles that involve administrative work, reporting, or process tracking. According to Zippia, annual salaries typically range from $40,000 to $65,000 in the U.S.
Operations Manager – responsible for managing processes, budgets, and team performance. Based on U.S. News data, the median annual salary for operations managers in the U.S. was $101,250 in 2023.
Senior Operations Manager / Director of Operations – oversees multiple departments or business units, often involved in strategic planning. These roles can earn between $90,000 and $170,000 per year depending on the industry.
Vice President of Operations or COO – top-tier leadership roles managing company-wide strategy and long-term growth. In large U.S. firms, COOs often earn $200,000 to $400,000+ annually, as reported by Glassdoor.
Many professionals boost their advancement potential by earning certifications like Lean Six Sigma or the PMP, or by pursuing an MBA to strengthen their leadership and strategic management skills.
There are many flexible options, depending on your goals and budget.
Online learning platforms
Coursera – e.g., Operations Management (Wharton), Business Strategy (Darden School of Business)
edX – MBA and MicroMasters programs from MIT, Boston University, and more
LinkedIn Learning – courses in Excel, operations leadership, and team productivity
Skill Success – fast, affordable courses on operations and project management ideal for career starters or team leads
Popular schools for business operations
Harvard Business School, Wharton, and Stanford GSB – known for leadership and operations-focused MBA programs
Michigan Ross and INSEAD – top global choices for international business and operations leadership
Free certifications like Google’s Project Management on Coursera can also be a solid starting point if you’re on a budget but want credible credentials.
If you’re looking to upskill across multiple areas of business at your own pace, Skill Success offers a wide variety of online courses with unlimited access for just $9 per month through its All Access Pass.
Success in operations management goes beyond knowing the tools and processes. It requires leadership, adaptability, and a mindset geared toward efficiency and growth. Here are practical tips that can help you stand out and thrive in this role:
Master communication and delegation – operations managers rarely work solo. The role demands clear communication with executives, team leads, and vendors.
Stay metrics-driven – always monitor KPIs such as turnaround time, cost-per-process, or customer satisfaction to guide decisions.
Adopt a continuous improvement mindset – whether it’s through Lean, Six Sigma, or just everyday feedback, look for small wins that improve efficiency over time.
Keep learning – trends in AI, automation, and data analytics are changing operations. Upskill regularly to stay ahead.
Balance strategy and execution – the best operations managers can think big-picture and still get into the details when needed.
Administrative Services Manager
Program Analyst
Logistics Manager
Data Manager
Business Intelligence Analyst
Chief Operations Officer
Operations Analyst
Facilities Manager
Business Development Manager
Quality Assurance Manager
Now that you have a solid understanding of what a business operations manager does, it’s time to focus on landing the job. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or looking to step up into a managerial role, expanding your search strategy will improve your chances.
Here are two of the most effective ways to find job opportunities in this field:
Most hiring today happens through online platforms. These job portals allow you to filter by location, experience level, and even specific job titles like “operations manager” or “business operations lead.”
If you’re still deciding which job sites to prioritize, this list of top job sites can help you focus your efforts on the most reliable platforms.
And once you land that interview, the ability to speak with clarity and confidence matters. Brush up using these tips to develop public speaking skills, especially for leadership roles like this one.
In 2025, recruiters are spending even less time reviewing resumes. Some estimate as little as 6–8 seconds per application. To stand out, your resume must be concise, results-oriented, and tailored to the role of a business operations manager.
A strong resume doesn’t just look professional. It tells a clear story of your impact, leadership, and potential. Here’s how to craft one that grabs attention:
Start your resume with a focused career objective that highlights your value. In three short sentences, describe your leadership background, most relevant skills, and what makes you a fit for the role. Avoid generic phrases. Be specific about your goals and the results you bring.
Tip: Tailor this section to include keywords from the job description. Many companies use ATS (applicant tracking systems) to filter resumes.
List your work experience in reverse chronological order. Use action verbs and clearly state the outcomes of your work. For example:
“Led a cross-functional team that reduced processing time by 18% within six months.”
Recruiters in 2025 increasingly value transferable and soft skills like adaptability, collaboration, and critical thinking. If you’re transitioning roles or industries, you can learn how to identify transferable skills and connect them to your target position.
While a degree isn’t always required, listing your academic background adds credibility. Start with your most recent degree and include ongoing programs or certifications, such as Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or business analytics courses.
If you’re considering a career shift or supplementing your learning, check out these recommended online courses for career change to boost your profile.
Adding up-to-date certifications or leadership training shows that you’re committed to growth. In 2025, employers are especially interested in self-starters who invest in continuous learning. Include any awards or recognitions that reflect your strengths in management, problem-solving, or collaboration.
If you belong to professional organizations (e.g., PMI, SHRM, or industry-specific associations), include them. They signal professional engagement and network value. Character references, especially from past leaders or mentors, also reinforce your credibility. Just ensure their contact details are current.
Bonus Tip: Consider building a skills-based or hybrid resume if you’re switching careers. These formats highlight capabilities over chronological experience, which is useful for candidates without direct operations management titles.
Landing an interview is a major step. Now it’s time to prepare strategic, confident answers that highlight your leadership, problem-solving skills, and operational expertise.
Here are commonly asked interview questions for a business operations manager role, along with sample answers to help you prepare:
Why they ask: To understand how you guide teams and make decisions.
Sample answer:
“My leadership style is collaborative. I encourage open communication and shared problem-solving to build trust. In my last role, I led a cross-functional team that reduced turnaround time by 22% by involving them early in process design decisions.”
Why they ask: To gauge your values and how you align goals with outcomes.
Sample answer:
“Success means creating sustainable improvements that align with company goals. For me, it’s when both KPIs are met and the team feels engaged. At my previous job, we boosted customer satisfaction by 18% while improving team retention through a mentorship system I initiated.”
Why they ask: To assess emotional intelligence and team management under pressure.
Sample answer:
“I address conflict early by creating safe spaces for feedback. When two departments clashed over project timelines, I facilitated a joint planning session to align expectations. It turned tension into collaboration.”
Why they ask: To evaluate your impact and ability to innovate.
Sample answer:
“At my last company, I noticed delays in invoice processing. I worked with finance and IT to implement an automated approval system, cutting the average processing time by 40% within two quarters.”
Why they ask: To determine your approach to people development.
Sample answer:
“I tailor motivation to individual drivers. Some team members need public recognition; others appreciate growth opportunities. I also introduced a ‘wins of the week’ segment in our meetings, which boosted morale and helped teammates appreciate one another.”
Why they ask: Business ops roles require fast decision-making in uncertainty.
Sample answer:
“When supply costs spiked unexpectedly, I had to adjust vendor contracts within days. I relied on recent usage patterns and worked closely with procurement to renegotiate, securing a more flexible agreement that saved 15% over the quarter.”
Why they ask: To see how you balance big-picture strategy with day-to-day execution.
Sample answer:
“I use a framework that weighs urgency, impact, and dependencies. I also hold weekly alignment meetings with department heads to reassess shifting priorities. This keeps everyone clear on the ‘why’ behind each decision.”
Brush up on conflict resolution and time management strategies – These soft skills are often tested indirectly through scenario-based questions.
Below are the top online courses you should consider taking to instill the skills and knowledge every business operations manger has.
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