Every product that arrives exactly when promised, every budget kept firmly in check and every team that moves with smooth coordination owes its success to the expertise of an operations manager. Regardless of an organization’s size, operations management keeps all the moving pieces on track.
If you are organized, communicate well, possess quantitative skills, enjoy solving problems and want to lead others, operations management is a career with great potential. Northwest Missouri State University’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Management program helps students build the skills needed for operations management roles in a wide variety of industries.
There are over 3.7 million general and operations managers in the U.S., and the projected growth rate for this field through 2034 is 3-4%, according to O*NET. This articles provides a clear definition of operations management, the skills the field demands, what the day-to-day role looks like and the career outcomes available to those with a business management bachelor’s degree.
Defining Operations Management
Managing operations in any organization involves overseeing the systems, people and processes that work together to produce goods or deliver services efficiently and profitably. It focuses on how work gets done and how resources are used. Operations management is distinct from other business functions, such as finance, which is responsible for capital allocation, marketing, which handles demand generation, and human resources, which manages talent.
Operations managers play a key role across a variety of industries, including retail, healthcare, manufacturing, finance, logistics and technology. Operations include activities at every level of the business, from production scheduling and quality control to supply chain oversight and facilities planning.
What Core Skills Do Operations Managers Need?
To be successful as an operations manager, it is important to be skilled in analytical thinking and quantitative reasoning, budgeting and financial forecasting, project planning and execution, vendor and contract negotiation, and process design. These are all foundational skills in Northwest’s online B.S. in Business Management program. The curriculum includes courses on organizational behavior and theory, negotiation strategies and tactics in business, and entrepreneurship.
Every successful leader needs to have excellent communication skills. Since operations managers regularly coordinate cross-functional teams, resolve workflow conflicts and communicate performance metrics to executive stakeholders, it is especially important to have strong communication skills. The program’s emphasis on negotiation and conflict resolution prepares students for a wide range of collaborative, high-stakes environments.
What Does an Operations Manager Do?
Different organizations and industries may use different titles for this role, including operations director, general manager or business operations specialist, but the day-to-day responsibilities of an operations manager are the same. Collaborating with multiple teams to set production targets, allocate resources and personnel, oversee quality assurance, manage vendor and supplier relationships, monitor KPIs, and identify process inefficiencies are among the core activities of an operations manager.
Operations managers are often the link between frontline staff and senior leadership, translating organizational goals into actionable workflows. This responsibility requires both the technical ability to analyze business data and the interpersonal skills to motivate and direct teams. These in-demand business skills are part of what Northwest’s online B.S. in Business Management offers students.
Career Outlook and Earning Potential for Operations Managers
General and operations managers in the U.S. earned a median annual wage of $102,950, as of May 2024, per O*NET. Overall employment in management occupations is projected to grow faster than average from 2024 to 2034. Most job openings in this field require a four-year bachelor’s degree in a business-related field. Between now and 2034, it is projected that there will be more than 300,000 job openings for general and operations managers.
The top industries currently include retail trade, professional, scientific and technical services. Experience gained through coursework in team leadership, operations management and negotiation in Northwest’s online B.S. in Business Management program prepares graduates to move directly into operations-focused roles upon graduation.
Prepare for a Career in Business Management
Operations management is a foundational discipline that combines strategic thinking, process expertise and leadership to keep organizations running efficiently. As businesses across every sector continue to demand skilled managers, a strong foundation in operations management is one of the most versatile investments a student can make.
Northwest’s B.S. in Business Management online degree is the perfect pathway for students who want to build these competencies in a flexible, affordable format. The multiple start dates and flexibility of online studies make this a great choice for working professionals. This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and more than 95% of students graduating with this degree find employment or continuing education within six months of graduation.
Learn more about Northwest Missouri State University’s online B.S. in Business Management program.
