Career Profile: General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 3,118,400 people employed as general and operations managers in the United States. The median annual salary is $97,970. Entry level employees earn approximately $43,260 per year and senior employees earn approximately $208,000 (or more) per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

  • Recommend locations for new facilities, or oversee the remodeling or renovating of current facilities.
  • Implement or oversee environmental management or sustainability programs addressing issues such as recycling, conservation, or waste management.
  • Direct non-merchandising departments of businesses, such as advertising or purchasing.
  • Plan store layouts or design displays.
  • Develop or implement product-marketing strategies, including advertising campaigns or sales promotions.
  • Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.
  • Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
  • Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
  • Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
  • Monitor suppliers to ensure that they efficiently and effectively provide needed goods or services within budgetary limits.
  • Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
  • Establish or implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, or procedures in conjunction with board members, organization officials, or staff members.
  • Perform personnel functions, such as selection, training, or evaluation.
  • Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.
  • Set prices or credit terms for goods or services, based on forecasts of customer demand.
  • Manage the movement of goods into and out of production facilities to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, or sustainability of operations.
  • Perform sales floor work, such as greeting or assisting customers, stocking shelves, or taking inventory.

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Career Outlook

Total Current Jobs:
3,118,400
Annual Openings:
300,400
Increase in Openings by 2030:
7%
Annual Salary Range:
$43,260 - $208,000
Education Requirements:
Bachelor's degree

Materials presented in MoneyEdu are prepared by Decision Partners LLC on FDCU's behalf. Although every effort is made, the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the content cannot be guaranteed. The information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.