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.

What you'd actually do

• 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.
• Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
• Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; you're around people constantly; time pressure is a real part of the job; it rewards working independently. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0.9% of general and operations managers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are take-charge, organized and detail-focused and people-focused.

Related careers

• Facilities Managers
• Education Administrators, Postsecondary
• Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
• Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
• Administrative Services Managers
• Construction Managers

Quick questions

How much does a general and operations manager make?

The median pay is $50.85 per hour — roughly $106,000 a year, with the real range running from about $24.08/hr (10th percentile) to $121.82/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a general and operations manager?

The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

What does a general and operations manager actually do all day?

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.