General and Operations Manager
O*NET-SOC: 11-1021.00
Plans, directs, and coordinates the operations and policies of public or private sector organizations, overseeing daily activities, budgets, staffing, and strategic initiatives.
About this Role
General and operations managers oversee the day-to-day running of an organisation or a major division within one, making sure that people, budgets, and processes work together to meet business goals. They start most days by reviewing performance reports and financial summaries, then spend the morning in meetings with department heads to address problems, approve spending, and set priorities. The rest of the day is a mix of one-on-one conversations with direct reports, reviewing vendor contracts, handling customer or client escalations, and making decisions about hiring, scheduling, and resource allocation.
A Day in the Life
8:00 AM
Review reports and emails
Check overnight updates from department leads, scan performance dashboards for anything off track, and prioritise the day's issues.
8:30 AM
Leadership huddle
Lead a short meeting with department heads to align on the day's priorities and address urgent problems like a delayed shipment or staffing gap.
9:30 AM
Budget and contract review
Review vendor proposals and purchasing requests, compare bids, and approve contracts that meet budget and quality requirements.
11:00 AM
Staff check-ins
Meet one-on-one with direct reports to discuss their team's progress, remove roadblocks, and talk through development goals.
12:30 PM
Lunch and networking
Grab lunch with a peer, client, or partner to maintain relationships and stay aware of industry developments.
1:30 PM
Process improvement meeting
Facilitate a cross-department session to identify bottlenecks in a workflow and agree on changes to speed things up.
3:30 PM
Problem resolution
Handle an unexpected issue — a facility problem, a customer escalation, or a scheduling conflict — by coordinating the right people and resources.
5:30 PM
Wrap up and plan ahead
Document decisions from the day, send follow-up emails, and outline tomorrow's priorities before heading out.
Tools & Technologies
Databases & Data Tools
- AWS
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Oracle Database
- SQL
Operating Systems
- macOS
- Microsoft Windows
- Shell script
- JCL
- Solaris
Analytics & Science
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- SAS
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Minitab
- StataCorp Stata
Project Management
- Confluence
- Microsoft Project
- Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
- Realization Streamliner
ERP Systems
- PeopleSoft
- SAP
- Deacom ERP
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Dynamics GP
Word Processing
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Word
- Evernote
- Microsoft OneNote
Salary Details
Certifications & Training
Recommended
Certified Manager (CM)
Institute of Certified Professional Managers
Covers leadership, planning, and operations fundamentals essential for managerial roles across sectors.
Six Sigma Green Belt
IASSC
Teaches process improvement techniques to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Helpful
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Project Management Institute
Validates skills in leading projects, crucial for operational initiatives and compliance.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Project Management Institute
Entry-level credential for project oversight in government operations.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- Hybrid (Remote + Office)
- Work Setting
- Mixed indoor / outdoor
- Physical Activity
- Moderate physical activity
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (46)
- Reading ComprehensionStrong Match
- Active ListeningStrong Match
- CoordinationGood Match
- Social PerceptivenessGood Match
- Management of Personnel ResourcesGood Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is General and Operations Manager a good career?
General and Operations Manager can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $101K and job outlook is stable (3% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a General and Operations Manager?
The typical education requirement for a General and Operations Manager is a Bachelor's Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a General and Operations Manager?
Becoming a General and Operations Manager typically requires about 4 years of undergraduate study. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a General and Operations Manager?
The work-life balance for a General and Operations Manager is demanding, often requiring long hours, irregular schedules, or high-pressure situations. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for General and Operations Manager?
The job outlook for General and Operations Manager is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 3% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.
Find General and Operations Manager Jobs
Google Jobs
Aggregated listings from across the web
Search General and Operations Manager jobs
Indeed
One of the largest job search engines
Search General and Operations Manager jobs
Professional network job listings
Search General and Operations Manager jobs