Management
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.
Median pay
$105,770
Growth to 2035
+5%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
285,000
Time to qualify*
5 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
General and operations managers
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- 5 years or more
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
General and operations managers: 70% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- Perform personnel functions, such as selection, training, or evaluation.
- Establish or implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, or procedures in conjunction with board members, organization officials, or staff members.
Also called: Business Manager · Center Manager · Department Manager · District Manager · General Manager (GM) · Operations Director · Operations General Manager (Operations GM) · Operations Manager
Outlook and AI
General and operations managers held 3,599,000 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 3,780,300 by 2035 (+5%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- General and operations managers vs. Chief executive
- General and operations managers vs. Administrative services manager
- General and operations managers vs. Industrial production manager
- General and operations managers vs. First-line supervisor of non-retail sales workers
- General and operations managers vs. Facilities manager
- General and operations managers vs. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
- General and operations managers vs. Project manager
- General and operations managers vs. Construction manager
- General and operations managers vs. Computer occupations, all other
- General and operations managers vs. Sales manager