Business Operations Management Is a Diverse and Exciting Career Field

In order to thrive, businesses must ensure that their goods and services are being produced as efficiently as possible. This means finding the optimal balance between inputs (labor and materials) and outputs (goods and services). Henry Ford was an early pioneer of operations management with his introduction of the assembly line. The assembly line proved highly efficient, allowing the Ford Motor Company to produce low-cost cars that were affordable to the general public. Today's business are often more service oriented, but the same principle of creating efficient procedures applies.

Because operations management is essential for companies to stay competitive, it can be a very profitable field. Those entering the field are generally required to have a bachelor's degree in business administration, management science, or a related area. Often, a master's in business administration (MBA) with a focus on operations is required for upper level positions. If you have an interest in business and enjoy strategic thinking and problem solving, a career in operations management may be a good fit. The abundance of today's online degree programs can help you make the transition without sacrificing your current job.

The Many Paths Within Operations Management

Operations management is extremely important to a business's success and relies on employees at all levels. Generally operations management jobs are high paying, and an MBA is often required for the highest-level jobs. If you're just beginning your career in operations management or are considering switching fields, online degree programs in business administration may allow you to earn a bachelor's degree or MBA without taking time off work.

• Chief Operating Officer: The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the highest possible position within operations management and must ensure that operations throughout the company are running smoothly. In 2008, chief executives earned an average of $160,440, not including performance bonuses.
• Director of Operations: A director of operations works below the COO to oversee operations in a given business area. Directors of operations must analyze and implement new processes, meet financial goals, and ensure production methods are timely and efficient. The median income of an operations director is approximately $142,000.
• Operations Manager: Operations managers work to implement the strategies set by the director of operations or COO. Preparing reports, monitoring project status, and developing new operational strategies are important elements of an operations manager's job. Operations managers make an average of $107,970 per year.
• Operations Assistant: If you're just beginning your career or transitioning into operations management, a job as an operations assistant is a good place to start. Operations assistants don't need advanced degrees and work with operations managers to track projects and communicate within the department. Operations assistants are well paid, earning an average of $51,924 per year.
• Production Manager: Companies producing physical goods rely on production managers to ensure quality and timely delivery. Production managers must set budgets, determine quality control standards, and constantly look for ways to increase production or reduce costs. Production managers earn an average of $107,883.

The field of operations management is never dull thanks to a constantly changing marketplace and innovations in technology. With the abundance of today's online degree programs, you can prepare for an operations management position without sacrificing your current job.

Finding an Operations Management Job

While operations professionals are needed by companies across the country, operations management jobs are most concentrated in big cities and manufacturing centers like the upper midwest. The following are just a few of the large corporations that rely heavily on operations management:

• Exxon Mobil
• Wal-Mart
• General Electric
• Ford Motors
• AT&T
• Hewlett-Packard
• Berkshire Hathaway
• Procter & Gamble

Wherever you are in your career, it's possible to transition into a dynamic, challenging position in operations management. Online degree programs in business and management science offer the education you need to reach your goals.