Operations Manager
Operations managers direct and coordinate the operation of manufacturing, service delivery, and production departments in industrial, commercial, and government organizations.
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Logistics Manager, Production Supervisor, Supply Chain Manager
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Operations managers oversee activities in an organization that are directly related to making a product or providing a service. They oversee how people, materials, equipment, energy, money, and information inputs are converted into useful goods and services.
In general, operations managers:
Operations managers may have to facilitate the flow of information between all business functions inside the organization using enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and systems. They also should have a good understanding of the sales and operations planning (S&OP) process to carry out many of their duties effectively. Operations managers should adapt to technology changes and be open to introducing newer systems to accelerate growth and profitability.
Operations managers usually work standard office hours. They may work overtime when an organization makes significant changes to its operations. Operations managers should be flexible enough to adjust their schedule to the business’s needs. Some travel may be required, particularly in organizations with many facilities.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
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To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Manufacturing managers
2023 OaSIS: 90010.00
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Operations managers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 103 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 19, 2023 and Oct 08, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
Tasks: Direct quality control inspections | 75 |
---|---|
Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory | 71 |
Attention to detail | 70 |
Tasks: Develop equipment maintenance schedules and recommend the replacement of machines | 68 |
Tasks: Plan and implement changes to machinery and equipment, production systems and methods of work | 68 |
Tasks: Hire, supervise and train or oversee training of employees in the use of new equipment or production techniques | 68 |
Tasks: Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate daily operations | 60 |
Construction Specialization: Team player | 58 |
Construction Specialization: Organized | 56 |
Construction Specialization: Reliability | 51 |
There is no standard educational requirement to become an operations manager. However, a related degree or post-secondary diploma in business or engineering is recommended. Employers in particular industries may require specialized courses or related experience.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Supply chain management professionals buy goods, materials, supplies, and services as required by their organization.
Under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf] and Supply Chain Management Association Alberta Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Supply Chain Canada, Alberta Institute to use the protected title Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP).
You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Supply Chain Management Professional.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Supply Chain Management Professional.
Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) offers:
Preparatory courses are offered through post-secondary schools and exam modules are available on the ASCM website.
Also, the Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA) awards the Supply Chain Management Profession (SCMP) designation to those who have completed their program. For more information, visit the SCMA website.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Operations managers work in advisory and management positions with:
Experienced operations managers may advance to senior management positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Manufacturing managers
2016 NOC: 0911
95.7% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for operations managers depend on the size and nature of the organization, the responsibilities of the position, and the qualifications of the operations manager.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting | $23.17 | $72.12 | $43.01 | $40.87 |
Overall | $26.44 | $84.62 | $55.04 | $52.88 |
Top | $30.29 | $116.22 | $65.11 | $59.81 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
ALL INDUSTRIES | $111,804 |
---|---|
Oil & Gas Extraction | $131,889 |
Construction | $130,913 |
Manufacturing | $112,871 |
Wholesale Trade | $103,703 |
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $75,109 |
Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) Western Canada website: wc.ascm.org
Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) website: www.ascm.org
Supply Chain Canada website: www.supplychaincanada.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.