Operations Manager
Operations managers direct and co-ordinate the operation of manufacturing, service delivery and production departments in industrial, commercial and government organizations.
Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Production Supervisor
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:
Starting | $38.79 |
---|---|
Overall | $46.00 |
Top | $53.28 |
Interest in co-ordinating information to direct, control and evaluate the operations of manufacturing establishments or production departments of manufacturing establishments, to direct quality control inspection systems and to reccommend the replacement of machines; and in overseeing employee training
Interest in negotiating with senior managers to develop and implement plans to efficiently use materials, labour and equipment to meet production targets
Interest in developing production schedules and equipment maintenance schedules and in maintaining inventories of raw materials and finished products
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Operations managers oversee the activities in an organization that are directly related to making a product or providing a service. In other words, they oversee how people, materials, equipment, energy, money and information inputs are converted into useful goods and services.
In general, operations managers:
Operation 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 should also have a good understanding of the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process to effectively carry out many of their duties.
Operations managers usually work standard office hours but overtime may be required when an organization makes significant changes to its operations. Some travel may be required, particularly in organizations with many facilities.
Operations managers need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy:
There is no standard educational requirement to become an operations manager but a related degree or post-secondary diploma in business or engineering is recommended. Employers in particular industries may require specialized courses or related experience.
APICS - The Association for Operations Management awards the designation CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) to members who have successfully completed the CSCP exam. APICS awards the designation CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) to those who have successfully completed five exams. Preparatory courses are offered through post-secondary institutions and exam modules are available on the APICS website.
Alberta Institute Purchasing Management Association of Canada (AIPMAC) awards a designation for SCMP (Supply Chain Management Professional) to those who have completed the SCMP designation program. For more information visit the AIPMAC website.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Operations managers work in advisory and management positions with:
Experienced operations managers may advance to senior management positions.
Operations managers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 0911: Manufacturing managers. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 5,100 Albertans are employed in the Manufacturing managers occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 77 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As operations managers form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for operations managers.
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.
Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
---|---|---|---|---|
Starting | $18.00 | $69.71 | $38.79 | $38.46 |
Overall | $20.00 | $77.88 | $46.00 | $43.71 |
Top | $25.00 | $96.15 | $53.28 | $50.00 |
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* 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.
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.
Transportation and Warehousing | $105,253 |
---|---|
Manufacturing | $99,581 |
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $98,367 |
ALL INDUSTRIES | $94,698 |
Construction | $94,520 |
Wholesale Trade | $80,952 |
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) | $80,581 |
Agriculture | $76,820 |
Retail Trade | $68,271 |
AIPMAC - Alberta Institute Purchasing Management Association of Canada: www.aipmac.ab.ca
APICS - The Association for Operations Management website: www.apics.org
APICS Region VIII, Calgary Chapter website: www.apics-calgary.org
APICS Region VIII, Edmonton Chapter website: www.apicsedmonton.com
Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council (CSCSC) website: www.supplychaincanada.org
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Jan 28, 2013. 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.