Operations Manager
Operations managers direct and co-ordinate 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:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Operations managers oversee 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:
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 usually work standard office hours but may work overtime when an organization makes significant changes to its operations. Some travel may be required, particularly in organizations with many facilities.
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 97 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 03, 2021 and Jun 05, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
Health benefits: Dental plan | 53 |
---|---|
Health benefits: Health care plan | 52 |
Tasks: Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate daily operations | 52 |
Attention to detail | 47 |
Construction Specialization: Team player | 46 |
Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory | 45 |
Tasks: Develop equipment maintenance schedules and recommend the replacement of machines | 45 |
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 44 |
Construction Specialization: Organized | 44 |
Construction Specialization: Reliability | 44 |
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.
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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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.
Supply Chain Management Professional is a protected title under Alberta's Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf] and Supply Chain Management Association Alberta Regulation [pdf]. This means that to call yourself a Supply Chain Management Professional, you must be a registered member of the Supply Chain Management Association Alberta (SCMA AB). You do not have to be registered 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: 2019-2023 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.
In the 0911: Manufacturing managers occupational group, 95.7% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 0911: Manufacturing managers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0.9% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 59 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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 2016 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 | $22.93 | $80.77 | $43.70 | $40.00 |
Overall | $25.55 | $96.15 | $53.36 | $48.08 |
Top | $26.67 | $132.21 | $67.59 | $57.95 |
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
Construction | $150,786 |
---|---|
Oil & Gas Extraction | $121,702 |
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $119,167 |
Manufacturing | $112,925 |
ALL INDUSTRIES | $110,981 |
Wholesale Trade | $93,175 |
Agriculture | $72,950 |
Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) website: www.ascm.org
Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA) website: www.supplychaincanada.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2017. 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.