A manufacturing company struggles to meet delivery deadlines while costs spiral out of control. This common scenario demands someone who can transform chaos into coordinated efficiency.
The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) General program from Murray State University equips professionals with the skills needed to excel as operations managers in any industry. These critical leaders serve as the architects of organizational success, designing systems that allow businesses to thrive.
Business Operations: Where Strategy Meets Daily Execution
Operations management is the administration of business practices designed to achieve maximum efficiency within an organization. These in-demand professionals oversee production schedules, supply chain logistics and cross-functional team coordination.
Operations managers plan, organize and revise business processes to maximize profitability while coordinating activities across all departments. They also manage inventory, oversee raw materials acquisition and maintain quality control standards. Their diverse responsibilities include the following:
- Monitoring personnel documentation for compliance
- Communicating across all organizational levels
- Developing planning and strategy policies
- Managing budgets and production audits
- Overseeing inventory and materials handling
- Maintaining quality standards throughout production
Why Are Operations Managers Essential?
Success in operations management demands a blend of analytical capabilities and interpersonal expertise. Analytical thinking enables managers to conduct risk analysis and identify process challenges before they escalate. Technical proficiency in production automation, data entry and budget tracking enables operations managers to leverage technology for business analytics.
Operations managers with exceptional leadership skills are highly valued. Team leadership and workforce management require the ability to delegate responsibilities, resolve conflicts and motivate diverse groups. Communication skills prove essential when interacting with staff, management and industry leaders. Strategic planning and project management expertise enable operations managers to anticipate issues and approach challenges with solutions.
What Is the Projected Job Growth for Operations Managers?
Operations managers qualify for opportunities across virtually every sector. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that overall employment in management occupations will grow faster than average from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 1.1 million yearly openings.
BLS reports the median annual wage for this group was $122,090 in May 2024, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $49,500. According to Glassdoor, the highest-paying industries include:
- Aerospace and defense
- Energy, mining and utilities
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology
- Manufacturing
- Financial services
How Much Do Operations Managers Earn? Salary Insights Across Experience Levels
Compensation among operations managers varies significantly based on experience, industry and geographic location. Glassdoor reports a national median total pay of $107,000 for management occupations, slightly below the $122,090 reported by BLS.
According to Payscale, entry-level operations managers earn an average annual salary of $59,605, while early career professionals with one to four years of experience earn an average of $67,390 per year. Mid-career operations managers with five to nine years of experience earn an average annual salary of $75,736, while those with 10 to 19 years of experience average $82,250 per year. Late career professionals with 20-plus years of experience earn an average total compensation of $88,287.
Preparing for Leadership: How a General MBA Degree Opens Doors
Most employers require operations management candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree in management, business administration or a related field. However, many organizations prefer candidates with advanced degrees that demonstrate their deeper understanding of business strategy and leadership principles.
Murray State’s online MBA General program — which can be completed in as few as 12 to 18 months — prepares students for management responsibilities by helping them develop essential skills in accounting, business analytics, managerial economics, corporate finance and marketing. Students can also tailor their general degree to align with their interests by choosing from several in-demand MBA concentrations.
The program’s online format is ideal for working professionals looking to gain credentials on a flexible schedule while they continue to work. The Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business has maintained continuous AACSB International accreditation since 1981, and U.S. News & World Report ranked Murray State University number one among the best value schools in the South for 2025.
Adapting to Change: Operations Management in Today’s Business World
The traditional command-and-control operations management model has given way to more agile approaches. Modern business environments, characterized by rapid disruption, require organizations to disperse decision-making authority. This evolution depends on four vital factors:
- Trust forms the bedrock, requiring leaders to believe that empowered decision-makers will act in the organization’s best interests.
- Talent development ensures people possess the analytical thinking and communication skills their responsibilities demand.
- Transparency provides leaders with visibility while giving operators access to data showing how their decisions impact outcomes.
- Technology enables this transparency while providing AI tools that offer insights to decision-makers.
Why Earn Your MBA Online at Murray State?
Murray State University’s online MBA General degree prepares graduates to excel as operations managers in any industry by helping them hone their analytical, leadership and critical thinking skills. Whether coordinating production management systems, implementing quality control protocols or driving workforce management initiatives, operations managers play a key role in shaping organizational success.
Murray State MBA students complete the program qualified for expanding career opportunities in a high-growth field. With its flexible format, AACSB accreditation and recognition as a top-value institution, the program provides working professionals with a clear pathway to leadership roles that offer both competitive compensation and the satisfaction of transforming business operations across diverse industries.
Learn more about Murray State University‘s online MBA General program.
