Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 3,118,400 people employed as general and operations managers in the United States. The median annual salary is $97,970. Entry level employees earn approximately $43,260 per year and senior employees earn approximately $208,000 (or more) per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Recommend locations for new facilities, or oversee the remodeling or renovating of current facilities.
• Implement or oversee environmental management or sustainability programs addressing issues such as recycling, conservation, or waste management.
• Direct non-merchandising departments of businesses, such as advertising or purchasing.
• Plan store layouts or design displays.
• Develop or implement product-marketing strategies, including advertising campaigns or sales promotions.
• Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.
• Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
• Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
• Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
• Monitor suppliers to ensure that they efficiently and effectively provide needed goods or services within budgetary limits.
• Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
• Establish or implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, or procedures in conjunction with board members, organization officials, or staff members.
• Perform personnel functions, such as selection, training, or evaluation.
• Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.
• Set prices or credit terms for goods or services, based on forecasts of customer demand.
• Manage the movement of goods into and out of production facilities to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, or sustainability of operations.
• Perform sales floor work, such as greeting or assisting customers, stocking shelves, or taking inventory.

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