Occupations11-1021.00

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations.

Median annual pay
$102,950

BLS, 2024

Employment
3,712,900

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+4.4%

2024–34

Annual openings
308,700

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Review 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.
  2. 02Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
  3. 03Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
  4. 04Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
  5. 05Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
  6. 06Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.
  7. 07Perform personnel functions, such as selection, training, or evaluation.
  8. 08Establish or implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, or procedures in conjunction with board members, organization officials, or staff members.
  9. 09Monitor suppliers to ensure that they efficiently and effectively provide needed goods or services within budgetary limits.
  10. 10Manage the movement of goods into and out of production facilities to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, or sustainability of operations.
  11. 11Set prices or credit terms for goods or services, based on forecasts of customer demand.
  12. 12Perform sales floor work, such as greeting or assisting customers, stocking shelves, or taking inventory.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingMonitoringCritical ThinkingActive LearningWritingLearning StrategiesMathematicsScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 3,712,900 in 2024 to 3,876,800 in 2034, a +4.4% change.

BLS projects an average of 308,700 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.