General and Operations Managers

General Information

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services.

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Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

Responsibility
Exposure to job hazards
Physical activity
Decision making
Repetitiveness
Level of competition
Time pressure

Industry areas

Management of Companies and Enterprises
Restaurants and Other Eating Places
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services

Job Outlook

Overall employment of top executives is projected to grow 6 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment growth will vary widely by occupation (see table below) and industry, and is largely dependent on the rate of industry growth. Top executives are essential for running companies and organizations and their work is central to the success of a company. Generally, employment growth will be driven by the formation of new organizations and expansion of existing ones, which will require more managers and executives to direct these operations. However, improving office technology and changing organizational structures have increased the ability of the chief executive officer to manage the day-to-day operations of a business. In addition, the rate of new firm creation has slowed in recent years, with economic activity and employment becoming increasingly concentrated in larger, more mature companies. The demand for chief executives is projected to decline slightly because of the expectation that these trends are likely to continue over the decade.