Operations Manager

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Grade: Professional 307

Pay Range: $68,300.00 - $102,500.00

Job Description

Work Location

This is a full-time, in-office role based in our Salt Lake City, Utah office.

Make an Impact at WGU

As an Operations Manager, you'll oversee and lead established operational functions across multiple business units. You'll partner with leaders across the university to figure out what needs fixing, prioritize the initiatives that will move the needle, and drive them from idea to execution.

This role is a good mix of big-picture thinking and hands-on delivery — you'll help set standards based on best practices, dig into data to see what's working and what isn't, and lead the cross-functional work needed to actually make improvements stick. Everything comes back to one goal: making things run better for our learners and our employees.

What You'll Do

• Partner with initiative leaders — business partners, project managers, business owners, and others — to deliver operational services, programs, and initiatives
• Work with leadership to define process improvement strategies, both short- and long-term, that are scalable and support continuous improvement
• Analyze current business operations, processes, and systems to spot opportunities for improvement
• Establish key operational metrics, analyze the data, and use it to shape improvement initiatives
• Develop functional and department standards and policies in partnership with leaders and stakeholders
• Identify and implement solutions that improve operations and support functional and department goals
• Lead cross-functional teams to put new standards and business models into practice across the department
• Determine the best use of available resources and build efficient partnerships across functional operations
• Build and lead communication and training plans for anyone impacted by process changes or operational improvements
• Keep an eye on new trends and technologies that could support current or future operational needs
• Set up audits and reporting to keep data accurate and reliable
• Take on other related duties as they come up

What You'll Bring

• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and lead projects in a way that ties back to bigger strategic goals
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Clear, effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong organizational skills and a genuine attention to detail
• Ability to build consensus and keep people motivated
• Comfort creating and tracking data tied to project impact
• A track record of coaching others and giving useful feedback
• Strong listening skills and the ability to adapt well when things change
• Ability to look at business operations and processes and identify where things can improve
• Broad management know-how, with deep expertise in your own area and an understanding of how your work affects the rest of the university

What You'll Bring — Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field of study
• Two or more years of related work experience, including experience with project management and change management

Bonus Points

• PMP or CMP certification
• Change Practitioner certification
• Six Sigma certification
• Master's degree in a related field of study

Experience in Lieu of Education

Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this role may substitute for education requirements. Generally, one year of relevant experience may be considered in place of one year of education, at the discretion of the hiring manager.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

What to Expect

At WGU, our mission drives everything we do, including how we hire. Our interview experience is designed to give qualified candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their experience through meaningful conversations and collaboration.

We thoughtfully review every application and invite forward candidates whose experience and potential best align with the role and our mission.

Interview Steps

• Introductory call
• Hiring manager interview
• Additional interview

Visa Sponsorship

While we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, WGU is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

Travel Expectation

This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed.

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.