Management and operations job descriptions
Operations, general management, and project leadership roles. 3 free, ready-to-post templates with May 2025 BLS pay data, exempt status guidance, legal notes, interview questions, and a PDF.
Management titles mean very different things from one company to the next. A "general manager" may run a single store or an entire business unit, and an "operations manager" may lead a warehouse shift or a company's business operations. The fastest way to attract the right leader is to describe the size of what they'll run: people, budget, locations, and the metrics they'll own.
Management roles also carry the most common overtime risk in US employment law. The executive exemption requires a primary duty of management, regular direction of at least two full-time employees, and a salary above the threshold. Managers who spend most of their time doing the same work as their team often don't qualify, whatever their title says.
3 management and operations job descriptions
Operations manager
Also called director of operations, operations lead, business operations manager.
General manager
Also called business unit manager, branch manager, store manager.
Project manager
Also called program manager, technical project manager, construction project manager.
Management and operations pay snapshot
National median pay for every role in this department, highest to lowest. Use it as a starting point, then check local data before you set a range.
| Role | Median hourly | Annual equivalent | Overtime status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operations manager | $50.85 | $105,770 | Usually exempt |
| General manager | $50.85 | $105,770 | Usually exempt |
| Project manager | $49.19 | $102,320 | Usually exempt |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Annual equivalent is the hourly median x 2,080 hours. Overtime status is our general guidance; duties and pay decide each case.
Management and operations hiring FAQ
When is a manager exempt from overtime?
What's the difference between a general manager and an operations manager?
Should management job descriptions include bonus details?
Other departments
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