Western Governors University

Manager, Operations

Western Governors University$78K — $129K *
Business Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field.
  • Five years of experience in operations, process improvement, or project/change management, including team supervision.
  • Proficiency with workflow and reporting tools like ServiceNow, Power BI, and Tableau.
  • Experience using data and metrics to guide decisions and measure performance.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the subject matter expert for operational processes and technologies.
  • Partner with executive leaders to develop operational strategies.
  • Identify and implement opportunities for workflow improvement.
  • Lead process improvement and change management initiatives.
  • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to operationalize standards.
  • Manage operational projects and track outcomes and metrics.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing team focused on operational excellence.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, and telehealth services.
  • Flexible paid time off and sick leave without accrual.
  • Retirement savings plan with benefits.
  • Discounted WGU tuition for educational advancement.
  • Wellbeing program and additional health coverages.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Impact at WGU

As an Operations Manager, you will lead operational excellence across multiple business units, helping teams work smarter, move faster, and deliver exceptional experiences for both students and employees. This role combines strategic leadership, process improvement, product ownership, change management, and team development to drive measurable business outcomes and support organizational priorities.

What You'll Do
  • Serve as the subject matter expert for assigned operational processes and supporting technologies, ensuring effectiveness, consistency, and quality across services.
  • Partner with executive leaders and key stakeholders to develop and execute operational strategies aligned with departmental and organizational goals.
  • Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and scale operational programs that enhance the student and employee experience.
  • Lead process improvement and change management initiatives, driving adoption through communication, training, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to operationalize standards, align priorities, and deliver strategic initiatives.
  • Manage operational projects, resources, and priorities while tracking outcomes, adoption metrics, and progress against key objectives.
  • Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.


What You'll Bring
  • Demonstrated ability to coach and lead teams in achieving operational goals
  • Strong judgment and adaptability when managing change and ambiguity
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency with workflow and reporting tools (e.g., ServiceNow, Power BI, Tableau)
  • Proven ability to lead projects from initiation through completion
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders
  • Experience using data and metrics to guide decisions and measure performance
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Five (5) years of experience in operations, process improvement, or project/change management, including team supervision.


Experience in lieu of education
  • Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements. Generally, equivalent relevant experience is defined as 1 year of experience for 1 year of education and is the discretion of the hiring manager.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or related field
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
  • Change Management certification (e.g., Prosci Change Practitioner)
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification
  • Experience developing and managing performance metrics or dashboards in platforms


Work Location

This is a full-time, in-office position requiring five days per week in our Salt Lake City, Utah office, designed to foster the collaboration and connection that fuel our best work.

Visa Sponsorship

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

Travel Requirement

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. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.

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 [email protected].

About Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit online university based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The university was founded by 19 U.S. governors in 1997 with a mission to expand access to higher education. WGU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, and healthcare. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and has been recognized by the White House as an example of excellence in education innovation. WGU has a competency-based learning model, which allows students to progress through their coursework at their own pace based on their mastery of the material.
Learn more about Western Governors University
Size
5,000 employees
Industry

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