Head of Operations & Business Management

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; and other business and organizational needs.
This is a full-time, in-office role based in our Salt Lake City, Utah office.
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. 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
Set up audits and reporting to keep data accurate and reliable
Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and lead projects in a way that ties back to bigger strategic goals
Comfort creating and tracking data tied to project impact
A track record of coaching others and giving useful feedback
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
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
Master's degree in a related field of study
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
We thoughtfully review every application and invite forward candidates whose experience and potential best align with the role and our mission.
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; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; 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.
Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at View email address on aiapply.co.