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Operations Research Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The University of Chicago

Research Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Coordinate program-level operations across multiple research projects and grants. * Manage project timelines, milestones, and deliverables. * Identify and troubleshoot analytic or operational ...

Shapiro+Raj

Market Research Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

The Market Research Manager position at Shapiro+Raj is an excellent opportunity for experienced ... The operational and financial quality of projects along with the integrity of data and quality of ...

Shapiro+Raj

Market Research Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

The Market Research Manager position at Shapiro+Raj is an excellent opportunity for experienced ... The operational and financial quality of projects along with the integrity of data and quality of ...

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Operations Research Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$37.3K

$90.9K

$146.3K

How much do operations research manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations research manager in Illinois is $90,899.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $111,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operations research manager?

Operations Research Managers are professionals who oversee teams that use mathematical modeling, data analysis, and optimization techniques to help organizations solve complex problems and make better decisions. They often manage projects that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall performance in various industries such as manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and finance. These managers translate business challenges into analytical models and guide their teams in implementing solutions that support organizational goals.

How does an operations research manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams within an organization?

Operations Research Managers frequently work closely with teams from departments such as IT, finance, logistics, and production to identify operational challenges and develop data-driven solutions. They lead or participate in project meetings, translate complex analytical findings into actionable recommendations, and ensure that proposed models align with business objectives. Effective communication and the ability to explain technical concepts clearly are essential, as these managers serve as a bridge between analytical experts and decision-makers. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and ensures the successful implementation of optimization strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operations research manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operations Research Manager, you need advanced analytical skills, a solid grasp of mathematical modeling, and typically a master's or Ph.D. in operations research, mathematics, or a related field. Proficiency in optimization software, statistical analysis tools (such as MATLAB, R, or Python), and experience with data visualization systems is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set standout managers apart by enabling them to lead teams and explain complex findings to stakeholders. These capabilities are crucial for making data-driven decisions that optimize organizational efficiency and competitive advantage.

What is the difference between Operations Research Manager vs Data Analyst?

AspectOperations Research ManagerData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, or related fields; often certifications in project managementBachelor's or Master's in Statistics, Data Science, or related fields; certifications like Microsoft Excel or Tableau
Work EnvironmentTypically in corporate, manufacturing, or logistics settings; managing teams and projectsIn offices or remote; analyzing data sets and creating reports
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, and consulting firmsCommon across finance, marketing, healthcare, and tech industries

While both roles involve data analysis, Operations Research Managers focus on optimizing complex systems and processes using advanced mathematical models, often leading teams. Data Analysts primarily interpret data to support decision-making through reports and visualizations. The roles overlap in data skills but differ in scope and strategic impact.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Research jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Operations Research jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Operations Research Manager jobs in Illinois?

For Operations Research Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operations Research Manager jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Operations Research Manager jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Operations Research Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Operations Research Manager job openings:

Operations Research Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operations Research Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,899 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Scott Air Force Base, IL • On-site

$125K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 539 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This position is located within the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Office of the Chief Financial Officer (J8), Cost Analysis & Rate Development Branch (Reimbursables), headquartered at The Pentagon, Washington, DC.
Duty location options: Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; Columbus, Ohio; Fort Huachuca, Arizona; Fort Meade, Maryland; Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia; Scott AFB, Illinois .Qualifications:Basic Requirements
Degree: Operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus.

AND
Time in Grade
For entry at the GS-14 grade level, status applicants must have served 52 weeks as a GS-13 or higher grade in the Federal Service.


AND
Specialized Experience
To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, you must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal service that demonstrates:
1. Quantitative & Financial Analysis: Applying operations research, financial analysis, and quantitative methodologies to evaluate complex data.
2. Cost Estimating & Modeling: Conducting cost analysis and rate development, establishing collection and estimation methodologies, and building dynamic life-cycle cost models across multiple acquisition pathways.
OR
3. Data & Statistical Tools: Utilizing specialized analytical tools and programming languages (e.g., ACEIT, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power BI, R Studio, or Python) to conduct advanced statistical analysis and data analytics.
In addition to meeting the specialized experience requirements, qualified applicants must also possess the quality of experience as it relates to how closely or to what extent an applicant's background, recency of experience, education, and training are relevant to the duties and responsibilities of the announced position. Candidates must clearly demonstrate the possession of competencies necessary to successfully perform the work of the position at the appropriate level to be qualified for the position. Applicants must describe how their experience meets the competencies within the body of the resume.
Your resume MUST include the following information for each job listed: Job title; duties (be as detailed as possible); month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2017 to April 2026); and full-time or part-time status.
Competencies: Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning, Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Decision Making, Flexibility, Influencing/Negotiating, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Learning, Reasoning, Self-Management, Stress Tolerance, and Teamwork
Qualification and time-in-grade requirements must be met within 30 days after the closing date of this announcement.
Pay by locality:
Chambersburg, PA $125,776 to $163,514
Ft. Huachuca, AZ $128,162 to $166,615
Mechanicsburg, PA $128,323 to $166,825
Scott AFB, IL $128,967 to $167,663
Columbus, OH $131,245 to $170,624
Ft. Meade, MD $143,913 to $187,093
Pentagon, DC $143,913 to $187,093Education:Evaluation of Education:

The primary requirement of operations research work is competence in the rigorous methods of scientific inquiry and analysis rather than in the subject matter of the problem. Therefore, applicants should have sufficient knowledge of applied mathematics to understand and use the fundamental concepts and techniques of operations research methods of analysis. In addition, some positions may require knowledge of a specific subject area.

Courses acceptable for qualifying for operations research positions may have been taken in departments other than Operations Research, e.g., Engineering (usually Industrial Engineering), Science, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science.

The following are illustrative of acceptable courses: optimization; mathematical modeling; queueing theory; engineering; physics (except descriptive or survey courses); econometrics; psychometrics; biometrics; experimental psychology; physical chemistry; industrial process analysis; managerial economics; computer science; measurement for management; mathematical models in social phenomena; and courses that involved application of operations research techniques and methodologies to problems of management, marketing, systems design, and other specialized fields; or other comparable quantitative analysis courses for which college-level mathematics or statistics is a prerequisite. Courses in theory of probability and statistics are highly desirable, but are not specified as minimum educational requirements because to do so would possibly exclude some applicants who would otherwise be well qualified.
To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services at the time of application. National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

Employment Type: OTHER

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