1

Operations Research Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Research Science Management

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$59K - $88K/yr

  • Retirement

The research manager will be responsible for overseeing the studies in the lab including managing ... study operations including recruitment activities and the conduct of study assessments.

Research Science Management

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$59K - $88K/yr

  • Retirement

The research manager will be responsible for overseeing the studies in the lab including managing ... study operations including recruitment activities and the conduct of study assessments.

Research Science Management

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$59K - $88K/yr

  • Retirement

The research manager will be responsible for overseeing the studies in the lab including managing ... study operations including recruitment activities and the conduct of study assessments.

Research Business Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $300K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role We are hiring an Research Business Manager to serve as the operational and strategic core of Aquatic's research organization. This is a unique role that is responsible for ensuring ...

Field Research Manager - Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Field Research Manager - Chicago, IL OVERVIEW CoStar Group is a leading global provider of ... Track record of commitment to prior employers * 3-5 years' direct operations management of 5+ ...

Field Research Manager - Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Field Research Manager - Chicago, IL OVERVIEW CoStar Group is a leading global provider of ... 5 years' direct operations management of 5+ employees, virtual management a plus Internal ...

Manager, Research

Campus, IL · On-site

  • Retirement

... smooth operation of department. Completion of provided supervisory training within one year of ... social science research or program evaluation. * Experience managing or supervising teams.

... smooth operation of department. Completion of provided supervisory training within one year of ... social science research or program evaluation. * Experience managing or supervising teams.

Manager, Research

Campus, IL · On-site

  • Retirement

... smooth operation of department. Completion of provided supervisory training within one year of ... social science research or program evaluation. * Experience managing or supervising teams.

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 16, 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 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.

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 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.

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 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:

Infographic showing various Operations Research Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,899 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Operations Research Analyst with Security Clearance

Department of the Army

Scott Air Force Base, IL • On-site

$95K - $112K/yr

Other

Re-posted yesterday


United States Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 492 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties * Independently develop and apply operations research methods to solve transportation operational and planning problems as well as quick reaction analyses. * Analyze challenging problems of overall deployment and sustainment of joint forces in contested environments to provide insights to Department of War decision makers. * Use modeling, simulation, and data analysis tools to produce compelling insights supporting military planning and strategic decisions. * Provide inputs for functional requirements supporting the development of modeling and simulation tools. * Establish and maintain productive relationships with customers, stakeholders, and project team members from the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise. * Work as a team member with professionals in operations research, transportation/logistics, military planning, and engineering backgrounds. Requirements Conditions of employment * Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. * This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Top Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. * The duties of this position meet the criteria for compliance with Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs. * This position is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident. * This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 20% of the time. * Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 11. Qualifications Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities. * 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
* Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
* Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
* Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
* Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
* Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
* Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
* Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
* People with Disabilities, Schedule A
* Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
* Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
* Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
* Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
* Reinstatement
* Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998 In order to qualify, you must meet the education and experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is . Basic Requirement for Operations Research Analyst : Degree: Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in operations research; or a degree with 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. (NOTE: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.) In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Specialized Experience : One year of specialized experience in the Federal Service or equivalent which includes: (1) Using operations research methods such as modeling and simulation to represent complex environments in transportation, logistics, supply chain, or equivalent; and/or (2) Analyzing data using statistical methods to provide insights to decision-makers; and/or (3) Coordinating critical projects with stakeholders to resolve differences for senior leader approval; and/or (4) Producing briefings and/or reports conveying the context and results of analyses to senior level decision makers. (Applicants must demonstrate they meet at least two (2) of the four specialized experience requirements listed.) This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12). Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-12). Education Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. You must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone-no substitution of education for experience is permitted. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: . Additional information * Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. * You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. * This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest. * Direct deposit of pay is required. * Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. * If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the information sheet. * This is a(n) Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation Career Field position. * Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. * Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. * When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit for more information. * Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest. * The selecting official has requested a competitive and noncompetitive candidate list for this vacancy. If you are eligible for the noncompetitive list, you will be evaluated on basic and/or minimum qualifications, as applicable. While required to answer the assessment questions, noncompetitive candidates will not be evaluated against the competitive rating and ranking criteria. The selecting official may select from any of the candidate lists. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests : If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here:

What United States Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


US Army logo

About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

Social media