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Operations Research Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

Market Research Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$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 ...

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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

Operations Research Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$39.7K

$96.6K

$155.6K

How much do operations research manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations research manager in Chicago, IL is $96,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $119,000.00 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Operations Research jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Operations Research Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Operations Research Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Operations Research Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Operations Research Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Operations Research Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,632 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Operations Research Analyst

U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command

North Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$118K - $154K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Summary
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for STEM, Cyber Security, and Related Positions to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
This position will be filled on a permanent basis.
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Duties
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  • As an Operations Research Analyst, you will:
  • Develop and apply policies, practices, procedures, and methods for strategic and operational assessment, program evaluation, business intelligence, and data analytics.
  • Lead, conduct, and communicate results of analytical studies and program evaluations that contribute to and underpin Command and higher headquarters problem solving and decision making.
  • Implement operations research methodologies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Command operations and management processes.
  • Advise and assist Command, as a senior analyst, for principles, applications, and best practices in operations research, systems analysis, business intelligence, change management, project management, and related staff-action requirements.
  • Employ advanced state-of-the-art methods and disciplines in operations research, systems analysis, risk analysis, methods and disciplines to include developing performance metrics and measurement systems for strategic operational assessment.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position has been designated as non-sensitive and requires a personnel security investigation.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience and education 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 in this document.
Basic Requirements:
Degree: Bachelor's degree or higher degree in 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
Specialized Experience: To qualify based on your work experience, your resume must describe at least one year of experience which prepared you to do the work in this job. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, including Conducting complex analytical studies utilizing advanced operations research principles to evaluate organizational effectiveness; Designing predictive future-state business models to identify effect of policy alternatives on the organization. Delivering data-driven recommendations that shape long-range strategic visions for the organization. The definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience aloneno substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Education
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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
In order to qualify for this position, based on your education, education substitution, or combination of education and experience, you must have either completed the education requirement, or will complete this requirement within thirty (30) days from the closing date of this announcement. If you will not complete this requirement within thirty (30) days of the closing date of this announcement, you will be rated as Not Qualified for this position.
You must provide appropriate documentation to reflect when you will meet the education requirement. Appropriate documentation includes: (1) Resume indicating your projected completion/graduation date; OR (2) Transcripts indicating your projected completion/graduation date; OR (3) A letter signed by the institution's registrar indicating your projected completion/graduation date.
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 Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a Science, Engineering and Analysis Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Recruitment/Relocation incentive may be authorized if determined to be in the best interest of the Federal Government and requirements are met
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.