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Operations Research Manager Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

... operational excellence.  Organizations turn to APQC for objective, research-based insights that ... Use project management, collaboration, analytics, and emerging technology toos responsibly to ...

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Operations Research Manager information

See Houston, TX salary details

$36.8K

$89.6K

$144.2K

How much do operations research manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations research manager in Houston, TX is $89,580.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $110,300.00 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 Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Operations Research jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Operations Research Manager jobs in Houston, TX?

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

What job categories do people searching Operations Research Manager jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Operations Research Manager jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Operations Research Manager jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Operations Research Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Operations Research Manager job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,580 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

#127820 - Research Operations Associate

Lifted, an Upwork Company™

Texas City, TX • On-site, Remote

Contractor

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Job Description
We are seeking a Research Operations Associate to support a UX Research team with participant recruitment, study coordination, research repository management, and Research Operations process improvement.
This role is well suited to someone with 1-2 years of experience supporting UX teams, coordinating cross-functional programs, or managing research participants or panels. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, comfortable managing several concurrent projects, and interested in UX Research and Design Thinking.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the end-to-end participant recruitment process for UX research studies, with a strong focus on B2B and employer participants.
- Source, screen, schedule, and communicate with research participants.
- Coordinate participant NDAs, research-session logistics, and incentive payments.
- Manage multiple research projects and recruiting workflows simultaneously.
- Communicate proactively with researchers about recruiting challenges, participant availability, and study risks.
- Recommend alternative participant-recruiting approaches when the initial strategy is not producing sufficient results.
- Partner closely with UX researchers to understand study requirements and support the research lifecycle.
- Lead the migration of a Google-based UX research repository to Dovetail.
- Support research repository organization, maintenance, and thematic analysis.
- Serve as a liaison between Research Operations and UX Research stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to improve Research Operations processes using design thinking and continuous-improvement practices.
- Create participant-recruiting resources, templates, and best-practice guidance for researchers.
- Coordinate with Legal and Policy stakeholders on participant compliance and approval requirements.
- Support UX research vendor management, procurement activities, and budget tracking.
- Help onboard new UX researchers and promote consistent Research Operations practices.
Qualifications
Must-Have Skills
- 1-2 years of experience supporting UX teams, coordinating cross-functional programs, or managing research participants or panels.
- Experience recruiting participants, preferably for UX research studies.
- Experience coordinating schedules, calendars, and multiple concurrent projects.
- Understanding of or demonstrated interest in UX Research and Design Thinking.
- Strong Agile and Jira experience.
- Experience using calendar management and scheduling tools.
- Experience using online collaboration tools.
- Experience using Qualtrics or an equivalent survey platform.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
- Strong project coordination and attention to detail.
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder-management skills.
- Collaborative, curious, empathetic, proactive, and self-driven working style.
Nice-to-Have Skills
- Direct Research Operations experience.
- Experience recruiting B2B or employer participants.
- Experience using Dovetail.
- Experience supporting research repository management or migration.
- Experience supporting thematic analysis.
- Vendor-management or procurement experience.
- Budget-tracking experience.
- Experience coordinating with Legal or Policy teams.
- Knowledge of UX research methodologies and participant-recruiting best practices.
- Experience onboarding UX researchers or creating Research Operations resources.
- Enterprise experience strongly preferred.
Additional Information
Required Tools & Platforms
- Jira
- Qualtrics or an equivalent survey platform
- Calendar management and scheduling tools
- Online collaboration tools
Location, Time & Engagement
- Open to candidates located in the United States or LATAM.
- Significant working-hour overlap with Eastern and Central U.S. time zones is highly preferred.
- Full-time contract engagement at approximately 40 hours per week.
- Remote role.
- Current contract end date is March 31, 2027.