Business Process Manager: Job Overview and Outlook
Given the complex nature of today’s corporate and business structures, the role of a business process manager is an increasingly important one for companies worldwide. While methodologies like Six Sigma and Total Quality Management (TQM) are essential to a company’s success, organizations need to have an overarching business process management system in place to achieve optimal results.
What Is Business Process Management?
Business process management (BPM) involves modeling, documenting, analyzing and designing business processes, as well as overseeing the implementation of process improvements. A business process manager or consultant is responsible for examining existing processes, evaluating them within the context of organizational goals and proposing changes or enhancements to help achieve those goals. This specialist may also be responsible for coordinating the activities of individuals and departments involved in a particular process, and ensuring that they are working as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Technology plays a key role in business process management, especially in the case of automated processes. A business process manager may be required to use or develop systems to monitor and measure business processes, so many employers prefer candidates with computer proficiency. Knowledge of Six Sigma, TQM and other project and process management systems is a significant advantage for anyone serving in a business process manager position. Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills are also necessary to succeed in this role.
Training and Education Requirements
Because this position comes with a high level of responsibility and visibility, employers generally prefer business process manager candidates to hold at least a bachelor’s degree. A business administration or computer science degree can prepare students for this field; however, few schools currently offer a dedicated degree program in business process management. Individuals who have completed some type of formal training or professional education in business process management will have a competitive edge when applying for jobs in this field, as employers favor applicants with practical, real-world knowledge and skills.
Business Process Manager Job Outlook and Earnings Estimates
As more and more companies realize the impact effective business process management can have on business performance and profitability, the demand for qualified business process managers will continue to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes business process consultants in the category of management analysts, and projects that employment of these professionals will increase 24% between 2008 and 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.1
According to national salary data compiled by PayScale.com, annual earnings for business process managers and consultants ranged from $38,527 to $106,658 in September 2010.2 Another employment site, Indeed.com, reported that the average business process manager salary was $78,000 per year as of September 2010.3
While there will be strong employment growth in this field, there will also be a great deal of competition given the high salaries and high visibility enjoyed by business process managers.
Obtain Comprehensive Business Process Management Training 100% Online
To secure a business process manager job or promotion, you’ll need an in-depth understanding of essential business process management tools and methodologies. In addition, formal business process management training can significantly enhance your résumé. The good news is that you can gain the necessary knowledge, skills and credentials 100% online with a Business Process Management certificate from the University of San Francisco.
Consistently ranked among “America’s Top Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, regionally accredited USF offers an array of expert-led continuing education programs that are designed for working professionals. USF’s proven, video-based e-learning platform allows you to learn anytime and anywhere, with 24/7 access to course materials and lectures via streaming video, MP4 downloads and CD-ROM. You can also communicate with your classmates and expert instructors through online discussion boards, instant messaging, email and two-way voice over IP (VOIP).
The University of San Francisco's online Business Process Management certificate program is designed to expand your expertise and prepare you to apply your knowledge in a real-world business environment. In consists of three eight-week certificate courses:
- Applied Business Process Management
- Advanced Business Process Management Methodology
- Business Process Management Design & Implementation
Upon completion of each course, you’ll receive a framed certificate of achievement from USF. When you finish all three courses in the series, you will be awarded a certificate in recognition of your accomplishment. Not only does USF allow you to gain valuable new skills and credentials, but it can put you on the path to a successful and rewarding business process manager career.
1 “Management Analysts.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010–11 Edition, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; accessed September 29, 2010.
2 “Salary Snapshot for Business Process Manager Job” and “Salary Snapshot for Consultant, Business Process / Management Job.” PayScale.com; accessed September 29, 2010.
3 “Business Process Manager Salary.” Indeed.com; accessed September 29, 2010.
