Operations Manager

An operations manager oversees daily business activities, ensuring efficiency and productivity. They manage resources, coordinate between departments, implement policies, and optimize processes. Their role includes budgeting, staffing, and maintaining quality standards to achieve organizational goals. They also address operational issues and drive continuous improvement.

At the heart of every successful business, there’s an Operations Manager orchestrating the workflow and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Whether it's a startup, a large corporation, or something in between, the Operations Manager is the key to making things work efficiently. Operations Managers oversee everything—from managing people and balancing budgets to creating inventory plans, developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and optimising operational practices.

A typical day for an operations manager can be quite varied, here are some common tasks and activities they might engage in:

• Reviewing Reports: Start the day by reviewing performance reports from the previous day to identify any issues or areas for improvement.
• Team Meetings: Conduct or attend team meetings to discuss daily goals, updates, and any urgent matters.
• Strategic Planning: Outline the day's priorities and tasks, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Problem-Solving: Address any operational issues or bottlenecks that arise, coordinating with different departments as needed.
• Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with staff, suppliers, and customers to ensure seamless operations.
• Performance Analysis: Analyze and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and Experience Level Agreements (XLAs) to track progress and make data-driven decisions.
• Training and Development: Provide training and support to team members to enhance their skills and performance.
• Wrap-Up: Ensure all tasks are completed and prepare for the next day's activities.

While their role may vary depending on the industry, the core mission remains the same: streamline processes to ensure the company operates at its best.

Their responsibilities span multiple business areas, including purchasing, production, accounting, human resources, facilities management, quality control, and more. Ultimately, they ensure all processes are aligned with the company's main objectives.

Operations managers often need to be adaptable and ready to handle unexpected challenges, making their role both demanding and rewarding.

Here are the top ten industries in which Operations Managers are indispensable:

• Manufacturing Overseeing production schedules, inventory control, and workforce management. Often the Operations Manager will be responsible for the delivery of processes, and therefore the quality of the product at the end of the manufacture process.
• Healthcare: Streamlining  operations in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities, where precision, compliance, and compassion must work hand in hand.
• Technology: A key role, whether it’s a start-up or well established Tech company. Managing product launches, IT infrastructure, and service delivery
• Financial Services: Handling transaction processing, compliance, and risk management.
• Retail: Ensuring efficient store operations and direct customer service, in addition to managing logistics and supply chains.
• Supply Chain: Managing the sourcing, storage, and delivery of goods, any machinery and licences required for the logistics.
• Transportation and Logistics: Coordinating the movement of goods and services, overseeing compliance of tools and vehicles.
• Hospitality: Overseeing hotel and restaurant operations. Where the customer service delivered is pivotal to the success of the business.
• Construction: Supporting the delivery of project timelines, resources, and budgets.
• Energy and Utilities: Ensuring efficient operations of power plants and utility services. Adaptability to both technologies and legislation is crucial for this industry.

So, whether it’s a factory floor, a corporate boardroom, or a busy hospital. Operations Managers are the glue that holds it all together.

Certifications

1. Certified Operations Manager (COM): Offered by the Institute of Operations Management, this certification validates your expertise in managing operational processes.
2. Praxis Framework™ - Project and Programme Management delving into key skills that hugely benefit an Operations Manager, such as prioritization, budgeting, risk management and applying scalable processes.
3. Lean Green Belt: Focuses on process improvement and quality management, which are crucial for operations managers.
4. STAR® Manager - Operational Coaching® Skills for Leaders and Managers, to embed productivity, inclusivity and collaboration in your business.
5. Neuroscience for Change Certification – Operations Managers will inevitably face change on a frequent basis. Understand the neuroscience behind change and raise conscious awareness to an otherwise unconscious process.

Practical Experience

1. Entry-Level Positions: Start in roles such as Operations Assistant, Project Planner or  PMO Administrator to gain practical experience and develop relevant skills.
2. Professional Development: Continuously seek opportunities for learning and growth, such as workshops and seminars. Joining membership bodies can be a great resource.
3. Improvement Projects: Support in identifying inefficiencies in current processes and proposing solutions to streamline operations.
4. Invite Challenges: Whether it’s leading on handling a customer complaint, delivering a sustainability initiative or investigating and testing out new technologies. A challenge often requires pushing your boundaries and learning, thus opening doors to new opportunities.

Educational Path

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree: Start with a degree in business administration, management, or a related field. This provides a solid foundation in essential business concepts.
2. Complete Internships or Apprenticeships: Gain hands-on experience in operations or related fields. This helps you understand real-world applications and build professional networks.

Breaking into operations management doesn’t necessarily require a prestigious degree, but many successful Operations Managers often start with a foundation in business administration, management, or  engineering. While formal education can be useful, hands-on experience is vital. 

Becoming an Operations Manager is a journey that combines practical experience with a commitment to continuous learning. Obtaining professional certifications can greatly enhance your credibility and demonstrate your dedication to ongoing professional development. By acquiring certifications, you can gain a competitive advantage, whether you are seeking a new position or are aiming for internal promotions.

Ultimately, it is your hands-on experience and dedication to professional growth that will truly distinguish you from others. By investing in certifications and honing your real-world skills, you will not only increase your marketability but also establish yourself as a dynamic leader capable of driving operational success. Whether you are just beginning your career or looking to progress further, the right combination of knowledge, skills, and certifications can help you realise your aspirations in operations management.

If you are ready to enhance your qualifications, consider connecting with one of our 400 accredited trainer providers who offer your chosen certification.