Operations Manager
On this page
- What's it like to be an Operations Manager?
- How to become an Operations Manager
- Latest Operations Manager jobs
- Top skills and experience for Operations Managers
- Is Operations Manager the right role for you?
- Operations Manager role reviews
What's it like to be an Operations Manager?
Operations Managers oversee the production of an organisation’s products and services. They hire and manage staff, control spending, set targets and analyse performance to find opportunities for improved efficiency. They work in many industries including retail, IT, manufacturing, transport, education, health, finance and government.
Tasks and duties
- Developing operations strategies.
- Running the day-to-day operations such as the production or distribution of products.
- Planning and overseeing organisational change, such as the implementation of a new computer system.
- Managing quality assurance programmes.
- Setting and reviewing budgets and managing costs.
- Managing the recruitment and training of staff.
- Analysing and improving processes.
- Enforcing health and safety procedures.
How to become an Operations Manager
You usually need a mix of experience and qualifications to become an Operations Manager. Extensive industry experience may substitute for a qualification in some cases.
- 1.
Complete a bachelor degree in business, management, commerce or a related field. This usually takes three years of full-time study.
- 2.
Secure an internship to gain experience.
- 3.
Develop your experience across one or more roles. You could start your career in the accounts, procurement or human resources department of a business.
- 4.
Consider completing postgraduate study, such as a Master of Business Administration. This usually takes one to two years.