What Is an Operations Manager? A 2025 Career Guide

Operations managers oversee the daily operations of businesses and organisations. Taking on this role often means performing a range of tasks. In this role, you might tackle issues with the supply chain and your inventory in one day. You could hire new staff and draw up a budget on another day. As an operations manager, you might also set up systems to prevent or respond to operational risks. 

While this position is frequently associated with a general manager’s role, the two differ. General managers are responsible for guiding an organisation’s employees and operations, with oversight from an operations manager. Learn more about what it takes to get a job in this fast-paced management role.

What does an operations manager do?

Operations management is an upper-level career that requires a certain amount of education and experience to prepare you to support an effective, efficient, and successful business. Tasks range from managing the supply chain to overseeing multiple departments and directing day-to-day business operations. 

Operations managers may hire and train staff, manage inventory, and participate in business planning and strategy. Duties vary depending on the needs of the organisation. Some typical responsibilities in this role might include:

• Overseeing the production of goods and services

• Planning the distribution of resources and materials 

• Making sure every department meets its goals and key milestones

• Preparing and overseeing budgets

• Managing human resources, including personnel documentation, staff communications, and performance reviews

• Formulating company policies and ensuring compliance

Operations manager salary

According to Indeed, the average annual salary for operations managers in the UK is £43,905 [1]. Salaries can differ significantly depending on your industry, responsibilities, location, and experience level. For example, average wages in popular cities include [1]:

• Sheffield: £45,408

• London: £47,473

• Edinburgh: £44,061

• Birmingham: £45,127

How to become an operations manager

Various industries employ operations managers, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and logistics. If you’re interested in building a career as an operations manager, these 10 tips can help set you firmly on the path. 

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree in a business-related field.

Many employers look for candidates with at least a bachelor's degree in business-related fields like management or business administration. Your education should focus on developing technical skills like mathematical modelling and statistics and people skills like organisational behaviour and leadership. Essential courses might include financial accounting, business communication, and management principles.

2. Gain business experience in an entry-level role.

Operations manager jobs typically require a few years of professional experience in a management or supervisory role. Start with an entry-level position in the business world to build your skill set, expand your business knowledge, and make connections that could later help you advance your career. Some job titles include retail manager, customer service representative, business operations analyst, and project manager. 

As you advance, look for managerial roles in retail, supply chain, or finance, where you can gain valuable leadership experience. Gaining considerable experience in the operations manager role will eventually set you on the path to becoming a chief operating officer (COO).

3. Find a mentor.

A big part of your role in this job will be mentoring new employees and providing outstanding leadership. One excellent way to learn how to lead by example while getting a good feel for the job is like is by finding a mentor to guide you. This could be a strong, essential relationship that gives you the connections you need when applying for a leadership job yourself. 

4. Consider getting a master’s degree.

Getting a master’s degree isn’t an absolute must, but many organisations prefer operations managers with advanced degrees. Look for master's degree programmes that include supply chain management, project management, and business ethics courses to lay a strong foundation in key business functions.

5. Get certified.

An industry-specific credential may give you a competitive edge by validating your essential skills to potential employers. Some certifications to consider include: 

• IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt

• ITIL 4 Managing Professional (ITIL MP)

• Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) Certified Manager 

• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

• Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)

• Programme Management Professional (PgMP)

Prepare for the Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Green Belt, or Black Belt certification exam with Specialisations from the University System of Georgia. 

6. Build leadership skills.

Effective leadership is essential to become a successful operations manager. Strong leadership means identifying and resolving sticking points that prevent teams from meeting their goals, keeping a close watch on operations without micromanaging, and working to ensure that team members are encouraged and enabled to perform at their best. 

Leaders help employees and teams stay motivated and supply the tools needed to do the job. They can also address sensitive issues and problems to keep everything running efficiently.

7. Cultivate supply chain management strategies.

The supply chain is a vital lifeline for companies. As an operations manager, you'll be working to create and execute strategies to get the most out of your supply chain and respond to fluctuations and disruptions. Being able to talk to potential employers about your business knowledge and management methodology might help generate interest in you as a candidate.

8. Develop relevant skills.

An operations manager controls a wide range of mission-critical tasks. You need strong skills, from handling all aspects of inventory and supply chain to hiring and training to readjusting business strategies as circumstances evolve. A few to master include: 

• Interpersonal communication

• Professional judgement

• Ability to think of the “big picture”

• Ability to prioritise and respond quickly to changes

9. Enhance your CV.

Before applying for a position, customise your CV and cover letter for the job you’re applying for. Potential employers often filter the CVs they receive through an automated system, so it’s critical to include relevant keywords in the job description, certifications, or memberships in professional organisations. 

10. Prepare for the interview.

Potential employers will ask you key questions to gauge your performance as an operations manager. For example, you might talk about motivating an employee who resists change or about your experience negotiating contracts with suppliers. Taking time to prepare now will help you feel more confident when sitting before an interviewer. 

Start your career as an operations manager

An operations manager occupies a senior role within an organisation, ensuring effective product or service delivery. If you’re getting familiar with operations management as a career option, consider enrolling in the Supply Chain Operations course offered by Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, on Coursera. Designed for beginners, this course focuses on Six Sigma methodology for process improvement. After that, you may add your foundational skills with the Value Chain Management Specialisation from the University of Illinois. This intermediate-level Specialisation centres on maximising customer value while generating surpluses for organisations.

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