What is an Operations Manager?
Operations Managers are in charge of overseeing procedures, purchasing, accounting, human resources, inventories, and information technology.
Operations Managers have critical responsibilities in their companies, but defining them in specific terms may be difficult. Operations management is a topic of study that examines the procedures that underpin a company’s core activities. The purpose of an Operations Manager is to make these systems as efficient and effective as possible. Efficiency is required whether it’s manufacturing procedures at an industrial facility or logistics for teams of consultants in a financial business. An Operations Manager has to put in place dependable mechanisms to objectively analyse these processes. Most companies’ Operations Managers are in charge of the broad picture. An Operations Manager is an important member of a management team who is in charge of high-level HR responsibilities such as acquiring talent and establishing training and hiring procedures. They also aim to increase quality, productivity, and efficiency by analysing and improving organisational processes. If you have good communication and management abilities and thrive in a retail atmosphere, being an Operations Manager might be a rewarding career path for you.
Responsibilities
The duties of an Operations Manager will fluctuate depending on the business and industry.
However, when working in business operations, you may anticipate executing the majority of the following tasks:
- Processes: An Operations Manager is in charge of implementing and managing an organisation’s processes. This includes software and other tools that the organisation relies on a daily basis.
- Inventory- Overseeing and managing inventory is especially important for an Operations Manager working in retail or for a company that sells specialised items.
- Reporting: An Operations Manager is responsible for reporting on how the business is performing and if the existing procedures and policies are effective or should be modified.
- Personnel: Human resources are an important aspect of every organisation’s operations. As an Operations Manager, you will either supervise the HR department or work directly with them to resolve personnel concerns.
- Finance: Accounting and finance are also important components of an operations department. As an Operations Manager, you will either supervise the accounting department or work closely with it to assess budgets, revenue growth, and profitability.
Salary
The average base salary for an Operations Manager in the UK amounts to £35,565, ranging from £24,000 to £56,000. Apart from your base salary, you can expect additional compensation like Bonuses (£968 to £10,000), profit sharing (£481 to £10,000) and commission (£979 to £10,000).
As you gain experience, your salary is likely to rise. The more experience and education you have, the more likely your income will be comparable to or greater than the national average.
Working hours and work location
Operations Managers can work almost everywhere. Every company, from hospitals to banks to retail businesses, requires an Operations Manager to conduct the day-to-day operations.
You might work for a variety of industries, including:
- Manufacturing
- Service providers
- Banks
- Credit unions
- Retail
- Charities
What to expect
A successful Operations Manager is always looking for new methods to engage their people and improve productivity and efficiency in the workplace. They must have excellent leadership abilities, social skills, and the ability to actively listen. Understanding finances, supply chain management, workflow, and personnel are also important skills of an effective Operations Manager. Operations Managers are required to perform as dependable leaders who show initiative, honesty, and self-control in their job in the majority of situations in which they may find themselves. Building relationships with coworkers is critical to Operations Managers’ success, as it allows them to effectively plan and implement business process improvements. Operations Managers are frequently regarded as experts in their fields, and they will be entrusted with the responsibilities and authority that come with that status. Although the working circumstances for Operations Managers might be difficult at times, they do not need to compete with their coworkers. In general, the duty of an Operations Manager is to oversee all activities involved in the production of a company’s goods and/or services. An Operations Manager, for example, in the retail business would oversee all activities relating to everyday store floor responsibilities, as well as planning and strategising.
Some of the objectives of an Operation Managers role include:
- Ensure appropriate organisation operations by maintaining continual contact with management, employees, and vendors.
- Ascertain that operational tasks are done on schedule and on budget.
- Monitor staffing needs and hires additional personnel as needed
- Manage the accounts payable and receivable departments
- Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance processes.
- Improve and sustain the organisation’s internal capacity by increasing the efficiency of current organisational processes and procedures
- Actively pursue strategic and operational objectives
Qualifications
For a position in Business Operations, you’ll require a bachelor’s degree in business. This sort of degree program will concentrate on the foundations of business, which are essential for success. Business management undergraduate programs cover topics such as finances, budgeting, supply chain management, and strategy. This will provide you with the necessary knowledge and expertise to begin working in Operations Management.
You won’t be able to acquire a job as an Operations Manager with just a bachelor’s degree. It’s possible that you’ll have to start at the bottom and work your way up. Obtaining your Master’s Degree in Business Administration or an MBA with Logistics and Supply Chain Management would also be advantageous. This supplementary certificate displays leadership ability and mastery, which is an important component of any management role. An MBA will focus on managing people, controlling processes, and developing more complex business strategies. For Operations Management, this is critical.
Skills
Every person working in Business Operations must possess certain abilities in order to be successful in the profession. Some occupations will demand you to have more specialised skill sets, however, the following are some of the most important ones to have or obtain:
must have skills:
- Leadership skills: You will be viewed as a leader in your organisation as a manager.
- Analysing skills: You’ll be in charge of examining procedures and policies to guarantee they’re effective for the company.
- Dispute Management skills: This refers to any conflict that arises inside your organisation’s business processes, not only personnel conflict.
- Decision-making skills: As an Operations Manager, you will be in charge of making decisions on behalf of the company.
- Strategising skills: It is critical to understand corporate strategy, and you should be able to design and implement plans as well.
- Management, operations, and leadership experience.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Work experience
If you are asking yourself “What can I do with a supply chain management degree?“, the answer is that there are numerous chances in Business Operations, and it is a rewarding field to work in.
Apart from the mandatory academic qualification, in order to be successful in this field and gain the essential experience, you should consider improving on the following abilities (if you do not already have them) :
- Expanding knowledge and experience in operational software programs
- Expanding your knowledge and experience in the financial and accounting area
- Improving your language skills (learning another language is especially beneficial for work in international companies)
- Improving your knowledge and experience in IT
Like any other Managerial position, the job role of an Operations Manager entails years of experience in the Operations field. In order to gain the additional work experience you may consider:
- Professional certification – Many Operations Managers seek professional certification in areas such as supply chain management, human resources, and financial operations. While certification isn’t required by all companies, it may help you stand out in your area and enhance your earning potential. Operations Managers, for example, can receive the Certified Professional Manager (CPM) certificate or the Association for Supply Chain Management’s Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) credential. There are many more sorts of qualifications you might seek to demonstrate your ability and understanding as an Operations Manager, depending on your unique profession.
- Internship- Another efficient option to obtain professional experience in your sector is to complete an internship. Many aspiring managers will participate in internships as part of their undergraduate studies. Production oversight, administration, recruiting processes, personnel training, policy formulation, and data management are all possible positions for Operations Interns. Interns also improve their financial and budgeting abilities, as well as resource management and organisational planning. Interning under the supervision of a senior manager can help you build the necessary skills and competence for the job.
- Practical experience- Many employers require several years of experience in Operations Management or a related role in addition to your undergraduate degree. To improve your business and leadership abilities, consider taking on an entry-level management role. You can also engage in continuing education, professional development, or training programs as your career progresses.
Career prospects
Because of the critical function that an Operations Manager plays in an organisation and the wide range of sectors in which Operations Managers work, there will always be a steady need for operations managers.
A job as an Operations Manager is ideal for those who enjoy working behind the scenes in a company. This job is critical to the success of any firm, large or small, and you would have the freedom to work in practically any field. The professional path of an Operations Manager has several levels. Their position is crucial in ensuring that organisations run smoothly and have everything they require to function effectively. After accumulating experience as an Operations Manager, you’ll be able to improve your career and eventually become a COO, one of the company’s highest-ranking executives who work alongside and reports to the chief executive officer (CEO).
Related Courses
The Logistics and Supply Chain Management MBA delivered by the University of the West of Scotland provides a valuable insight into this ever-changing, yet very important business topic. This one-year full-time unique course combines supply chain and logistics and the broader business strategy to drive great results. Delivered by industry experts at a world-leading business centre in the heart of London, this is a great choice for anyone looking for a career as an Operations Manager.
Other related courses
- BA (Hons) International Business - This is a full-time program offered by the University of the West of Scotland London. Students can pick from a range of start dates to meet their schedules. Through this course, students have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, guest lecturers, and professionals with years of experience. The best part about this course is that it is offered at the London Campus, which is located in the heart of the UK's economic capital.
- Business Foundation Programme - The University of the West of Scotland in London offers a one-year foundation degree that will prepare you for undergraduate studies and build the framework for a future in business. This course will expose you to the most up-to-date scholarly materials as well as practical case studies. Students will learn about vital business-related courses as well as improve their English language and study abilities. With the information gained through the Business Foundation Programme, you will be well prepared to confidently move to the undergraduate level.
FAQ Summary
Operations Managers are in charge of overseeing procedures, purchasing, accounting, human resources, inventories, and information technology.
The average base salary for an Operations Manager in the UK amounts to £35,565, ranging from £24,000 to £56,000. Apart from your base salary, you can expect additional compensation like Bonuses (£968 to £10,000), profit sharing (£481 to £10,000) and commission (£979 to £10,000).
For a position in Business Operations, you’ll require a bachelor’s degree in business.
