How to be an Operations Manager

Operations management is often called the engine room of business. It is where plans are turned into results, resources into products, and scattered efforts into well-run systems. Without good operations, even the best business idea can collapse. If you enjoy solving problems, leading teams, and continually improving systems, becoming an operations manager could be the right career move for you.

What Does an Operations Manager Really Do?

Think of operations managers as the people who keep a company running like clockwork. They:

• Ensure products are manufactured on time and to a high quality.
• Monitor supply chains closely to ensure materials arrive on time.
• Collaborate with finance, HR, and marketing to ensure the entire company is aligned.
• Spot problems before they become crises.

In simple terms, they are the ones who turn complexity into order. One day you might be fixing delivery delays, and the next day you could be drawing a five-year strategy to expand production. This variety makes the role challenging but also rewarding.

Education Pathways at Webber International University

Associate of Science in Business Administration – Management Focus

A 2-year program that teaches management basics, communication, and process control for quick career entry. Graduates often take up assistant or coordinator jobs, gaining real-world experience while continuing studies part-time.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Management Concentration

This four-year degree provides a comprehensive understanding of how businesses operate. It goes beyond operations, covering finance, HR, marketing, and strategy. This matters because an operations manager must understand how every department connects. Graduates are ready for roles in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, or even non-profit management.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

If your goal is to lead at the highest level, the MBA is your route. Here, you learn advanced skills: lean manufacturing, supply chain optimization, and even how digital tools reshape industries. It is the stepping stone for senior leadership roles, whether in multinational companies or your own startup.

Essential Skills You Need

Education gives you a base, but the role demands more:

• Analytical skills→ interpreting numbers and finding hidden problems.
• Leadership and communication→ guiding teams and ensuring every department works together.
• Project management→ completing big projects on time and within budget.
• Tech comfort→ ERP software, automation, and data analytics are now part of daily operations.

Uncommon but rising skills include sustainability planning (making operations eco-friendly) and digital transformation (integrating AI, robotics, and cloud systems).

How to Advance Your Career

1. Start small, grow big– many managers begin as logistics officers, quality inspectors, or team leaders.
2. Add certifications– PMP (Project Management Professional), Lean Six Sigma, or supply chain credentials can set you apart.
3. Internships & volunteering– even non-paid leadership roles help you build credibility.
4. Continuous learning– operations is not static; methods like agile management and blockchain in supply chains are reshaping the field.

Opportunities Across Industries

Operations management is not tied to one industry. Skills are transferable. For example:

• In manufacturing, you may redesign a production line to cut waste.
• In healthcare, you might streamline patient admissions.
• In e-commerce, you may manage warehouses and last-mile delivery.
• In hospitality, you could improve customer service processes.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows strong demand and high pay for operations managers.

Building Your Network and Personal Brand

• Join professional bodies like APICS or INFORMS. They provide certifications, networking, and access to industry trends.
• Share insights online. Writing about supply chain problems, sustainability, or process hacks on LinkedIn can make you visible to recruiters.
• Attend conferences and webinars. Meeting peers keeps you updated and opens job doors.

Specializations That Make You Stand Out

The operations manager of the future is not just about cost-cutting. Businesses now value leaders who can:

• Handle sustainable operations (green supply chains).
• Lead digital transformation projects.
• Strengthen resilient supply chains (post-pandemic lessons).

Adding one of these specialties to your resume can position you ahead of the competition.

Your Next Steps

• If you want a quick entry, start with the associate degree and gain field experience.
• If you aim for broader leadership, the bachelor’s degree gives you a well-rounded skill set.
• If your goal is to lead at the top, the MBA prepares you for executive challenges.

Operations management is not just another career. It is a profession where your decisions shape how smoothly a business works and how satisfied customers feel.

Begin with proper education and continue learning as industries evolve. Future operations leaders must be efficient, creative, flexible, and ready for the global stage.