Starting a career as an operations manager gives a managerial role in charge of ensuring that all of an organization’s departments are working efficiently. This career path plays a significant role in every organisation because they are the backbones of a company. Starting a career as an operations manager allows you to oversee many day-to-day business operations.

An operations manager is a vital person in an organisation who is in charge of monitoring and directing the daily operations of a company. Simultaneously, they aim to fulfil consumer expectations and attain strategic objectives. A career as an Operations Manager is an apex of operational administration. Additionally, it is a combination of tactical thinking, operational knowledge, and leadership. In the following paragraphs, I will discuss the steps needed to start a career as an operations manager as well as the various types.

How to Become an Operations Manager

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

   You need a bachelor’s degree to start a career as an operations manager. You can obtain a degree in disciplines such as business management, business administration, or a related field. These disciplines will give you foundational knowledge that will enable you to navigate your career efficiently.

2. Gain Practical Experience

   You can gain experience through internships or trainee programs. You can gain experience in areas such as logistics, operations, production or project management. Before you can become an operations manager, you will be required to have several years of experience. Therefore, you must begin your career by gathering experiences in relevant industries.

3. Obtain Professional Certifications

   Acquiring professional certifications as an operations manager can boost your reputation and competence. Additionally, you can gain advanced knowledge in various areas of this field.

4. Build Vital Skills

   As an operations manager, you require a wide range of skills to efficiently carry out your duties. You can develop skills such as problem-solving, leadership, project management and communication. You can build these skills through experiences, and professional courses.

5. Join Professional Associations

   You need to build a professional network with colleagues and experts in this industry. You can do this by registering with professional associations and attending industry events.

6. Commit to Continuous Learning

   The field of operations management is always changing. Therefore, it is critical to stay current on industry trends, new technology, and best practices. Additionally, you can participate in ongoing learning opportunities such as workshops, conferences, webinars, and appropriate professional development programmes.

Types of Operation Managers

1. Supply Chain Operations Manager: These managers are in charge of overseeing the distribution, transportation, and purchasing procedures along the whole supply chain. Additionally, they arrange with vendors, control stock levels, streamline warehousing and guarantee the effective and seamless movement of products along the supply chain.
2. IT Operations Manager: IT operations managers are in charge of a company’s computer networks and services. They oversee IT operations such as network administration, system administration, data centre activities, and management of technology services.
3. Manufacturing Operations Manager: This operations manager is in charge of overseeing the manufacturing process in a company. They oversee processes such as production scheduling, managing stock, quality assurance, and production machinery care.
4. Project Operations Manager: Project operations managers oversee the day-to-day operations of individual projects in an organisation. Additionally, they plan project operations, assign assets, track execution, and guarantee that project objectives and due dates are reached.
5. Service Operations Manager: Service operations managers oversee activities in areas such as healthcare, hotels, retail, and telecommunications.
6. Retail Operations Manager: Retail operations managers are in charge of retail operations. They oversee shop operations such as the administration of stocks, visual advertising, revenue growth, client relations, and employee supervision. Furthermore, they concentrate on increasing store efficiency and profitability.

Certifications to Obtain as an Operations Manager

1. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
2. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
3. Project Management Professional (PMP)
4. Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)
5. Lean Six Sigma
6. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Universities in Africa that Offer Business Administration Degrees

1. Lagos Business School- Pan Atlantic University, Nigeria
2. Gordon Institute of Business Science- University of Pretoria, South Africa
3. Strathmore Business School- Strathmore University, Kenya
4. Henley Business School- South Africa
5. The American University in Cairo School of Business, Egypt
6. ESCA Ecole de Management, Morocco
7. Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa
8. University of Stellenbosch Business School, South Africa
9. Wits Business School- University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
10. Milpark Business School- Milpark Education, South Africa

Pursuing a career as an operations manager can provide a variety of unique chances in the industry as well as skill-related job opportunities. As a result, after defining your areas of expertise, you can assess your options. You must have a good business and management background. This will allow you to deal with firms and manage any type of operations. Furthermore, you should have the necessary abilities and expertise in the field in which you want to work as an operations manager.

Good luck!

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