How do you become an operations manager?

Learning , Learning and Learning. To be an operation Manager one needs to be a keen learner. If I find something difficult or complicated, I always try to search multiple options, go through company operations and process manuals, and take help from others until I get the solution.

One thing I’ve found to be a great help while elevating to the Operations Manager position is that each aspiring Manager needs to put her/himself in the shoes of the front liners at all times. Feedback from the front liners and support from the subordinates is the key to becoming a successful manager. While delegation of tasks will ensure the next chain of command, a motivated and trained team will definitely achieve milestones for their Manager. Knowledge gained is to be shared for outstanding result.

Achieving the position of operations director often involves obtaining an advanced degree in busines or a related field , accumulating a substantial track record of managerial roles with increasing responsability , and actively engaging in professional netowrking to establish a comprehensive understanding of industry dynamics and trends .

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In my experience becoming an Operations Manager involved a combination of having the correct competencies, being able to demonstrate them and consistently looking at how to drive forward positive results within the role. This involved understanding how to manage people, understand their skills and where there is need for development, followed by key methodologies on people management, motivation, performance management and stakeholder relationships. Yes having a degree or formal qualification can help you stand out, but I have come across individuals who have high school education and were in roles which were above an Operations Manager. I believe it’s being able to demonstrate your ability to carry out the role which is essential.

Além das habilidades e conhecimentos técnicos descritos, um gerente de operações precisa dominar bem as técnicas de mapeamento e melhoria de processos, gestão lean, gerenciamento de projetos, tecnologia da informação e, principalmente desenvolver softs skills relacionadas a resiliência, aprendizado contínuo e a certeza de que a rotina não vai existir nessa função, uma vez que é uma área dinâmica e repleta de desafios para acompanhar as evoluções da camada negocial de toda empresa. Apesar de ser uma função dinâmica, viabiliza um aprendizado constante e muito crescimento técnico.

I think the best way is to start with getting your hands dirty, learn and understand all the different departments and processes. Once you have gained understanding of the importance of each department(and your customers expectations) , you then need to have good planning and a vision of where you would like to be. After you need to focus on what you can do to improve the current situation to have a more effective operational organisation. Good comunication skills are important as this plays a vital role in any organization in ensuring overall efficiency along with improvement activities. For me, if the Operations are sound and the ease of doing buiness from the customers point is high then your Buisness is in a good position.

Para trabalhar em operações a pessoa tem que ter resiliência. Saber trabalhar sob pressão e ter predisposição para resolver problemas ou ir de encontro a eles. Ter empatia e buscar tratar as pessoas de forma humanizada, buscando ser justo na tomada de decisão.

Certifications and training programs further solidify one's standing in the field. Certifications like Certified Manager (CM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) are recognized benchmarks. Additional training in areas such as Lean Six Sigma or supply chain management can enhance operational skills and efficiency.

MBA en Gestion des Opérations : Leadership et stratégie opérationnelle. Certification PMP : Planification et suivi de projets. Analyse des Données et BI : Décisions éclairées. Innovation et Transformation Digitale : Tendances technologiques. Leadership et Gestion d'Équipes : Compétences managériales. Gestion de la Chaîne d'Approvisionnement : Optimisation des opérations. Lean Six Sigma : Amélioration des processus. Gestion du Changement : Adaptabilité organisationnelle. Gestion de la Qualité : Normes élevées. Stratégie d'Entreprise : Plans alignés sur les objectifs. Ces formations sont clés pour exceller en tant que directeur des opérations.

Recomendaria un curso o entrenamiento en Finanzas para no financieros, para el entendimiento de los metricos financieros y como estan ligados a la operacion. Definitivamente entrenamiento en Lider de Equipos de Alto Desempeño, Administracion de Proyectos, si es posible en Lean Six Sigma para uso en toma de decisiones en la operacion de dia a dia. y Definitivamente debes estar preparado para un puesto de alta demanda de tu tiempo, asi que debes aprender a como administrarlo de la forma mas sabia y eficaz.

Certification is important but in my opinion training is much more important and useful. Through continous training anyone can improve at least he will keep his footprint. Training shall keep anyone alerted to the new instruments and developments in the field.

Courses such as Advanced Operations Management and Programs in Project Management offered as special programs by some renowned universities will increase the knowledge and skills of the juniour operations manager. Developing skills in management processes such as planning processes, budget forecasting, production and scope of work project planning, alongside resources allocation. Reviewing processes, controlling and adapting change processes to increase safety and efficiencies is also key to aligning yourself to an operations role.

I started at an entry level position in IBM, hired for languages as I had no prior experience or education related to business operations or office work in general. Through a strong work ethic and the desire to do things right I ascended gradually but consistently always taking on new challenges and learning new skills. Luckily the companies I worked for took the time to invest in my development.

Having started in a different industry and worked in a few before finding what fit best for me - the upward trajectory of a career path is done by the individual. As much as we can go to school, trainings, etc; if we are not motivated then we won’t achieve our goals and advance ourselves if it’s not within us to do so.

My careers have been a roller-coaster. Started as a Process Engineer, until I become an Operations Manager there. Came to a point where I was not learning anything else, and I decided to move on and try my entrepreneur side. Discovered that it was not really my cup of tea, but it helped me to get to know someone who helped me to get one more step ahead. I started as an Automation Engineer in the US. Thanks to that, I had the chance to work at Tesla in Fremont, and collaborate hand to hand with Elon Musk in the ramp up from Model 3. And I mean, literally collaborate with him, as we were together in the lines checking how to improve the process. Then I quit Tesla, moved to Germany… and the story go on. Experience brings you to the top.

Starting with entry-level roles, you can gradually ascend the ranks, moving into supervisory or coordinator positions. Gaining experience in different operational functions provides a comprehensive perspective. Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, perhaps through workshops or industry conferences, should also be actively pursued

En mi opinión y basado a partir de la experiencia realizada hasta el momento, es importante conocer cómo funciona la operación que uno debe gerenciar a partir del entendimiento de los aportes que cada una de las áreas hacen para alcanzar los resultados que la organización fija para esa gerencia. Y ese conocimiento involucra un recorrido “de calidad” en el tiempo para asegurar la adecuada toma de decisiones como así también el desarrollo de ciertas habilidades que el liderazgo requiere.

In my opinion, the journey to becoming an operations manager is a dynamic blend of education, hands-on experience, skill development, certifications, and a strategic career progression. It's not a linear path but one that rewards adaptability, continuous learning, and a proactive approach to professional growth.

In the current environment, operations is not about ‘keep things running’ anymore. Operations are always under continuous improvement. Digitisation is the trend. Hence developing digital / AI/ML skills and applying in operations is now Key

In my experience, the most effective operations managers never forget that they support the "people" side of the business. Facts, figures and procedures are relevant and useful only to the degree that genuine "flesh and blood" people put them into beneficial practice. Statistics and metrics should always serve and improve the business community, rather than existing for their own sake.

One thing I have found helpful is to spend time with employees on the floor or in their department and learn about their job by listening. It’s important to get their input and take a collaborative approach.