Transitioning from the discipline and teamwork of a sports background into operations management allows former athletes to apply their leadership, strategic thinking and resilience to oversee day-to-day business functions. As an Operations Manager, you will coordinate people, processes and resources to ensure efficient delivery of products or services. Your experience in setting goals, adapting to challenges under pressure and motivating teams equips you to optimize workflows, control costs and maintain high quality standards across the organization.
What is an Operations Manager?
An Operations Manager is responsible for planning, directing and coordinating operational activities within a company. You monitor production or service delivery, manage supply chains, oversee facilities and ensure compliance with policies and regulations. You collaborate with department heads — such as HR, finance, logistics and customer service — to align operational plans with strategic objectives. Success is measured by metrics like throughput, on-time delivery, cost reductions and customer satisfaction. Operations Managers work in manufacturing, retail, healthcare, logistics, hospitality and many other sectors.
Degrees needed to become an Operations Manager
Employers typically seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree in one of these areas:
- Business Administration or Management – Broad foundation in operations, finance, marketing and organizational behavior.
- Operations Management or Supply Chain Management – Specialized training in process optimization, logistics and inventory control.
- Industrial Engineering – Focus on systems design, workflow analysis and efficiency improvements.
- Logistics or Transportation Management – Emphasis on distribution networks, freight management and warehousing.
- Hospitality or Healthcare Administration – Sector-specific operations training for service environments.
An MBA or master’s in Operations or Supply Chain can accelerate advancement into senior roles.
Training paths for an Operations Manager
To strengthen your expertise, consider these certifications and courses:
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) – APICS credential covering end-to-end supply chain management.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt – Methodologies for process improvement, waste reduction and quality control.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) – Essential project planning and execution skills.
- Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) – Deep dive into inventory, capacity planning and materials management.
- Facilities Management Professional (FMP) – Covers maintenance, safety and operational continuity for physical sites.
- Leadership and Team Development Workshops – Enhances people management, conflict resolution and coaching skills.
Ongoing professional development through industry conferences, webinars and peer networks keeps you current on best practices and emerging technologies.
Daily tasks of an Operations Manager
- Reviewing key performance indicators — production rates, order fulfillment times, quality metrics — and addressing deviations.
- Coordinating with procurement to ensure materials and supplies are ordered, received and stored efficiently.
- Managing staff schedules, workloads and performance reviews to maintain productivity and morale.
- Overseeing facility maintenance, health and safety inspections, and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Implementing process improvements — workflow redesign, automation or layout changes — to boost efficiency.
- Collaborating with finance to prepare budgets, forecast costs and monitor operational expenditures.
- Meeting with sales or customer service teams to align production with demand and resolve service issues.
- Negotiating service contracts with vendors — equipment maintenance, logistics providers or cleaning services.
- Leading daily or weekly operational meetings to align teams, set priorities and communicate updates.
What working as an Operations Manager looks like
Operations Managers split time between the production or service floor — observing workflows, coaching teams and troubleshooting — and the office, where they analyze data, plan projects and meet stakeholders. Shifts may extend beyond standard hours during peak seasons or for critical launches. You may supervise multiple sites, requiring travel and remote coordination. The environment is fast-paced, with frequent problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration.
Skills and qualities for an Operations Manager
- Leadership – Inspiring teams, delegating effectively and fostering accountability.
- Analytical Thinking – Using data to identify inefficiencies and drive improvements.
- Communication – Clear, concise dialogue with employees, peers and senior leaders.
- Organization – Coordinating multiple projects, schedules and resources seamlessly.
- Problem Solving – Responding quickly to operational disruptions and customer issues.
- Financial Acumen – Managing budgets, controlling costs and maximizing ROI.
- Adaptability – Adjusting plans in response to changing priorities or market conditions.
- Technical Proficiency – Familiarity with ERP systems, production software and analytics tools.
- Quality Focus – Upholding high standards and continuous improvement cultures.
- Teamwork – Collaborating across departments to achieve common goals.
Salary of an Operations Manager
- United States: $65,000–$90,000 for mid-level roles; $95,000–$140,000+ for senior positions.
- United Kingdom: £35,000–£50,000 mid-career; £55,000–£80,000+ senior level.
- France: €45,000–€65,000 mid-career; €70,000–€95,000+ for experienced managers.
- Australia: AUD 75,000–AUD 100,000 mid-level; AUD 110,000–AUD 150,000+ senior roles.
Bonuses tied to performance metrics, cost savings or productivity gains can substantially increase total compensation.
Work environment
Operations Managers work in offices, production floors, warehouses or service centers. Open-plan offices and control rooms facilitate real-time monitoring and collaboration. PPE — helmets, safety glasses or high-visibility vests — may be required on site. Digital dashboards and mobile devices keep you connected to remote teams and systems.
Career progression
- Senior Operations Manager – Leading larger teams, multiple sites or high-impact programs.
- Director of Operations – Setting strategic direction for company-wide operational excellence.
- Vice President of Operations – Executive role overseeing all operational functions and regions.
- Chief Operating Officer (COO) – C-suite leadership with P&L responsibility and corporate strategy.
- Consultant or Advisor – Providing operational expertise to businesses as an external partner.
Companies hiring Operations Managers
- Manufacturing firms like General Electric, Siemens and Ford
- Retail and e-commerce companies such as Amazon, Walmart and Zara
- Logistics providers including DHL, FedEx and Maersk
- Hospitality groups like Marriott, Hilton and Accor
- Healthcare systems and hospital networks