Operations Manager

Operations Managers hold full responsibility for the strategic management of an operation which may include multiple sites nationally or internationally. Their main areas of responsibility include managing planning activity to ensure effective use of resources and delivery of service is achieved within budget. In addition, the operations manager is also responsible for the health and safety of the operation, maintaining a programme of subordinate development and ensuring all key performance indicators are achieved.

The Operations Manager provides line management to department managers such as the Warehouse Manager and Transport Manager. Operations managers normally work office hours Monday to Friday. There may be a business requirement for overtime. The position could be office based and depending on the type of operation, a certain degree of travel will be required.

To be an Operations Manager you should be able to work at both strategic and tactical levels, have good leadership skills, be able to manage, motivate and develop a team and be experienced in health and safety issues. You will need to hold a National Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) (some roles may require International), have good communication, numeracy and literacy skills

It is possible to start out in a junior post, for example as a transport clerk or progress from a driving role, and with training and experience work your way up to supervisory and management positions. Most new entrants have a BTEC higher national certificate or diploma (HNC/HND) or a degree. Relevant degree and HNC/HND courses such as international transport, logistics, supply chain management, transport management and geography, are offered at a range of centres throughout the country.

Colleges and universities may offer foundation degree courses in subjects such as Logistics and Transport.