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Operations Manager

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Operations Managers play a crucial role in ensuring that businesses and organisations run smoothly and efficiently. Their main responsibilities involve overseeing daily operations, managing staff, developing processes to improve productivity, and ensuring that company policies are followed. They often work closely with other department heads to coordinate activities and solve operational problems. Operations Managers can be found in a variety of sectors including manufacturing, retail, logistics, and public services. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential in this role. Typically, a degree in business, management, or a related field is beneficial, and previous experience in a supervisory or team leader position is often required.

Operations Manager

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for an Operations Manager in the UK ranges from £35,000 to £60,000 per year, depending on experience and sector.

Employment Numbers

There are over 100,000 people employed as Operations Managers or in similar roles across the UK.

Job Growth

Demand for Operations Managers is expected to grow by approximately 4 percent over the next five years in the UK.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Warehouse Operations Manager

Oversees the day to day running of a warehouse including inventory control, staff management, and logistics planning.

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Retail Store Operations Manager

Manages the daily operations of a retail store, focusing on staff supervision, sales performance, and customer service.

Manufacturing Operations Manager

Responsible for coordinating production processes, ensuring quality standards are met, and managing production staff in a manufacturing environment.

Build Foundational Skills

Achieve GCSEs or Equivalent

Obtain at least 5 GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 including English and maths.

Strong results in GCSE English and maths will provide a solid foundation for further education and are often minimum requirements for further study or apprenticeships. Consider taking business studies or ICT as optional subjects if available.

Develop Communication and Teamwork Skills

Participate in team activities, clubs or part time work to build your interpersonal skills.

Operations Managers need excellent communication, leadership and teamwork skills. Getting involved in school clubs, sports teams, or volunteering can help you develop these abilities and stand out to future employers or colleges.

Pursue Further Education or Training

Study A Levels, T Levels or Equivalent

Take A levels, T Levels (such as Management and Administration), or a Level 3 BTEC in Business.

A levels in business, economics or maths are particularly relevant. Alternatively, T Levels or BTECs in business or management subjects offer a more practical approach. These qualifications will prepare you for higher education or an apprenticeship.

Consider a Business Related Degree or Apprenticeship

Apply for a university course in business management or a higher/degree apprenticeship in operations or business administration.

A degree in business, management or a related subject will provide in depth knowledge and open up opportunities for graduate schemes. Alternatively, a higher or degree apprenticeship combines practical experience with study, allowing you to earn while you learn.

Gain Experience and Progress

Start in an Entry Level Role

Begin your career in an entry level operations, administration or supervisory role.

Look for positions such as operations assistant, team leader or office supervisor. These roles provide hands on experience of business operations and the chance to develop leadership skills. Show a willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities.

Seek Promotion and Professional Development

Work towards supervisory and management positions by taking on more responsibility and continuing your professional development.

Take advantage of training opportunities, workshops and professional qualifications (such as those from the Institute of Leadership and Management or Chartered Management Institute). Building a track record of success in operations roles can lead to promotion to Operations Manager positions.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Operations Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

An operations manager in the healthcare sector shares similar responsibilities in overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and ensuring quality service delivery. Both roles require strong leadership, organisational skills, and the ability to coordinate various departments to meet organisational goals.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You can become a health service manager by training on the NHS General Management graduate scheme.

Entry is usually with an upper second class degree or above. Most degree subjects are acceptable though you may need a recommended subject for certain specialist management roles, for example finance.

As part of your training you will work towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Leadership.

Some private healthcare providers also offer graduate general management schemes.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

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Apprenticeship

You could get relevant skills and knowledge for this job by doing a Chartered Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This typically takes 4 years to complete and is a mix of learning in the workplace and off-the-job study at an approved university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

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Work

You can get into health service management by working your way up from an administrative or clinical role within the NHS.

You're likely to need 4 to 5 GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and possibly A levels, or equivalent, for an administrator role.

With experience and further training, you can move up to supervisory or management level. Your employer will have details about appropriate courses.

Direct Application

You can apply directly if you already have management experience from the private, public or voluntary sector.

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Professional and industry bodies

You could apply to become a member of the Institute of Health & Social Care Management. This would give you access to training and development opportunities and professional recognition.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a health service manager from Health Careers.

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