5 Key Steps to Propel Your Career in Operations Management
Got your eye on that next promotion, seeking to land your first career step into ops or maybe feeling this area of your business acumen is a little shakier than the rest?
I’ve got some top tips for you.
Here are five key actions from my eBook "Propel Your Career in Operations Management" that can help you stand out and accelerate your professional growth:
1. Be Results-Focused
Great operations managers don’t just keep things running—they drive measurable outcomes. This means setting clear goals, tracking performance with key metrics, and making data-driven decisions. Instead of vague objectives like “improve efficiency,” define specific, quantifiable targets such as reducing lead times by 20% or cutting inventory costs by 15%. Demonstrate this kind of thinking as you present your past accomplishments, say your piece in the team meeting or answer those job interviews questions.
Interested in my Ops Management Accelerator... Register your interest here for a big pre-launch discount!
https://hub.rowtonstraining.com/operations-management-accelerator-cohort-program-waitlist
2. Prioritization by habit
Whilst managing our own time and resources is hard enough, operations managers are entrusted with the optimal use of much more. Other people’s time, maybe hundreds, equipment time worth thousands or tens of thousands of dollars / hour. With countless daily tasks and improvement ideas, deliberately choosing what to focus on is critical. Operations managers must allocate resources—whether time, money, or manpower—effectively. When choosing projects, evaluate potential actions based on their impact and cost. Where to start with your improvement opportunities? - prioritize improvements that deliver big value for minimal investment.
3. Excel to Excel
Numbers drive operations management, and Excel remains the most universal, powerful tool for recording and analyzing data. At a minimum, you should be comfortable with formulas like =SUM(), =AVERAGE(), and =IF(). But if you want to truly excel in operations, mastering pivot tables, INDEX/MATCH, and data validation will set you apart. Companies expect operations managers to turn raw data into meaningful insights—fast. So brush up your skills, and make sure your employer or prospective employer knows you can handle a bit of data.
4. Train Your Eye for Improvement Opportunities
Great operations managers don’t just react to fires—they see issues, inefficiencies and opportunities. Whether you're in a factory, a warehouse, or a coffee shop, train yourself to analyze workflows, identify bottlenecks, and spot waste. The best way to do this? Go to the “Gemba”—watch, observe real operations in action and look for ways to improve.
5. Refine Your CV & LinkedIn Profile
Operations managers are in demand, but companies need to find you first. Your CV and LinkedIn should highlight your organizational skills, analytical thinking, and leadership abilities. Use industry keywords like "process optimization," "cost reduction," and "supply chain management" to increase visibility. Even small tweaks can make a huge difference in landing your next opportunity.
Do you want to build your professional foundation in operations management - fast?
Coming soon, I’m launching a whole new style of program.
It will follow the syllabus of my incredibly popular Ops Management course but over an intense, structured 4 week period. Everyone will join and start at the same time. Each week you’ll study 2-3 modules, do the assessments and practice quiz and then we’ll finish the week with a live webinar from me.
I’ve not offered the course in this way before so register your interest now so I can keep you informed.
Operations Management Accelerator - Coming Soon
Register your interest here, and get $100 off the launch price!
https://hub.rowtonstraining.com/operations-management-accelerator-cohort-program-waitlist
Crack On!
Laurence Gartside
Founder, Rowtons Training
www.rowtonstraining.com
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