How to become a business operations manager

Business operations managers oversee a company's daily operations, ensuring efficient workflows across departments. To become a business operations manager, you will need to complete the relevant education, gain work experience, and earn optional industry certification. Read on to discover everything you need to know about becoming a business operations manager.

What does a business operations manager do?

Business operations managers ensure that an organization runs smoothly. They develop business strategies, manage budgets, analyze data, and implement process improvements to achieve organizational goals.

Additionally, business operations managers monitor the performance of various departments, work with departments to ensure they collaborate on shared goals, ensure quality standards are met across all operations, and provide motivational team leadership. These professionals can be found in many industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail.

Steps to become a business operations manager

To become a business operations manager, you must earn a bachelor's degree and gain work experience in management. Earning a graduate degree and becoming certified are optional steps that may help you to break into the field or to advance in your career. Review the following steps to becoming a business operations manager:

Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree

Earning a bachelor's degree in business management, business administration, or a related field is vital to becoming a business operations manager. Some programs may offer concentrations in areas like supply chain management, entrepreneurship, human resources management, or international business, which can give you the opportunity to focus your studies on your industry of interest.

You might also consider choosing an undergraduate program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), but this is optional. Accreditation demonstrates that a program meets standards of quality and integrity, which some employers may prefer.

Step 2: Obtain work experience

Once you have completed your education, look for entry-level roles in operations management that can offer leadership opportunities. Managing human resources, overseeing supply chains, or working as an assistant to a senior business operations manager can give you the managerial experience you'll need to pursue management roles.

Step 3: Earn a graduate degree

After working for three to five years in operations management, consider earning a graduate degree. While this is optional, a master of business administration or related degree may help you qualify for higher-level business operations manager positions.

In a graduate program, you may encounter topics such as leadership, business administration, supply chain, and accounting. Programs accredited by the ACBSP are recommended but not required.

Step 4: Consider earning industry certification in operations management

Earning a certification is optional but may help you stand out in a competitive field.

Common certifications include Certified Operations Manager from the American Institute for Business Management and Communication, Certified Business Process Professional® from the Association of Business Process Management Professionals International, and Project Management Professional® from the Project Management Institute.

Earning a certificate can validate your skills in business operations management to current and future employers.

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Courses in business operations management on edX can help you start your career in business operations.