The UK is behind other countries in leadership, management and operations skills - with only a 33% skills proficiency in leadership and management skills, and 21% skills proficiency in strategy and operations skills. Extensive experience of leading teams in often pressurised environments, matched with great communications skills and knowledge of operations, makes veterans ideal candidates for operations roles and well-placed to fill critical skills gaps across UK industries.
WHAT DOES AN OPERATIONS MANAGER DO IN CIVVY STREET?
In general, Operations Managers optimise the productivity of a workforce or its activities in order to perform strongly. Operations Managers are an important part of almost any organisation to ensure the smooth running of the business. The role varies depending on the industry and organisation, but typically requires developing operations strategies, workflow management, resourcing, enforcing health and safety measures as well as recruiting and training new employees.
HOW MUCH DOES AN OPERATIONS MANAGER MAKE IN THE UK?
Operations Managers can expect to earn on average £46,000 to £57,000. As you climb the ladder to more senior roles, a Senior Operations Manager can expect to earn up to £80,000 and a Chief Operations Manager (or Chief of Staff) up to £160,000 per year.
WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE DO I NEED TO BECOME AN OPERATIONS MANAGER?
Operation Management roles tend to be advertised with a degree requirement - or the equivalent - in management, business administration or accounting. However, employers will often accept military experience in lieu of a degree, especially if you can bring a wealth of valuable military skills (especially soft skills) and experience to the job.
We would recommend gaining further qualifications such as the Prince2 Project Management certification to help you stand-out as a more competitive candidate and further skills and training can be acquired via our free online training platform.
Soft Skills
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Team skills - both as a team member or leader
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Strong written and oral communication skills
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Analytical and problem-solving skills
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Excellent interpersonal skills
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Flexibility and reliability
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The ability to multitask and prioritise
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The ability to understand complex problems, develop practical solutions and implement them
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Incident or crisis management, including Ops or Control Room experience
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Calmness under pressure
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Working in pressured environments
Hard Skills
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P30 Practitioner/PMP Certification OR Prince2 qualified
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Lean processes and continuous improvement - Six Sigma, 5S, TPM, SPC or SMED.
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IT skills
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Skilled at managing risk and crisis management
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Leadership and people management qualifications - MBA, CMI (Level 5 or above), ILM (Level 3 or above) or evidence from Leadership courses or qualifications in the Armed Forces (at all levels)
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Skilled at maintaining and improving quality standards
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Skilled at maintaining and improving health and safety standards
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Proven experience working to key performance targets
HOW DO I GET INTO OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT?
The opportunities within Operations Management are wide-ranging - with roles in logistics, to transportation, to leading a team in a Security Operations Centre. If you’re interested in becoming an Operations Manager, browse our latest employment opportunities. Or if you need further training and want us to keep your CV on hold, sign up and upload your CV today.
FORCES-FRIENDLY EMPLOYERS HIRING EX-MILITARY FOR OPERATIONS ROLES
Every company, charity and government organisation needs people with operational management skills, qualifications and experience. So target those companies that have:
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Pledged to support the Armed Forces. Search those who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant in ourDirectory of Forces Friendly organisations.
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Been recognised by the MOD with the award of a silver or gold Defence Recognition Award. These are also shown in our Directory.
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Offer training and/ or development programmes specifically aimed at ex-Services personnel.