Career Guides Operations

Operations career path

5 roles in operations, ordered from entry level to executive. Each guide covers what the role owns, the skills employers screen for, and what the next step looks like.

The ladder

Progression is rarely strictly linear, but this is the common shape of a operations career.

Mid level 2–5 years

Business Analyst

The Business Analyst bridges the gap between business needs and operational solutions by gathering requirements, analyzing processes, and recommending improvements that drive efficiency and effectiveness. This …

Requirements gathering and documentation Process mapping and analysis
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Mid level 2–5 years

Project Manager

The Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and delivering projects on time, within scope, and on budget across the operations organization. This role requires strong …

Project planning and scheduling … Risk management and mitigation …
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Senior 5–8 years

Supply Chain Manager

The Supply Chain Manager oversees the end-to-end supply chain including procurement, logistics, inventory management, and vendor relationships to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of goods and …

Supply chain strategy and … Vendor management and contract …
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Lead / Director 8–12 years

Operations Director

The Operations Director leads the operational execution across multiple teams and functions, translating strategic objectives into efficient day-to-day processes and workflows. This role manages operations managers …

Team leadership and talent … Process design and continuous …
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Executive 12+ years

Chief Operating Officer

The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the business, translating company strategy into actionable operational plans. This executive …

Strategic planning and executive … Operational excellence and process …
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