Operations managers play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of business processes and achieving organizational goals. Organizational effectiveness, competitiveness, and sustainability depend largely on the professionalism demonstrated by operations managers.

The level or quality of performance of the operations function of any business is the chief determinant of its shareholder value. 

To be successful, operations managers need to develop a range of skills that enable them to lead teams, manage resources, and drive continuous improvement. Here are some of the key skills operations managers need to develop:

 

1. Strategic Planning, Policy and Operations Planning Skills

Strategic planning, policy and operations planning skills are essential for operations managers to develop and implement plans that align with organizational goals.

Importance of Strategic Planning, Policy and Operations Planning Skills

Operations managers with strategic planning, policy and operations planning skills can help organizations:

– Improve Productivity: Effective strategic planning improves productivity and efficiency.

– Enhance Quality: Strategic planning enhances quality and reduces errors.

– Increase Competitiveness: Effective strategic planning increases competitiveness and market share.

 

2. People Management and Leadership Skills

People management and leadership skills are essential for operations managers to lead and manage teams and initiatives. Operations cover a broad range of areas such as the commercial team, manufacturing plant or production team, logistics team, transportation and shipping team, engineering and maintenance team, project team, procurement team, warehousing and storage team, technical/R&D team, supply chain team, quality team, regulatory compliance team, facility management team, etc.

Importance of People Management and Leadership Skills

Operations managers with people management and leadership skills can help organizations:

– Improve Productivity: Effective leadership improves productivity and reduces errors.

– Enhance Teamwork: Strong leadership skills enhance teamwork and collaboration.

– Increase Employee Engagement: Effective leadership increases employee engagement and motivation.

 

3. Communication Skills

Effective communication is critical in operations management. Operations managers must communicate effectively with employees, management, and other stakeholders.

Importance of Communication Skills

Operations managers with communication skills can help organizations:

– Improve Collaboration: Effective communication improves collaboration and teamwork.

– Reduce Errors: Clear communication reduces errors and improves quality.

– Increase Productivity: Effective communication improves productivity and efficiency.

 

4. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills are critical for operations managers to solve problems and make informed decisions.

Importance of Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Operations managers with analytical and problem-solving skills can help organizations:

– Improve Productivity: Effective problem-solving improves productivity and reduces downtime.

– Reduce Costs: Effective problem-solving reduces costs and improves efficiency.

– Enhance Quality: Effective problem-solving enhances quality and reduces errors.

 

5. Continuous Improvement Skills

Operations managers must be adept at designing, utilizing and optimizing business processes to maximize efficiency and achieve organizational goals and objectives.

Continuous improvement skills are critical for operations managers to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement changes.

Importance of Continuous Improvement Skills

Operations managers with continuous improvement skills can help organizations:

– Improve Productivity: Effective continuous improvement improves productivity and efficiency.

– Reduce Costs: Effective continuous improvement reduces costs and improves profitability.

– Enhance Quality: Effective continuous improvement enhances quality and reduces errors.

 

6. Risk Management Skills

Risk management skills are essential for operations managers to identify and mitigate risks associated with business processes.

Importance of Risk Management Skills

Operations managers with risk management skills can help organizations:

– Reduce Accidents: Effective risk management reduces accidents and injuries.

– Improve Productivity: Effective risk management improves productivity and efficiency.

– Enhance Reputation: Effective risk management enhances an organization’s reputation.

 

7. Project Management Skills

Project management skills are critical for operations managers to manage projects and meet deadlines.

Importance of Project Management Skills

Operations managers with project management skills can help organizations:

– Improve Productivity: Effective project management improves productivity and efficiency.

– Reduce Costs: Effective project management reduces costs and improves profitability.

– Enhance Customer Satisfaction: Effective project management enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.

 

8. Financial Management, Budgeting and Cost Control Skills

Financial management, budgeting and cost control skills are essential for operations managers to manage budgets and control costs.

Importance of Financial Management, Budgeting and Cost Control Skills

Operations managers with financial management, budgeting and cost control skills can help organizations:

– Reduce Costs: Effective financial management reduces costs and improves profitability.

– Improve Productivity: Effective financial management improves productivity and efficiency.

– Enhance Competitiveness: Effective financial management enhances competitiveness and market share.

 

9. Logistics and Supply Chain Management Skills

Logistics and supply chain management skills are essential for operations managers to manage supply chains and ensure timely delivery of products.

Importance of Logistics and Supply Chain Management Skills

Operations managers with logistics and supply chain management skills can help organizations:

– Improve Delivery Times: Effective logistics and supply chain management improves delivery times and reduces delays.

– Reduce Costs: Effective logistics and supply chain management reduces costs and improves profitability.

– Enhance Customer Satisfaction*: Effective logistics and supply chain management enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.

 

10. Quality Management Skills

Quality management skills are critical for operations managers to ensure that products meet quality standards.

Importance of Quality Management Skills

Operations managers with quality management skills can help organizations:

– Improve Quality: Effective quality management improves quality and reduces errors.

– Enhance Customer Satisfaction: Effective quality management enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.

– Reduce Costs: Effective quality management reduces costs and improves profitability.

 

Professional Certifications

Nigerian Institute of Production Management (NIPM) awards certifications that can help operations managers develop these skills, including:

■ Certified Operations Manager (COM)

■ Certified Operations Management Professional (COMP)

■ Certified Production Manager (CPM)

■ Certified Supply Chain Operations Manager (CSCOM)

■ Certified Supply Chain Management Professional (CSCMP) 

■ Certified Logistics Manager (CLM)

■ Certified Logistics Management Professional (CLMP)

About the Author

Dr. Olaniyi Opanuga, FNIPM

Professor of Supply Chain and Operations Management,

College of Production & Operations Management (COPOM) is a renowned expert in Production, Manufacturing, Logistics, Supply Chain, and Operations Management. He has extensive experience in operations management practice and has contributed significantly to the development of operations and supply chain professionals globally.