Top 5 Career Paths After an Operations Management Degree

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Manavta

19 September, 2025

Top 5 Career Paths After an Operations Management Degree

“Improvement usually means doing something that we have never done before.” – Shigeo Shingo

Continuous improvement is the road to excellence. Operations management is all about making sure that a business is running smoothly and efficiently. First of all, let’s talk about its stereotypes. Operations management is not about factory floors and dusty warehouses. It is the brain behind every smooth-running system. We shall make it simple for you. Operations Management makes the process smooth, from delivering your Amazon Prime order in just two days to keeping your social media feeds humming with fresh memes.

It is like the behind-the-scenes magic that makes the world work, and you are the magician. The product in your hands is the result of various processes working together to transform raw materials into their final form. Let’s explore operations management, various job roles, relevant skills, average pay scales, roles and responsibilities, etc., through this blog.

First Things First: What is Operations Management?

Operations Management is all about the efficient and effective production/delivery of goods and services. As an operations manager, you take care of various processes from planning and scheduling to quality control and inventory management. You need to think critically, solve problems, and make decisions quickly. Operations management is a booming field that offers endless opportunities for career growth across various fields. Depending on your skills, knowledge, and experience, you can enter the industry and secure your desired job type.

Career Prospects for Operations Management Graduates!

As per one of the articles published in The Times of India, the Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts that jobs for operations managers shall increase by 6% between 2020 and 2030. This growth is expected, as there is a growing demand for operations managers across various industries. If you are also thinking of making a career in this field, you can play an essential role in helping businesses to fulfil their needs and make things run smoothly.

Essential Skills for a Successful Career in Operations Management!

SkillsDescription
Analytical skillsAs an Operations Manager, you must know about analysing data and identifying trends to make informed decisions.
Problem-solving skillsCritical thinking is important for operations managers so that they can quickly and effectively solve complex problems.
Decision-making skillsOperations managers need the ability to make clear decisions, especially under pressure and tight deadlines.
Communication skillsGood communication skills are required to interact with employees, customers, and suppliers effectively.
Leadership skillsYou should have leadership skills to motivate and inspire teams, manage communication, and foster collaboration.

Apart from the skills we discussed above, here are a few more skills that individuals looking to work in the operations management business should have to excel in their careers: 


  • Project Management

  • Strategic Planning

  • Team Management

  • Process Optimisation

  • Quality Control

  • Data Analysis

  • Risk Management

  • Negotiation

  • Time Management

Exploring Careers & Job Titles in Operations Management!

When you are starting a career in operations management, it is important to know about the various jobs in this field. There are many different roles, and each requires its own specific skills. Depending on your interest, you can pursue a relevant course to equip yourself with the right skills and knowledge to work as a professional in this field and get your desired job role.

Operations Manager

As an Operations Manager, you will have multiple responsibilities, like overseeing the smooth flow of daily tasks to strategising for future efficiency. You shall lead and motivate the teams and ensure collaboration between them for a smooth workflow. Your primary role as an operations manager is to ensure efficiency, quality, and productivity while you streamline various processes involved in the business. Ultimately, the operations manager is the guardian of efficiency, the problem-solver, and the champion of smooth-running operations.

These are some of the main responsibilities of an operations manager:


  • Managing budgets and overseeing the financial expenditure in terms of loss, profits, etc.

  • Quality control to make sure customers receive the best services/products.

  • Overseeing daily tasks and their management for a smoother workflow.

  • Cross-department management for achieving business goals.

  • Strategising the best plans for cost-effectiveness and ensuring efficiency.

Supply Chain Manager

As a Supply Chain Manager, you shall oversee the flow of goods and materials from suppliers to customers. You should be able to negotiate with vendors and manage inventory levels. You also have to make sure that products are delivered on time. As a supply chain manager, you must ensure all supply chain processes are cost-effective, efficient, and align with the company’s goals. Supply chain managers oversee the entire process, from sourcing raw materials to delivering final products to customers.

These are some of the primary responsibilities of a supply chain manager:


  • Strategy and planning for enhanced efficiency and reduced costs

  • Managing relationships with suppliers/vendors

  • Inventory management for storage optimisation and stock level monitoring

  • Managing risk by identifying any disruptive factors

  • Coordination with different teams for boosted collaboration

  • Integrating technology and relevant tools for a better workflow

Production Manager

As a production manager, you are responsible for the manufacturing and production of goods in a factory or other manufacturing setting.You should be able to schedule production runs, manage quality control, and ensure that products are manufactured safely and efficiently.You have to ensure that products are produced following the best quality standards, within the set budget and allotted time period.

These are some of the primary responsibilities of a production manager:


  • Making production plans that meet the scheduled timelines

  • Managing manpower and other resources

  • Leading the team and training the staff for enhanced efficiency and productivity

  • Following all applicable compliance and regulations for the best output

  • Constant maintenance, upgradation, and repair of production equipment

  • Employing sustainable techniques and reducing any kind of waste

Logistics Manager

As a logistics manager, you are responsible for the transportation and storage of goods. You should know how to plan routes, negotiate with shipping companies, and track shipments. Logistics managers oversee the entire process of movement of goods or services from management and storage till distribution to the right place. Additionally, you must ensure that all processes are conducted within the timeframe for maximum output and cost-effectiveness.

These are some of the primary responsibilities of a logistics manager:


  • Look after warehousing, its operations, inventory, and storage

  • Management of inbound and outbound logistics

  • Maintaining coordination between suppliers, vendors, and logistics providers

  • Adhering to legal, regulatory, and safety compliance

  • Effective use of technology for enhancing service quality

  • Overseeing transportation and storage costs to maximize profits

Project Manager

The Project Manager makes sure that everything runs smoothly and the project is delivered well and on time. They function similarly to the captain of a ship. Project managers guide the team towards achieving the goals and objectives of the project. They start from defining the objectives of a project, assigning tasks, allocating resources, etc. Project managers also maintain external and internal communication to deliver the best outcomes. A project manager also looks after the evaluation of the performance of projects and implements any required changes.

These are some of the main responsibilities of a project manager:


  • Planning for different projects simultaneously, exploring the scope, and deciding timeframes, goals, and objectives

  • Execution and monitoring of tasks to resolve issues and manage risks

  • Completion of projects to achieve pre-defined goals and objectives

  • Breaking down projects into small, manageable tasks for team members

  • Managing resources, including budget and manpower productivity

  • Tracking the progress of different projects to ensure timely completion

Average Salary after Operations Management

Operations management offers various lucrative job opportunities for aspiring professionals.
Here is an overview of the average salary for five key job roles in the operations management sector.
These insights are based on AmbitionBox and Glassdoor. Note that pay scales may vary depending on location, company, experience, skills, and academic qualifications.

Job RoleAverage Salary Range (INR LPA)
Operations ManagerINR 6.5 – 17 LPA
Supply Chain ManagerINR 8.0 – 31 LPA
Production ManagerINR 6.9 – 17.4 LPA
Logistics ManagerINR 5.4 – 15.4 LPA
Project ManagerINR 9.6 – 26 LPA

Operations Management Courses: What to Pursue?

Suppose an individual is interested in working in the operations management field or starting their own venture in this sector. In that case, they need to pursue an academic qualification to gain the relevant skills and knowledge of the operations management sector. You can pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in this field for a long-term course. But if you are looking to gain these skills and knowledge in a shorter duration, you may pursue a diploma or certificate available offline or online platforms. Let’s have a look at such courses.

Long-term Programmes: (Offline/online mode)

Short-term Certifications (Online mode)


  • Operations Analytics Coursera

  • Supply Chain Management (Rutgers) Coursera

  • Operations Management A-Z: Business Processes and Systems: Udemy

  • Operations Research: an Active Learning Approach: edX

  • Driving Operational Performance: Coursera

  • Operations and Supply Chain Management: NPTEL + IIT Madras

  • Operations and Supply Chain Management: SWAYAM + IIT

Also Read: Operations Management: Which University Offers the Best Online MBA?

Takeaway

If you want to make a career in the field, then you can definitely go for it, as the possibilities are endless in the operations management field. You can explore various job roles, venture beyond the office walls, or start your business as an entrepreneur. You can work as an operations manager, supply chain manager, production manager, logistics manager, project manager, etc., which are usually the most preferred and well-paid job roles in this field. With the right skills and knowledge, you can effortlessly climb the ladder of success and build a successful career. Remember, your skills are a passport to a world of exciting careers.

Good luck!

FAQ’s

Q1. Is operations management field a good field to pursue a career in?

Yes, operations management is one of the most promising fields at present that offers various kinds of job opportunities with high pay scales. This sector is expected to grow rapidly in the coming times, and therefore, pursuing a career in operations management is highly beneficial.

Q2. What is the average pay scale you can receive while working in the operations management sector?

What you can earn in the operations management sector would depend on several factors, including academic qualification, skills and knowledge, experience, company, job role, industry, etc. However, the average pay scale may range between INR 3-25+ LPA.

Q3. What skills should you possess if you wish to work in the operations management industry?

Your skills and knowledge would be specific to the kind of job role in this industry. However, the general skills you should have if you wish to work in operations management are communication skills, project management, data analysis, risk management, negotiation skills, time management, analytical skills, problem-solving skills, etc.

Q4. Which industries can you venture into if you have a related degree or experience in operations management?

If you have a degree or experience in this field, you can enter various sectors like retail, IT, consulting, healthcare, IT services, manufacturing, etc.

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Manavta - Author

Manavta Journalism / Content writing / Copywriting

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With a Master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication and over six years of hands-on experience across journalism, PR, and content creation, Manavta Kaundinya brings both academic rigour and industry insight to her writing. At LR, she works on blogs, emailers, social platforms, editorial updates, educational campaigns and outreach initiatives. She is an enthusiastic person eager to help learners make informed choices aligning with their goals.

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