Let’s get straight to it – crafting a CV or resume for an Operations Manager position isn’t just about listing your past jobs. It’s about presenting a compelling story of your professional journey, showcasing your ability to steer the ship smoothly even in turbulent waters. Whether you’re a seasoned manager looking for a new challenge or stepping into the operations realm for the first time, your CV needs to reflect your capability to manage processes, people, and projects efficiently. In this article, we’re diving into the essentials of writing an Operations Manager CV, peppered with practical examples to illuminate the path. No jargon, no fluff – just straightforward, actionable insights to help you build a CV that speaks volumes about your operational prowess.
Contents
Read The Job Description / Advert
The first step is, of course, to read the job description. We need to know what the firm is looking for so that we can properly highlight these characteristics in our CV. So read back over the job description and try to pinpoint the important points. A lot of times a firm will call things “required”; if you see this, you need to make sure you include that in your CV. Similarly, if certain things are repeated throughout the advert, this indicates they are of high importance, so we will want to make sure our CV shows that as well.
When performing this analysis, take care to copy the ‘exact’ words and phrases that are being used by the hiring manager. We will want to pepper these into our CV later.
Operations Manager Job Description Example
Join Our Team: Seeking a Dynamic Operations Manager
Are you a strategic thinker with a knack for streamlining operations and leading teams to success? We want you on our team! Our company, a leader in [Industry], is on the hunt for a seasoned Operations Manager to steer our operational helm towards efficiency and growth.
In this pivotal role, you’ll be the driving force behind optimizing our day-to-day operations, ensuring that our processes are as smooth and efficient as they can be. From managing staff and overseeing project development to ensuring customer satisfaction and implementing strategic operational changes, your work will directly impact our company’s trajectory and bottom line.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement operational policies to improve organizational performance
- Oversee project management to ensure timely delivery and budget adherence
- Manage team members and departments to ensure productivity and morale
- Ensure customer satisfaction by optimizing customer-service processes
- Analyze operational performance data and implement necessary improvements
- Work closely with the leadership team to align operational strategy with business goals
- Manage budgets, forecasts, and reports on operational performance
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience in an operations management role, preferably within [Industry]
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to make informed, strategic decisions
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Proficiency in project management and operational analysis
- Ability to manage, guide, and lead employees to ensure appropriate operational processes are being adhered to
- A problem-solving mindset with a keen eye for detail and a focus on ensuring high levels of accuracy and results
Why Work With Us:
- Be a part of a vibrant team that values collaboration and innovative thinking
- Enjoy a supportive work environment that prioritizes your well-being
- Engage in work that is both challenging and rewarding
- Explore opportunities for professional development and career progression
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to the success of our dynamic team, we’d love to learn more about you. Let’s create, innovate, and lead the [Industry] together to new heights!
Research The Company
Time to put on your detective hat and do some research on your target company. Look at their website, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms. You are looking for any piece of intel that will give you the leg up.
- Find out about recent work/projects they have undertaken or will be embarking on (highlight your experience in these areas on your CV)
- Find out what software/processes they use and make sure you include your proficiency in them in your CV
- Learn what interview questions you might expect should you make it that far
See if you know anyone who works there and/or connect (LinkedIn) with people ahead of the interview. A little nepotism could never hurt, and you might be able to glean more information about the role/hiring process in the meantime.
Find A Good CV Template
When selecting a CV template, it’s essential to opt for a simple design and structure. Not only are straightforward layouts more compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), but they also make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to quickly identify and understand key details. A clutter-free and organized CV ensures that your most important information stands out, facilitating a smoother review process for potential employers.
This is the CV template that we recommend (click here)
Write 2 Or 3 Bullet Points As A ‘Professional Summary’
A handy approach is to craft three sentences: the first highlighting your qualifications and experience, the second showcasing your biggest professional achievement, and the third detailing your most recent experience.
Operations Manager Professional Summary Example
- With over 12 years of experience in the operational field, I hold an MBA in Operations Management and a certification in Project Management Professional (PMP), underpinning a solid foundation in strategizing and optimizing various operational processes across multiple industries.
- Successfully spearheaded a cross-functional team that enhanced operational efficiency by 30% through the implementation of lean methodologies and automation, while simultaneously reducing operational costs by 20% in a well-established manufacturing firm.
- Recently managed a team of 50+ individuals in a fast-paced tech startup, overseeing the seamless execution of over 100 projects, ensuring they were delivered on time, within scope, and budget, while also playing a pivotal role in establishing and refining operational processes to bolster scalability and sustainability.
Detail Your Employment History
Begin by listing your employment history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. This allows potential employers to see your recent experience upfront, which holds greater value. Keep in mind that brevity is key.
As you go further back in time, reduce the level of detail to ensure your CV doesn’t exceed two pages. Employers are less likely to read lengthy CVs.
When jotting down your responsibilities on your CV, especially as an Operations Manager, make it a point to weave your achievements into them, instead of merely listing them. Instead of saying “Managed the operations team,” you might say “Led a team of 20, increasing operational efficiency by 25% through strategic process improvements and staff development.” This not only shows you were in charge but also demonstrates the positive impact you had in that role. It tells your potential employer not just about your responsibilities, but also your capabilities and accomplishments. So, remember to highlight the outcomes of your responsibilities, showcasing your expertise and the value you bring to the table. It’s not just about what you did, but how well you did it.
Detail Your Education History
Keep your CV concise, aiming for a two-page limit. The education section can often be streamlined.
Highlight the most relevant qualifications. For instance, if you have a degree, your A-levels become less significant. Similarly, if you’re in the U.S., having an MBA overshadows your high school GPA.
Unless an older educational milestone is crucial for the job or highly pertinent, focus on showcasing your Bachelor’s degree, post-graduate studies, or professional certifications. If you lack these, mention your latest qualifications. Remember, having a Master’s suggests you’ve finished school, so no need to state the obvious. Only include your educational background if it’s pertinent to the job.
CV Structure
Tactically structure your CV to the ‘most wanted’ attributes of the job description. For example, if the job description values “qualified”, then place your qualifications first; if they want someone with RECENT experience, put your last job up top. If they want multiple years of experience, highlight your tenure.
We always recommend that you have a Professional Summary up top (after your name/contact info), as it will be the first thing that anyone reads. As discussed earlier, this should be tailored towards the job advert and showcase your experience and skills in what the employer is looking for.
A fairly typical structure would go:
- Name and contact info
- Professional Summary
- Current (or most recent employment)
- Education & Professional Qualifications
- Employment History
WHAT NOT TO DO
Now that we’ve discussed what you should be including in your CV, let’s look at some things that you should avoid doing.
- Do not include personal history or likes. Employers are not going to care about your hobbies, so unless you have some inside information that the hiring manager only hires people who play a particular sport, for example, then leave your extracurricular activities off your CV. This does not extend to things like volunteer or charity work. Definitely include that if you have the space.
- Do not list your skillset and the tools/applications you have experience with. It takes up valuable space and is often obvious (Skilled in Excel…?). Instead, include these in your achievements section (Example: “Used Asana to manage and coordinate tasks for a remote team of 25 members”).
- Do not include references or “references available on request”. If employers want a reference, they will ask you for them; otherwise, this is just wasted space on your CV.
- Do not include a photo of yourself unless specifically asked. In many countries, including the UK and US, you should not include a photo of yourself on your CV/resume. Companies don’t want you to do it, as it opens them up to liability, and there is absolutely nothing for you to gain by doing so – plus, you are making it easier for firms to discriminate against you, either implicitly or explicitly.
- Do not use any fancy graphic or artistic CV format. Most CVs come in a standard format, allowing Application Tracking Software, recruiters and hiring managers to easily pick out the key pieces of information they need quickly based on their experience. If you throw them a CV in an artistic format, they are more likely to get annoyed and throw your application away. This is not a situation where standing out is good. You want your skills/experience to be noted, not your CV format.
- Do not include your previous salaries. This will severely impact your negotiation abilities down the line.
Operations Manager CV Tips – Recap
Highlight Your Leadership Skills 🚀
An Operations Manager is often seen as a leadership role. Ensure to spotlight instances where you’ve led teams, projects, or initiatives successfully. Mention how your leadership positively impacted the project or the team. Use specific examples and, if possible, quantify them with metrics to provide a clear picture of your leadership style and its results.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities 🧠
Operations Managers are often thrown into the deep end when it comes to problem-solving. Your CV should highlight your ability to navigate through challenges and implement effective solutions. Provide examples of when you’ve identified a problem, formulated a solution, and the positive outcomes that resulted from it.
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking 🌐
Your ability to strategize and plan effectively is crucial in an Operations Manager role. Ensure to illustrate your strategic thinking by providing examples of when your planning and strategy led to positive outcomes for your team or company. This could be in the form of cost-saving, time-saving, or implementing a new system that improved operational efficiency.
Include Relevant Certifications and Qualifications 🎓
While your experience is vital, showcasing relevant certifications and qualifications can also give you an edge. Mention any courses or certifications that are relevant to the role of an Operations Manager, such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
Use Metrics to Validate Your Achievements 📊
Whenever possible, use numbers to validate your achievements. Instead of saying “improved operational efficiency,” say “enhanced operational efficiency by 20% through implementing lean methodologies.” Metrics provide a clear and concise way to showcase your impact in a tangible way.
Tailor Your CV to the Job Description ✂️
Ensure your CV is not a one-size-fits-all document. Tailor it to align with the requirements of the job you’re applying for. Highlight experiences and achievements that are most relevant to the new role and make sure they are prominent on your CV.
Operations Manager CV Sample
Below is an example CV from someone with a number of years experience in the field. For an editable .DOCX version, click here.
