Many of the best operations managers start in business support. If you have experience as a PA, EA, office manager, or operations assistant, you may already have more of the right skills than you think. Operations management is a natural next step for professionals who enjoy improving processes, solving problems, and keeping things running smoothly.
In this guide, we cover what the role involves, the skills you need, and how to make the move into operations management.
What an operations manager does
An operations manager is responsible for making sure the day-to-day running of a business is efficient, organised, and effective. That can include overseeing processes, supporting teams, improving systems, managing resources, and helping senior leadership deliver business goals. Typically, the core idea is the same: operations managers keep the business working well behind the scenes.
Skills that matter
If you want to become an operations manager, the strongest starting point is usually your existing business support experience. PAs and EAs already use organisation, prioritisation, and communication skills every day, often while juggling competing demands.The next step is to start thinking at a wider level. Operations managers need to look beyond one person or team and understand how processes affect the whole business.
The most useful skills include:
- Organisation and process thinking.
- Communication and stakeholder management.
- Leadership and people management.
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
These are all skills that can be developed gradually through stretch projects, wider team responsibility, and exposure to decision-making.
What experience helps
You do not need to have “operations manager” on your CV already. A realistic path might be operations assistant, office manager, senior EA, or PA with wider project or team responsibility.
What matters most is the evidence that you have managed priorities, improved ways of working, or taken ownership beyond purely administrative tasks. Sector experience can help, but employers often care more about the quality of your experience than the industry it came from.
How to make the move
The most important step is to reframe your experience in operational language. Instead of only describing support tasks, focus on process improvement, coordination, stakeholder management, and business efficiency. Explore our blog here on how to rephrase skills in your CV. Also, if you are currently in a PA, EA, or office-based role, look for opportunities to get involved in projects that go beyond your usual responsibilities. It can also help to make your ambitions visible.
FAQs
How long does it take to become an operations manager?
Usually three to six years of relevant experience, depending on the role and business.
Can a PA or EA become an operations manager?
Yes. PA and EA experience often transfers well because it already involves organisation, communication, and problem-solving.
Do you need a degree to become an operations manager?
Not necessarily. Practical experience, transferable skills, and a track record of responsibility are often more important.
Next step
If you are thinking about moving into operations management, the best next step is to look for roles that build on your current strengths while stretching your remit. You can also explore current operations assistant jobs in London and read more about soft skills in the workplace and how to plan your career.
