As someone who has coached professionals for over 25 years, I know just how vital the role of an Operations Manager is to the success of any business. Operations Managers are the glue that keeps an organisation running smoothly. They oversee daily business activities, streamline processes, manage teams, and ensure that productivity and efficiency targets are consistently met. In short, they are responsible for ensuring the wheels of the business keep turning.
A typical Operations Manager job description includes responsibilities such as monitoring supply chains, overseeing budgets, implementing business strategies, and ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations. Salaries in the UK for Operations Managers can range anywhere between £40,000 to £80,000 per annum, depending on the size of the organisation, the sector, and the level of seniority. At more senior levels, particularly in London and other major cities, this figure can rise significantly.
So, if you’re aiming to land that next big role in operations, your CV must be more than just a list of duties. It should reflect your ability to lead, innovate, and deliver results. That’s where having an interview-winning cv template or cv example becomes essential.
why your operations manager cv matters
Your CV is your marketing brochure. It’s your chance to demonstrate to potential employers not only what you’ve achieved but how you’ve added value to your previous employers. Recruiters and hiring managers will often spend less than 10 seconds scanning a CV, so it needs to grab their attention straight away. For Operations Managers, this means showcasing leadership, problem-solving, strategic planning, and people management skills in a concise and compelling way.
key elements of an operations manager cv template
When working with clients, I encourage them to structure their CV around impact, not just activity. Here’s how you can create a professional and engaging cv template for Operations Manager positions:
Professional Profile – Begin with a powerful summary at the top. A short paragraph of 4–6 lines works best, where you highlight your key strengths, industry expertise, and leadership style. Use this to set the tone of your CV.
Core Skills – Insert a skills matrix or bullet-point section highlighting operational planning, process improvement, supply chain management, financial acumen, and team leadership.
Key Achievements – Employers love measurable results. Did you improve efficiency by 20%? Did you reduce operating costs? Highlight this with bullet points.
Career History – List your experience in reverse chronological order. Under each role, describe your responsibilities, followed by quantifiable achievements. Use action verbs like “spearheaded”, “transformed”, “implemented”, and “delivered”.
Education & Professional Development – Include degrees, relevant courses, and certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, Prince2, or any industry-specific training.
Additional Information – Languages, IT skills, and memberships to professional bodies can also add weight to your CV.
By following this structure, you can use any cv example as inspiration while tailoring it to your personal experience.
tips for graduates aspiring to operations management
If you’re just starting out, it can feel intimidating competing with experienced professionals. My advice is to emphasise transferable skills. Even if you don’t have direct experience, highlight leadership roles in university societies, internships, or part-time work where you managed teams or solved complex problems. Employers value attitude and potential, so craft your CV to demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and a hunger to learn.
Include keywords such as “operations support”, “administration”, or “business process improvement” where relevant. Using a structured cv template ensures your application looks professional even at entry level.
advice for middle management professionals
At mid-level, the emphasis should shift towards demonstrating tangible impact. Recruiters want to see evidence of how you’ve led projects, improved processes, or delivered savings. Ensure your CV shows progression – promotions, increasing responsibilities, and the ability to handle larger teams or budgets.
One effective technique is to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) within your CV bullet points. For example: “Reduced supplier lead times (Situation/Task) by negotiating contracts (Action), resulting in a 15% improvement in delivery times (Result).”
An effective cv example will always provide strong, quantifiable outcomes rather than vague descriptions.
advice for senior operations managers and directors
For senior-level candidates, employers are looking for strategic leadership, not just operational oversight. Your CV should highlight how you’ve influenced company-wide performance, driven change programmes, and created cultures of continuous improvement.
Make sure your professional profile positions you as a visionary leader, not just a manager. Reference your experience of board-level reporting, stakeholder engagement, and long-term business transformation. Use metrics such as turnover managed, size of teams, or value of budgets to demonstrate the scale of your influence.
At this stage of your career, your CV should read more like a business case for why you are the right person to lead operations at the highest level. Using a tried and tested cv template will help you present your achievements in a polished and compelling way.
the do’s and don’ts of an operations manager cv
Here are some golden rules I always share with my clients:
Do keep it concise – Two pages is the UK standard.
Do tailor your CV – Use the job description as a guide and mirror relevant keywords.
Do showcase results – Numbers, percentages, and measurable achievements are far more impactful than generic statements.
Do use professional formatting – A clear, structured cv template demonstrates organisation and attention to detail.
Don’t include irrelevant details – Personal hobbies, unless directly related to leadership, are unnecessary.
Don’t exaggerate – Employers will spot inflated claims during interviews.
Don’t rely on clichés – Avoid overused phrases like “hard worker” or “team player”; instead, prove it with examples.
Don’t forget the basics – Correct spelling, grammar, and formatting are non-negotiable.
final thoughts from jerry frempong
Crafting an Operations Manager CV that truly stands out requires focus, clarity, and the ability to communicate your unique value. Remember, your CV is often the first impression you give an employer. By using a well-structured cv template and studying a strong cv example, you’ll give yourself a clear advantage over other candidates.
Whether you’re a graduate stepping into operations for the first time, a middle manager aiming for progression, or a senior leader pursuing director-level opportunities, the same principle applies: demonstrate impact. Highlight how you’ve made a difference, and recruiters will want to meet you.
After 25 years of supporting professionals across the UK, I can tell you this – confidence comes from preparation. With the right CV structure, the right achievements, and the right presentation, you can transform your CV from being overlooked to being shortlisted.
Your next career opportunity is waiting, and your CV is the key to unlocking it. So take the time, follow these strategies, and you’ll be on the path to interview success.
