Operational roles cover various titles such as Operations Executive / Assistant, Supply & Logistics Executive, Project Manager, or Operations Manager. You may also see Customer or Sales Operation roles - these are specialist roles focusing on optimising specific teams.

Operational roles involve working with the wider business to ensure that administrative tasks are completed and that the business functions operate efficiently. Going on to implement the right processes and practices across the organisation, you’ll find yourself formulating strategy, improving performance, procuring material and resources, and securing compliance. Operations professionals tend to wear many hats and are highly cross-functional. You will be highly efficient and have a keen eye for detail and data whilst enjoying variety and problem-solving.

Depending on the industry, Operational roles can find you making phone calls, providing customer support, completing paperwork, organising the storage and distribution of goods, and ensuring the right products are delivered to the right location on time and at a good cost. You may also be involved in transportation, stock control, warehousing, and monitoring the flow of goods. In some businesses you could even work directly with the leadership team on strategy and growth, ensuring the business is set up to scale and succeed.

In some organisations, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will also be responsible for Finance, HR, and Office Management so you can find roles that also support these functions and can be heavily involved in the daily running of a business.

As people progress through an operations career roles can become more specialist or project-focused which means people who are highly agile in the way they work tend to suit a role in operations.