Business & Office

How to become an Operations Manager

From supervisor: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

4–7 years

Typical pay

$75k–$105k

Starting from

Supervisor

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from supervisor and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   3–5 years

   Build a track record in the function

   Warehouse, service or production — ops managers come from inside.

2. 2

   Learn process improvement

   Lean and Six Sigma give you the vocabulary and the toolkit.

   Course that covers thisGet Your Lean Six Sigma White Belt Certificate in 2 HoursUdemy · around $19.99 →
3. 3

   1–2 years

   Take a supervisor role

   Own headcount and a budget before you own a department.

   Course that covers thisPMP Practice Tests 2026: Project Management ProfessionalUdemy · around $19.99 →
4. 4

   Get fluent in the numbers

   Cost per unit, throughput, margin. Ops is judged on the P&L.

   Course that covers thisUltimate Microsoft Excel Bundle from Beginner to AdvancedUdemy · around $19.99 →
5. ✓

   Destination

   Operations Manager

   Browse jobs now →

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