Kick start your leadership career with a stellar application!

You're the person in the know - the brains of the business. As an Operations Manager, you're in charge of making sure every part of the business process runs smoothly. Yes, you keep every cog turning on a daily basis. Whether you're an experienced leader or new to this diverse position, you need an Operations Manager CV that turns heads. Luckily, we've got you covered. Here's everything that you need to know.

Why do you need an Operations Manager CV?

Landing yourself an Operations Manager position is good for your bank balance. According to Payscale, these professionals earn an average of £35,745 per year. Of course, the salary you gain will ultimately depend on how many years of experience you have, the industry in which you work, and the specific expertise you're bringing to the table. 

The right CV will help you to get your foot in the door. Showing that you have the above qualities, along with an impressive amount of experience, is the way to go. First impressions count. Hiring managers spend a matter of seconds looking at every new CV that lands in their inbox. For that reason, you should learn how to perfect this document. 

What does an Operations Manager do?

Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of a business. You'll need to have an excellent level of communication, supreme organisation, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure. It's a tall order. Here are some of the main duties you may have: 

  • Recruitment and talent acquisition 

  • Communicating operational processes to staff members 

  • Training new team members 

  • Preparing budgets based on financial forecasting 

  • Developing and implementing new operational policies 

  • Ensuring compliance with safety measures and the law

To help you to get ahead in this field, you'll need to have a well-written Operations Manager CV that showcases your skill-set. Chances are, you will have a diverse range of talents if you're applying for this type of role. Don't be afraid to shout about them when applying. 

Elements should you include in your Operations Manager CV

Now that you know why it's important to create an excellent Operations Manager CV, let's delve into what it should include. The elements on this type of application follow a simple formula. To kick things off, here's exactly what you should put on the document: 

  • The CV header

  • The CV summary (aka profile or personal statement)

  • The CV skills section

  • The employment history section

  • The education section

Including all of the above means that your Operations Manager CV will have a clear and concise layout. As we've already established, the hiring manager may only look at your application for a few seconds. You need to make sure that they can glean all of the information that they need in that time. Since the above is a standard structure, it's what most recruiters expect to see. Stick to the classic sections - don't try to be different here.

Choosing the right format for your professional CV

Next up, you need to select the best format for your Operations Manager CV. The truth of the matter is that there are a few different approaches you can take. However, most of the time, the reverse chronological format works well. In plain English, that means that you start with your most recent details and work your way back. 

This rule applies to the education section and employment history section of your CV. It's effective, as it means that the hiring manager can quickly see your latest qualifications and work experience. Remember, you want to make things as easy as you can for them. 

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. If you're writing a CV for an Operations Manager role but you lack experience, you may want to opt for a functional format. This type of CV places more emphasis on your skills than your previous roles. If you're unsure where to start, it's worth taking a look at our complete CV formatting guide.

Writing a simple summary for your Operations Manager CV

When you're writing an Operational Manager CV, the most freeform section will be your summary. This part is sometimes called a profile or a personal statement. You know the drill here! It's a three-to-four sentence blurb that gives the recruiter a taste of you as a professional. It's quite likely that this is the first thing that the hiring manager will read. 

You should aim to pique their interest and let them know what your Unique Selling Point (USP) is. Consider what traits you have that other candidates may not. For example, have you worked for a large-scale business, such as Amazon? Do you have specific experience in managing teams of software developers? Have you got any additional training? Whatever it is that makes you special, now is the time to let the hiring manager know about it. 

Wherever possible, you should quantify your experience and accolades. That may mean saying exactly how many years of experience you have or adding in some statistics. Keep in mind that every sentence you include needs to add real value to your application. 

Example: 

“A highly-organised Operational Manager with over 10 years' experience. Previously worked at Amazon, implementing new processes that increased warehouse productivity by 13%. Enthusiastic about trialling innovative initiatives and enhancing overall staff efficiency.”

While there's certainly room for some creative flair in this section, don't make the mistake of wasting words. You want to keep your Operations Manager summary brief. If you're having trouble with that, miss out the “I,” “I am,” or “I have” from sentences. For more information and inspiration on writing this part, check out our professional guide now.

What CV skills to include for an Operations Manager job

Your skills section lets the hiring manager know what talents you have. When writing this part of your Operations Manager CV, you need to include a mixture of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are strictly technical and apply directly to the role for which you're applying. On the other hand, soft skills are less technical and relate to how you work with others. 

Not sure which skills to include on your Operations Manager CV? Here are some of the key skills you may want to consider: 

  • Leadership

  • Communication 

  • Data analysis

  • Budgeting

  • Decision-making 

  • Staff training

  • Strategic planning 

  • Plan implementation 

  • Risk analysis

  • Health and safety 

Avoid over-egging the pudding. You don't need a list of 20 skills when writing your Operational Manager CV. Instead, pick out no more than 10 talents that are unique to you. It's important to be selective about what you include within your job application.

Tips to make sure your Operations Manager CV stands out

Landing that all-important interview is about standing out from the crowd. Recruiters deal with loads of incoming applications. So, if you want to catch their attention, every little bit helps. Here are some of the ways that you can make your CV a cut above the rest: 

  • Use the right keywords

Many modern-day recruiters use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). The software ranks CVs by how well they meet the job criteria. By using the same words and phrases that you see in the job advert, you can increase your chances of beating the bots. 

  • Do your research first 

Operations Managers work across many different industries. Before you apply for a new role, take a moment to research the company at hand. You may want to look at their website, social media, and any news surrounding them. Tailor your CV accordingly. 

  • Proofread your CV

Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors can cost you dearly. When you've finished writing your Operations Manager CV, don't simply click “send.” You need to proofread it first. You can use a system - such as Grammarly - to pick up any obvious errors. 

  • Make it look attractive 

Looks matter when you're applying for jobs. You don't want to use an overly jazzy CV template. However, your professional CV should be appealing to look at. Keep it clear, simple, and easy-to-read for the best results. 

The takeaway 

Writing your professional operations CV doesn't have to be hard. Within this short and sweet guide, we've taken a quick look at the basics. Since this is a senior role, your application needs to reflect your ability to manage a team, oversee processes, and work to a reasonable timescale. Follow our advice and start putting together your CV now. 

Supercharge your application and give yourself the competitive edge. Check out our professional CV writing service. When you're ready to take your Operations Manager career to new heights, our team can give you the support and help you need.

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