Operations Manager
Makes an organisation run as efficiently as possible — deciding how to source raw material and what to produce at what cost, while maintaining quality.
Overview
An Operations Manager is responsible for creating the highest level of efficiency within an organisation. The operations department handles strategic issues like how to acquire raw material and how much to produce at what cost while maintaining quality control. One can work in Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM), which involves management of inventory through the supply chain; operations managers coordinate and develop new processes while re-evaluating current structures.
Where they work
- Financial institutions
- Hospitality
- IT firms
- News and media houses
- MNCs
- Corporate houses
- E-commerce companies
- Hospitals
- Retail stores
Work environment
You will work in a dynamic environment. It is important to make decisions promptly and adapt to changing circumstances. You will work in an office setup with support staff. It is usual to work long hours and on weekends.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are good at organizing and coordinating
- You like to pay attention to details
- You like to analyze things
- You enjoy solving problems
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream.
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree with specialisation in Operations.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree, followed by a Master's in Operations/M.B.A. for professional growth and specialisations.
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree with specialisation in Operations and then pursue a Certification/Diploma course, which can be pursued online alongside work.
Forms, exams and applications
For admission to a bachelor's degree the card names entrance examinations such as CET, SET and DU JAT; for a postgraduate degree it lists CAT, XAT, GMAT, SNAP, NMAT and CMAT. Which exam applies depends on the institute and programme, and exams, eligibility and dates change — check the official notification. Delhi University's undergraduate admissions now go through CUET (UG) rather than DU JAT — verify on the official website.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Management or Commerce. This list of institutes is indicative only. Please check if a private institute is affiliated and accredited with UGC before applying.
Government institutes
- Madras Christian College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Lala Lajpat Rai College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, New Delhi
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Indian Institutes of Management (located in various States/UTs)
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Christ University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Amity International Business School, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- NMIMS Deemed to be University, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Institute of Management Studies, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Loyola College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- XLRI, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Operations Coordinator
- 2Operations Supervisor
- 3Operations Manager
- 4Operations Controller
- 5Operations Director
Related careers to explore
Supply Chain Manager
In charge of every stage of an organisation's supply chain, from purchasing raw materials to production and storage.
Logistics Manager
Coordinates the storage, transportation and delivery of finished goods so that stock is maintained and moves efficiently.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Commerce, Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to leading.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Priya Balasubramaniam — An experienced technology executive with nearly 20 years in a range of senior procurement and operations roles at Apple. The source describes her as overseeing all core technologies operations and iPhone operations for the company, responsible for the iPhone manufacturing supply chain, quality and repair operations, and core components. She previously worked as an engineer for global industrial robotics supplier ABB. She holds a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from Bangalore University and an MBA in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 735 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=General_%2F_Operations_Manager/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Madras Christian College appears under government institutes; it is a privately managed, government-aided college. The card names 'SET' twice among undergraduate entrance exams; it is shown once here.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.