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How to Become An Operations Manager

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What is a Operations Manager

An Operations Manager is the person who keeps a business running smoothly each day. They look after the making of goods and services across many teams. Their job is to lift output and cut waste while hitting the company’s targets. Almost every industry in Australia needs someone in this role.

Operations Managers set targets and manage budgets. They work with team leaders to spot and fix problems fast. They look at data to find where things can run better. They also handle staff reviews and help build strong teams.

Daily tasks include writing reports, approving budgets, and attending business meetings. They pick and manage senior staff to keep the right people in place. They may also speak for the business in talks and at key events. No two days look the same in this role.

Australia needs Operations Managers across many fields like healthcare, logistics, and retail. The median age in this field is about 45, showing room to grow over a long career. If you enjoy solving problems and leading people, this is a great path to explore. You can move from team leader all the way up to general manager.

Career Outlook for Operations Manager

A career as an Operations Manager is a great fit for people who enjoy leading teams. The typical person in this role is about 45 years old. This is a job you grow into over time. Most roles are full-time, with an average of around 49 hours per week (Labour Market Insights, 2025). Jobs are usually permanent, which means good stability and room to grow.

The job market for Operations Managers is steady across Australia. About 1,100 new jobs open each year as businesses grow and senior managers retire (Labour Market Insights, 2025). The jobless rate for this role is low, making it a safe career path. Demand is strong in healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and expert services.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Operations Manager

Step 1: Complete a Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (BSB40520) or a Business Degree

Start with the Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (BSB40520) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes 6 to 12 months full-time or up to 18 months part-time. It covers team leadership, workplace talk, and planning your day-to-day work. Or, a Bachelor of Business (Management) at a university takes 3 years full-time. It goes deep into finance, HR, and strategy, and most employers prefer it.

Step 2: Start in an Entry-Level Operations Role

Apply for roles like operations coordinator, team leader, or production supervisor. Spend at least 2 to 3 years building real-world experience. Learn how each team links to the rest of the business and how budgets work in real life. You need this base before you can run a team on your own.

Step 3: Complete the Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420)

Enrol in the Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes 12 months full-time or up to 2 years part-time. It adds skills in planning, finance, and staff review to your work experience. Many employers look for this qualification when hiring mid-level operations staff.

Step 4: Progress to a Supervisory or Operations Management Role

Apply for roles like Operations Supervisor or Assistant Operations Manager. Show that you can run budgets, lead teams, and fix work problems. Build a record of lifting results and cutting costs in your team. Most Operations Manager jobs need at least 5 years of combined study and experience.

Step 5: Consider the Advanced Diploma or an MBA for Senior Roles

For general manager or executive roles, look at the Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB60420). This is on offer at TAFE and RTOs across Australia and takes 12 to 18 months full-time. Or, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at a university takes 1.5 to 2 years full-time. Both open doors to director and executive-level jobs.

What does an Operations Manager do?

An Operations Manager’s day covers a wide range of tasks across planning and hands-on work. They start by looking at results data and fixing any issues that came up. Then they work with teams in finance, sales, and HR to keep things on track. They approve budgets, check on projects, and manage staff results throughout the day. They may also speak for the business in meetings or talks. Every day is different, which makes this role lively and rewarding.

Tasks

Operations Managers are busy every day. They keep the organisation running smoothly, manage people, and hit key targets. This role suits people who enjoy variety and can handle multiple priorities at once. Here is a look at what the day-to-day job involves.

  • Planning and Setting Objectives – Developing policies and performance standards to guide the organisation.
  • Daily Management – Directing teams to make sure the business runs efficiently and meets its goals.
  • Situation Assessment – Spotting changes and directing staff to adapt quickly.
  • Consultation – Working with department heads on methods, equipment, and resources.
  • Budget Approval – Approving funds for major projects and policy programs.
  • Representation – Acting as the business contact at events, negotiations, and public forums.
  • Reporting – Preparing and presenting reports, budgets, and forecasts to boards and stakeholders.
  • Staff Management – Selecting and reviewing senior staff to keep leadership strong.
  • Cross-Departmental Work – Managing accounting, sales, marketing, or HR as the role requires.

Skills for Success

To do well as an Operations Manager, you will need both people skills and tech know-how. Leadership tops the list as you will guide teams and make fast calls. Good communication helps you work with all parts of the business. You also need to stay calm under pressure and think clearly through problems.

Project management matters too, since you will juggle many tasks at once. A basic grip on finance helps you manage budgets and track spend. Being flexible and open to change is a must in fast-moving work. Skills in data tools and process improvement will help you stand out and move up.

Skills & Attributes

  • Strong leadership and team management skills
  • Clear communication at all levels of an organisation
  • Strategic planning and organisational ability
  • Problem-solving and confident decision-making
  • Financial literacy and budget management
  • Project management skills
  • Ability to analyse and improve processes
  • Adaptability in fast-changing environments
  • Customer and stakeholder focus
  • Knowledge of workplace health and safety laws
  • Proficiency in business software and data tools
  • Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
  • Time management and prioritisation under pressure
  • Understanding of supply chain and procurement practices
  • Ability to build and develop high-performing teams

Average Salaries

The average yearly pay for an Operations Manager in Australia is about $97,326 (source: PayScale, 2026). Pay starts at around $65,000 at entry level and can reach over $151,000 for senior roles. How much you earn depends on your field, company size, and years of experience.

min $65 K

max $151 K

av $97 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.