How to Write a Powerful and Memorable Operations Manager Resume + Examples

Simone Feagen

Small Business Consultant and Career Mentor

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Forget dusting off the old resume- start with a new and improved version of a professional Operations Manager Resume. A refreshed resume is the best way to improve your eligibility for new openings. You can also show off some unique skills or experiences that you’ve acquired since writing your old resume. Check out some interesting techniques for making a memorable resume below – one that will get you a seat at the table!

The Demand of Operations Managers

According to BLS

About 247,100 openings for top executives are projected each year, on average, over the decade.”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Many of the projected openings will likely come from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force. So, it is evident that the demand for operations managers isn’t going anywhere. In fact, a world without Operations Managers would make it very difficult for companies to excel.

Operations Managers are the ones who handle all the unseen jobs that keep organizations running smoothly. They work to solve problems before others have even noticed them. Outside of the incredible problem-solving skills that are necessary to be successful at this job, there is a range of other advanced skills and knowledge that indicate success at this role. Therefore, not just anyone can cultivate a profitable career as an operations manager.

Operations Manager Duties

As the job title explicably says, an Operations Manager is responsible for the overall management of a company’s operations. They oversee all aspects of the production process, including inventory management, cost control, and scheduling. They posses a high level of organization and strong communication skills.

In being responsible for tasks that are related to the operations of a business, operations managers usually:

• Manage day-to-day operations
• Keep employees motivated and engaged
• Create and execute strategies to maintain an effective workflow
• Manage complex teams and projects
• Create work plans and agendas
• Have a hand in most elements of manufacturing

So as you begin to write your summary, keep in mind that your operations manager resume should have some of these qualities displayed through a strong portfolio of experience.

What is the Difference Between an Operations Manager Resume & Curriculum Vitae (CV)?

A curriculum vitae (CV) is a document which provides detailed information about your

• Skills
• Experience
• Achievements
• Education and Training
• Other activities

While the CV is intended to be a comprehensive document that describes the candidate’s previous employment, education, and training, a resume is not intended to provide that level of detail. Resumes also use less space and tend to be tailored towards highlighting your qualifications for a particular job opening.

Often hiring managers and employers ask for a resume, but if you are asked for a CV, then here is a guide to help craft a CV.

Formatting

Formatting an Operations Manager Resume is the first step of the overall resume creation process. There are many different formats to choose from so it is best to find the most suitable one based on the industry you are planning to work in. Despite changes in industry or job title, all job searchers should go through the same thought process for formatting resumes. Things to think about are:

• Create or use a nicely designed template
• Plan the length of your resume
• Choose the correct font and font size
• Differentiate between headers and body text
• Make sure there is a lot of white space

Different Types of Resume Formats

The main types of resumes are chronological, functional, and combination.

• A chronological resume format lists your past work experience in reverse order by date or time.
• A functional resume format focuses on your skills rather than previous work experience.
• A combination resume format combines a chronological and functional resume format by listing skills and achievements first, followed by work experience.

More often than not, your best bet would be to use a chronological resume format. However, if you are a recent graduate, then a functional resume format may be best. Additionally, if you are changing careers then a combination resume is more purposeful.

Operations Manager Resume Summary/Objective

The Operation Manager resume summary or objective statement is typically at the top section on any resume. It is a short and concise summary of what you’ve accomplished, and how you plan to bring that into your next job role. Objective statements should be written in the present tense, with an active voice.

They should not use any words that are vague or ambiguous, such as “seeking,” “wanting,” or “looking for.” Instead, they should focus on what you can do for the company that is hiring for this position. Usually this is a chance to show how your skillset is related to the role in question.

Achievements to Include in a Resume Summary

As mentioned earlier, when listing achievements in your operations manager resume summary, it is important to use action verbs that are specific and elude confidence. Below are worthy operations manager resume examples to include in a summary:

Operations Manager Summary Sample

Here is an operations manager summary template that puts it all together.

Accomplished Operations Manager with exceptional abilities in operations management and business leadership. Improves processes continuously by monitoring activities, identifying root causes, and incorporating new technologies and optimal practices. Results-driven leader with skills in strategic planning and process optimization. Led company expansion 18%- Improved customer service 60%- Through development of mobile app Increased revenue by 25%

Work Experience

Operations manager resumes usually focus on experience relating to operations management or a different senior level position requiring similar skill sets. To format your resume correctly, it is best to use a chronological layout with three or four lines of information per job title. This format makes it easy for employers to get an overview of your work history while also getting more detailed responses on specific positions.

Work History Example:

Suntuity Solar
Operations Junior Manager 
May 2018- December 2021

Improved employee production by 50%

Increased revenue by 25%

Decreased customer complaints about product quality from 12 to 8

Decreased customer complaints about shipping issues from 18 to 4

Maintained a 95% on-time delivery rate

Note that in this template, the owner of the resume was sure to include measurable, quantifiable achievements.

What If My Previous Job Titles Weren’t Exactly “Operations Manager”?

It is very common for people to apply to jobs that don’t have the exact same job title as the job they just left. Many times, job titles differ, yet they do the same day-to-day tasks. So, when trying to figure out which job titles to use, compare the usual tasks, skills, and goals associated with the job. If there is a very close match, then add it to your operations manager resume template.

Similar Roles to Operations Manager:

• Director of operations
• Project manager
• Operations coordinator
• Assistant operations manager
• Operations analyst
• Operations supervisor

Building Your Skills Section

Depending on the type of resume you are building, your skills section could play a vital role in your chances of becoming an operations manager. As you navigate creating this section on your operations manager resume template, you should first be sure you understand the difference between soft and hard skills and why each are important.

Soft vs Hard Skills

In the past, employers have been heavily focused on technical skills as an indicator of success, but now the tables are turning. Yes, technical skills are still important. However, soft skills have become just as important as one’s ability to work a particular software or operate a machine. So when you write your resume, you should be sure to include a good combination of the two. To do that, first you must learn what each of them entail.

As mentioned earlier, employers are very interested in your both soft and hard skills. For example, a toxic Operations Manager that has excellent skills in Strategic planning, but has a history of 40% employee turnover might not be an ideal candidate selection for an employee-centered organization. The high turnover could be representative of poor leadership and emotional intelligence skills.

Common Skills for an Operations Manager Resume

Careers in the Operations field often involve managing and coordinating projects, supplies, vendors, and customer needs. Operations managers are needed to set up systems for these services. Operations managers have to be good at time management, organization, and multitasking. To build a resume for the operations manager position, it is important to highlight skills that will make you stand out from other applicants.

Additional skills include:

• Tech-savvy
• Planning and Organizing
• Delegation
• Coordination
• People skills
• Negotiation
• Active Listening
• Awareness of customer needs

While it is important to know what skills are common so you know what skills to highlight, it is also important that you look at the job description. As you include a list of 5-10 skills, it is vital to make sure that you include skills from the job description so your resume shows you are a very close match for the job.

The Education Section

The Education section in a resume is what can be used to showcase your academic achievements, involvement with clubs and organizations, and internships or work experience. Be sure to also include awards, deans list achievements, thesis topics, and lead cornerstone projects. This section is especially important for current students and recent graduates.

Here is an example:

National University 
May 2018
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
3.72 GPA

Awards and Honors
Summa cum laude
Business Intern of the Year
Linda Lawson Memorial Scholarship 2014-2018

Certifications
Operations & Information Management Certificate
Certificate in Operations and Supply Chain Management

If you are not a recent graduate, and you already have work experience, then this section is technically just a formality. You should include your highest degree, the school you graduated from, what years you attended, and any certifications.

Don’t Forget About the Cover Letter

Often your resume will be accompanied by a cover letter. So once you’ve finished drafting a bulletproof resume, it is not time to relax. It is time to write your cover letter. Many candidates miss out on opportunities by not submitting a cover letter. In some cases the ATS may even reject your application for not having one. So take it from me. Though it may be taxing to write a cover letter after spending hours on your resume, it is completely necessary.

As you begin to write the cover letter, keep in mind that it should be targeted towards the position. Additionally, it should emphasize how you fit with the company’s culture, and why you think you will be successful. Mention what sets you apart from other applicants to make sure that your application stands out among others.

From a design standpoint, your resume and cover letter should match. The content and format, however, is a little different. A general cover letter template contains:

• Your contact information
• A salutation and greeting
• An introduction of yourself and your interest in the company and position
• What skills and previous experience qualifies you for the position
• A call to action

Pro Tip: Update your LinkedIn profile consistently, it is a great extension of your cover letter.

FAQ- Resumes for Operations Manager

Now that we’ve made it through the resume writing process and reminded you about drafting a cover letter, it is time to talk about any unresolved questions you may have.

Word vs PDF Resume

The primary document types used to create resumes are PDF and Word. The type of document you choose will depend on the job you’re applying for. Most people prefer using PDF because it’s a universal file type and cannot be altered .

PDF files are easy to distribute. They can be uploaded to job boards and sent through email and text message. They also tend to be superior because PDFs usually keep formatting better than a resume on a word document. Therefore, there is less of a chance that they will be rejected when screened by ATS software.

What exactly is an ATS-friendly resume?

Application tracking system software is designed to manage the recruitment and hiring process for employers with less time. Applicants typically apply to a job by submitting their resume and any other information such as cover letter, work samples, or other qualifications. Then the system breaks down resume sections and scans for keyword relevancy. Its primary goal is to weed out unqualified candidates so that hiring managers don’t have to.

As mentioned earlier, the best formatted resume will be in a .pdf format, with clear and concise descriptions of the applicant’s qualifications. These descriptions should be sure to include keywords from the job description. Additionally, ATS software is not built to interpret the meaning of formatting styles like italicized text, bold headers, or underlined text. Therefore, paying attention to formatting helps go a long way.

Summing up the FAQ

• Include all names and contact information in the top of the resume to make it easy for recruiters to identify who they are sending their resume to.
• Use keywords that are relevant to what they are applying for in order to increase their chances of passing through the ATS software.
• Keep the resume concise, around one page. That way, it is easy for recruiters to scan through multiple resumes at a time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, building a tailored resume for operations manager is an essential part of the job application process. The first way employers meet you is through your resume. So, it is not an aspect that can be skipped or half-done.

Rare Unicorns are not easy to find but companies do have a way of identifying them. So take writing your resume seriously as it is the gateway to a promising career – the promising career that you’ve worked for.