What is the difference between operations and supply chain?

Supply chain focuses on moving goods and materials from suppliers to customers. Operations is broader and covers how the whole organisation delivers its work. The two overlap a great deal, and many roles include both.

Do I need a specific degree?

Not always. People enter operations from business, engineering, logistics and many other backgrounds. Practical experience and a record of improving processes are often valued highly.

Which skills help operations staff progress?

Planning, data skills, problem solving and the ability to coordinate different teams are commonly valued. Over time, knowledge of quality methods and project management can support a move into management.

Career guide

How to start a career in operations and supply chain

Operations teams make sure an organisation runs smoothly every day. They plan resources, manage stock and suppliers, improve processes and solve problems before they reach customers, in sectors from logistics and retail to manufacturing and healthcare.

The field suits practical people who like to organise, improve how things work and keep calm when plans change. Employers often value strong spreadsheet skills, clear communication and an eye for waste or delays.

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What the work looks like

Planning schedules, shifts, deliveries or production runs
Monitoring stock levels and coordinating with suppliers
Tracking performance measures and spotting delays early
Improving processes to reduce errors, cost or waiting time
Coordinating with sales, finance and customer service teams

First roles

Operations assistant or coordinator
Logistics or supply chain coordinator
Inventory, purchasing or procurement assistant
Planning or scheduling assistant

How to start

Learn how goods, information and money flow through a typical business.
Build spreadsheet skills for tracking and reporting, and test them with the Excel test.
Check your foundations with the operations management test or the supply chain management test.
Study operational planning and simple process improvement methods.
Look for experience in warehouses, retail, events or logistics, even part-time.
Show improvements you made and their effect in a CV built with the CV builder.

Skills employers look for

Prove these with a free test, or read the guide for each one.

Operations ManagementFree test Guide
Supply Chain ManagementFree test Guide
Operational PlanningFree test Guide
Quality AssuranceFree test Guide
Resource ManagementFree test Guide
Controlling & MonitoringFree test Guide

Your CV for each market

Common questions

What is the difference between operations and supply chain?: Supply chain focuses on moving goods and materials from suppliers to customers. Operations is broader and covers how the whole organisation delivers its work. The two overlap a great deal, and many roles include both.
Do I need a specific degree?: Not always. People enter operations from business, engineering, logistics and many other backgrounds. Practical experience and a record of improving processes are often valued highly.
Which skills help operations staff progress?: Planning, data skills, problem solving and the ability to coordinate different teams are commonly valued. Over time, knowledge of quality methods and project management can support a move into management.