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Operations is the core function of any business. Many MBA students, particularly from mechanical engineering backgrounds, see this as a natural progression to their professional careers. But it is just not about them. People with non-technical backgrounds can also pursue a career in Operations.

The goal of operation management is to deliver the product in the correct quantity, at good quality, at the right time, and at an acceptable cost. To fulfil this goal, the discipline of operations management brings in a lot of job roles with crucial responsibilities for the smooth functioning of businesses and making businesses more competitive by materialising ideas to reality like the 2-day delivery of Amazon.

Supply Chain Analytics Manager

First up is Supply Chain Analytics managers. These professionals are concerned with strategically using data analytics in supply chain operations to make informed decisions. They lead a team of analysts to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Technological advancement, Data Analytics, and AI have given birth to this role. Companies that have leveraged this, like UPS Logistics, have seen increased efficiency and profitability. The role of a Supply Chain Analytics manager is very high in demand, and only a few people have expertise. Making the salaries very lucrative for this role.

Here is a table about key responsibilities, skill sets required, top hiring companies, and average package for a Supply Chain Analytics Manager:

Responsibility	Analysing large datasets to extract insights, identify patterns, and develop predictive models. collaborating with senior management to define strategic direction for analytics initiatives within the supply chain. evaluating and implementing advanced analytics tools, software, and technologies to support data-driven decision-making. collaborating with cross-functional teams, including supply chain, operations, finance, and IT, to understand business requirements, define analytics objectives, and communicate insights effectively.
Skill Set Required	Analytical Skills, Statistics Proficiency, Knowledge of Data Analytics Tools and Software, Supply Chain Knowledge, Leadership & Team Management,
Top Hiring Companies	Tredence, Amazon, General Mills, Flipkart, etc.
Average Package	27 LPA

Operations Manager

The second is an Operations Manager. The operations manager's role is to ensure the smooth functioning of an organisation's operations by overseeing various aspects of it by managing production, logistics, supply chain, and other functions.

An operation manager is equipped with all the knowledge of the operations domain and is a much more general role than a specialised role.

Here is a table about key responsibilities, skill sets required, top hiring companies, and average package for an Operations Manager:

Responsibility	Designing, implementing, and improving operational processes and procedures to increase efficiency, productivity, and quality. Identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement and implementing solutions to streamline operations. ensuring optimal resource utilization and capacity planning to meet production or service delivery targets. identifying trends, deviations, and areas for improvement and taking corrective actions when necessary. providing leadership and guidance to the operations team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Skill Set Required	Leadership and Management skills, Problem-solving and analytical skills, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Financial Acumen, and knowledge of operations software and systems.
Top Hiring Companies	Amazon, Wipro, TATA motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, etc.
Average Package	8 LPA

Logistics Manager

Thirdly Logistics Manager, The role of a logistics manager is to monitor the movement and storage of goods within a supply chain. They are responsible for ensuring the products are delivered on time while minimising costs.

The scope of logistics is not only limited to logistics companies like DHL but also to any goods-producing company like HUL or Asian Paints, and with the increase in e-commerce platforms and companies like Amazon and Flipkart.

Last Mile Delivery is one of the growing demands in the current market, and firms need managers who can perform this job well and are willing to pay handsome salaries to these folks.

Here is a table about key responsibilities, skill sets required, top hiring companies, and average package for a Logistics Manager:

Responsibility	coordinate with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to ensure smooth flow of goods and materials throughout the supply chain Managing transportation activities like selecting carriers, negotiating contracts, and optimizing transportation routes to minimize costs and deliver goods on time monitoring and control of inventory levels to prevent stockouts as well as excess inventory. Implementation of strategies to optimize inventory turnover and effectively utilizing storage space. Warehouse operations like receiving, storage, order fulfillment, and shipping.
Skill Set Required	Supply Chain Knowledge, Problem-solving and analytical skills, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Negotiating and contract management, Technological Profeciency
Top Hiring Companies	Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Decathlon, ITC, etc.
Average Package	9 LPA

Quality Control Manager

A manufacturing firm is bound to produce goods at an acceptable quality to serve its customers better and stay competitive in the market. The person who ensures that the goods are produced of the desired quality and meets the required quality standards is the Quality Control Manager.

Here is a table about key responsibilities, skill sets required, top hiring companies, and average package for a Quality Control Manager:

Responsibility	Developing and implementing quality control systems and procedures to ensure that products and services meet established quality standards and customer expectations. Conduct regular inspections of raw materials, production processes, and finished products to check defects investigating and analysing product defects to identify root causes and develop strategies for prevention or resolution of occuring defects. collaborating with suppliers and vendors to establish quality requirements, conducting supplier audits, and ensuring the consistent delivery of quality materials and components.
Skill Set Required	Quality Management Knowledge, Problem-solving and analytical skills, Technical Expertise, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Continuous Improvement Mindset, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Abilities.
Top Hiring Companies	TATA Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, HUL, Pepsico etc.
Average Package	17 LPA

Production Planning and Control Manager

Lastly, A Production Planning and Control (PPC) Manager. A PPC Manager plans, schedules, and monitors production activities to achieve timely and cost-effective production and delivery of products.

As it sounds, it is a fascinating job, but also a very responsible one. The goal of a PPC manager is to produce the products according to the demand while minimizing the cost and optimizing the use of resources. He is responsible for demand forecasting, capacity planning, inventory management, supplier relationship management, etc.

Here is a table about key responsibilities, skill sets required, top hiring companies, and average package for a Quality Control Manager:

Responsibility	developing a production plan based on demand forecasts, sales orders, and inventory levels. creating production schedules, taking into account factors such as capacity, equipment availability, and workforce. Resource Allocation monitoring inventory levels and ensuring adequate availability of raw materials and components to support production schedules.
Skill Set Required	Production Planning and Scheduling in-depth Knowledge, Problem-solving and analytical skills, Technical Expertise, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Leadership & Team Management, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Abilities.
Top Hiring Companies	Cummins, Maruti Suzuki, Amazon, Philips, etc.
Average Package	9 LPA

A career in operations management is an up-and-coming option, and companies need professionals with practical skills and expertise to become more competitive in the market and provide excellent customer service.

To comply with these requirements, an MBA graduate must focus on gaining knowledge of operations and supply chain management and develop leadership and problem-solving skills. One must gain practical experience through internships and live projects, stay updated with industry trends and technologies, and keep themselves competitive according to market requirements.