The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Head of a Large Shared Service Function
3-5 years in previous roleSkills to master
- Deep functional expertise (e.g., Head of Finance Operations), strong people leadership, proven track record of process improvement within that function, managing significant budgets.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led a team of 50+ people.
- Delivered measurable cost savings or efficiency gains (e.g., £500K+).
- Consistently met or exceeded all functional SLAs.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders outside their direct function.
- 2
Senior Manager, Management Consulting (BPO/Operations Focus)
2-4 years in previous roleSkills to master
- Client management, strategic advisory, programme management for large-scale transformations, business case development, exposure to multiple industries and operating models.
You're ready to move on when
- Led multiple successful BPO or shared services transformation projects for clients.
- Managed client relationships at a senior level.
- Developed and presented strategic recommendations to C-suite executives.
- Proven ability to manage project teams and deliver complex engagements on time and budget.
- 3
Director of Operations (Non-Shared Services)
4-6 years in previous roleSkills to master
- Broad operational leadership, P&L management, supply chain or complex logistics management, large-scale team leadership, strategic planning.
You're ready to move on when
- Managed a P&L of similar scale (£2M+).
- Led a large operational team (100+ people).
- Successfully implemented major operational efficiency programmes.
- Demonstrated strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking.