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
Operations Analyst (L2)
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Independently conducting standard analyses (e.g., inventory turns, on-time delivery), building and maintaining dashboards, identifying data quality issues.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivers accurate and timely analyses with minimal supervision.
- Proactively identifies operational problems and proposes initial solutions.
- Is the 'go-to' person for specific recurring reports or dashboards.
- Has started informally guiding new joiners or less experienced colleagues.
- 2
Data Analyst (from other departments)
3-4 years (with operations focus)Skills to master
- Deep dive into operational processes and terminology, understanding supply chain dynamics, translating general analytics skills to operations-specific problems.
You're ready to move on when
- Has successfully completed projects requiring collaboration with Operations or Supply Chain teams.
- Demonstrates a keen interest and understanding of operational challenges.
- Can articulate how their analytical skills would directly benefit operational efficiency.
- Has proactively sought out learning opportunities in logistics, manufacturing, or supply chain.
- 3
Consultant (Operations/Supply Chain)
2-4 yearsSkills to master
- Transitioning from project-based external advice to internal, long-term ownership
- building internal stakeholder relationships
- deep diving into a single company's data infrastructure.
You're ready to move on when
- Has experience delivering data-driven recommendations to operational clients.
- Is comfortable with fast-paced, problem-solving environments.
- Demonstrates strong communication and influencing skills.
- Is looking for a role with direct, sustained impact within one organisation.