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
VP, Global Supply Chain or Operations (Large Enterprise)
5-10 years at VP levelSkills to master
- Leading multi-functional teams, managing significant P&L, driving large-scale transformation, executive-level stakeholder management, board reporting.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivered multi-million-pound savings or revenue growth through operational improvements.
- Successfully led a major supply chain technology implementation or network redesign.
- Built and mentored a strong leadership team that can operate autonomously.
- Proven ability to navigate complex internal politics and secure cross-functional buy-in.
- 2
Chief Operations Officer (COO) of a Mid-Sized Company
3-7 years as COOSkills to master
- Full P&L ownership, enterprise-wide strategic planning, investor relations, managing all operational functions (manufacturing, logistics, customer service).
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully scaled operations during periods of rapid growth.
- Demonstrated ability to manage all aspects of a company's day-to-day operations.
- Experience presenting operational performance to external investors and the Board.
- Proven ability to build and lead a complete executive operations team.
- 3
Senior Partner / Principal at a Top-Tier Management Consultancy (Operations Practice)
10+ years in consulting, 3-5 years as Senior PartnerSkills to master
- Strategic problem-solving for diverse clients, executive advisory, thought leadership, business development, large-scale programme management.
You're ready to move on when
- Advised multiple Fortune 500 companies on their global supply chain strategies.
- Published thought leadership on emerging trends in operations and logistics.
- Developed and sold multi-million-pound consulting engagements.
- Proven ability to influence C-suite clients and drive strategic change.