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
Senior Business Systems Analyst (Operations)
5-8 years of experienceSkills to master
- Deep functional expertise in one or two core Operations systems, excellent requirements gathering, leading UAT cycles, and strong problem-solving skills.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivers complex system enhancements on time and to specification.
- Is the go-to person for specific system modules or business processes.
- Has successfully mentored junior team members informally.
- Proactively identifies and proposes solutions to operational inefficiencies.
- 2
Operations Project Manager (with Systems Focus)
6-10 years of experienceSkills to master
- Strong project management methodologies (Agile/Waterfall), stakeholder management across multiple departments, budget control, and risk management specific to system implementations.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully managed several medium-to-large system implementation projects.
- Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and external vendors.
- Excellent communication skills, especially in reporting project status and issues to senior leadership.
- Demonstrates a keen eye for managing project scope and preventing 'scope creep'.
- 3
Consultant (ERP/WMS Implementation)
7-10 years of experienceSkills to master
- Broad exposure to different client environments and industries, expert-level configuration skills for specific platforms, client relationship management, and pre-sales support.
You're ready to move on when
- Has worked on multiple full-cycle ERP/WMS implementations.
- Can quickly understand new business models and translate them into system requirements.
- Comfortable presenting to and advising senior client stakeholders.
- Possesses a strong network within the consulting or vendor ecosystem.