Business Manager’s Career Growth

 Navigating the Path to Success- From Entry-Level to Executive:

In today’s dynamic business world, the role of a business manager is both a demanding and rewarding career choice.

I will elaborate on the stages of career growth for a business manager/operation manager/strategy operation manager/business operation manager / PMO person Focused on delivery excellence.

I will be examining

• ·       Skills - required for each stage
• ·       Experiences - that shape the journey
• ·       Attributes - necessary for success

necessary for ascending from entry-level positions to executive leadership roles. As I elucidate, I will simultaneously showcase my career journey in each milestone.

The Entry-Level Phase

The journey of a business manager typically begins at the entry-level, often in roles such as management trainee or campus recruit. At this stage, the focus is on learning the fundamentals of 

•  business operations
• developing analytical skills
• understanding organizational structures/policy/framework.

You are often tasked with

• · Overseeing specific projects
• · Coordinating with teams
• · Ensuring that daily operations align with the company or Org’s objectives. 

 Key skills required at this phase include

1. Effective Communication - Crucial for clear and concise information exchange
2. Basic financial literacy - Understanding of financial principles and practices
3. Strong grasp of management principles - Knowledge of effective management strategies
4.  Ability to work collaboratively - Teamwork and cooperation skills
5. Solve problems efficiently - Quick and effective resolution of issues
6.  Adapt quickly to new challenges - Flexibility in facing and overcoming new obstacles. Never a Dull Day!  😊

When I started Operations, I was not a fresher, I had around 10+ years of IT experience. I took up an Operation role – when a new account was ramping up, as I was forced to work from home when I had my second baby. Initially, it was quite intimidating but had a very good manager who accepted and guided me.  We had daily sync calls. I divided my calls into 3 

• Task assigned - provide updates 
• Any new tasks - get the details
•  As I was in the ramp-up stage - I always had a couple of queries to learn and clarify.

 I managed to handle 2 big accounts 15M per annum Rev - working with 2 Account managers, reporting to 1 client partner. The P&L of those 2 accounts were with me. Also was able to work with Project managers on their new demands and fulfill them internally (onsite /Travel Ready from offshore) and Externally (FTE hiring /Subcon). I had always had an inclination toward numbers, but the $ sign before the numbers made me like a banker / Finance controller. At this point, I started enjoying my role.

Mid-Level Management: Building Expertise

As business managers gain experience, they transition into mid-level management roles. Mid-level managers are responsible for

• · Overseeing larger units
• · Managing more complex initiatives
• · Contributing to strategic planning

The skills necessary for success in mid-level management include

• ·       advanced problem-solving abilities
• ·       strategic thinking,
• ·       capability to lead and motivate diverse teams

 Mid-level managers must also develop a deeper understanding of   industry trends/market dynamics

This knowledge allows them to make informed decisions that drive organizational success.

During this phase, mid-level managers often pursue additional education and certifications to enhance their expertise.

I completed my PMP certification and officially was responsible for the Strategic Business Unit in Banking and Financial Services - Cards & Payment. Handled 150M per Annum Rev.  Now I was reporting to a VP and was closely working with 6 Client partners and their teams across the USA. I still love a couple of exercises I used to do with Excel, but later it was automated.

1)     Deep Dive Analysis on accounts not meeting the target margin.

2)     If all accounts continue in the current trend, what will the projection be in the upcoming quarters and where will they end up for the Fiscal Year. 

Senior Management: Leading with Vision

Senior management roles, such as general manager, director, or vice president, represent the next step in a business manager’s career growth. At this level, managers are responsible for

• ·       leading entire departments or divisions
• ·       setting long-term strategic goals
• ·       ensuring that the organization’s vision is realized.

Key attributes of successful senior managers include

·       exceptional leadership skills - Ability to guide and direct teams effectively
·       ability to inspire and influence others - Motivating team members to achieve goals
·       strategic mindset - Planning and executing long-term goals
·       managing large-scale change initiatives - Overseeing significant organizational transformations
·       fostering a culture of innovation - Encouraging creative thinking and new ideas
·       continuous improvement - Implementing processes for ongoing enhancement

I moved from Industry operation to Domain Operation. It was slightly different – we had a preview of all the industries. Handled 1.5B per annum.  As I grew up in the career trajectory - it gave me ample opportunity to explore and make an impact on the Org I supported.

1)     Working in a consulting firm – Every associate is Revenue generator.  Their utilization was our core priority.   Hence upskilling and Bench Optimization were the Rhythm of Business.

2)     Tried various Alternate Resources supply - Hire and Train /Train & Hire / Campus recruit. This enabled 150 Jr associates into our Org every year.

3)     Bench Report and working closely with Resource managers on proactive hiring.

 Executive Leadership: The Pinnacle of Career Growth

The ultimate goal for many business managers is to reach executive leadership positions, such as Chief Operating Officer (COO) / Chief of Staff Role to a Senior Leader in the company.

These roles demand a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the business -

• ·       operations
• ·       finance
• ·       marketing
• ·       human resources.

 Executives are responsible for setting up the

•  overall direction of the companym
• making critical decisions that impact on its future
• representing the organization to external stakeholders.

They must possess

• ·       blend of visionary leadership  
• ·       strategic acumen
• ·       operational expertise             
• ·       high emotional intelligence
• ·       resilience - Strength and Flexibility                                  
• ·       ability to manage and mitigate risks.

 I feel that one outlook/expectation that will help us to reach the pinnacle is ‘OWNERSHIP’ If you assume the ownership of the Org /Operation Unit you work for and the only target is Margin. We all know we can increase the Margin - by

1)     increasing the Revenue (Which is increasing sales - not in our control) 

2)     is to control the cost.  Looking through the magnifying glass and check every $ spent, will  help  us to  have better control on the business we are doing.

a)     Utilization improvement

b)     Resource mix check - Reduce FTC /Subcons.

c)     Offshore Leverage and Partner Leverage increase

 Challenges and Opportunities in Business Management

Throughout their career growth, business managers encounter numerous challenges and opportunities. One of the primary challenges is navigating the complexities of

• ·       organizational politics
• ·       interpersonal dynamics.

Developing

• ·       strong negotiation
• ·       conflict resolution skills

 is essential for overcoming these obstacles.

Business managers must prioritize

• •        self-care - Ensure long-term success by maintaining personal well-being
• •         delegate effectively - Distribute tasks to team members to enhance productivity
• •         set boundaries to ensure long-term success - Establish clear limits to balance work and personal life

Opportunities for career growth in business management are abundant, particularly for those who demonstrate a

• ·       commitment to continuous learning
• ·       adaptability - is crucial for advancement

 Conclusion

The career growth of a business manager is a multi-faceted journey that requires a combination of skills, experiences, and personal attributes. From entry-level positions to executive leadership roles, each stage presents unique challenges. Up to us to convert all Challenges into opportunities.

 By fostering a

·       1) commitment to continuous learning

o   Essential for adapting to new challenges

o   Help in staying updated with industry trends 

·       2) developing strong leadership capabilities

o   Crucial for guiding teams effectively

o   Enhances decision-making skills 

·       3) navigating the complexities of the business world

o   Requires resilience and adaptability

o   Help in turning challenges into opportunities

Business managers can achieve remarkable success and make significant contributions/impact to their organization.