Activity Manager → Head of Operations

A realistic transition from Activity Manager to Head of Operations: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 71%. Difficulty: Medium.

Difficulty: Medium6 stepsDuration: 9 to 13 monthsOverlap: 71%

Transition from Activity Manager to Head of Operations.

Transferable skills

  • Operations leadership
  • Operations strategy
  • Executive leadership
  • Financial management
  • Stakeholder management
  • Service delivery

Skills to learn

  • Run/transformation balance
  • Talent development

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Activity Manager experience

    2–4 weeks

    Leverage

    • Operations leadership
    • Operations strategy
    • Executive leadership
    • Financial management

    Map transferable skills — Operations leadership, Operations strategy, Executive leadership — against what a Head of Operations needs.

  2. 2. Learn the core of the Head of Operations role

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Run/transformation balance

    Technologies

    MS ProjectITILMiro

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Run/transformation balance.

  3. 3. Master advanced Head of Operations skills

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Talent development

    Handle the advanced topics: Talent development.

  4. 4. Get productive with the Head of Operations toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    MS ProjectITILMiro

    Be hands-on with MS Project, ITIL, Miro and the rest of the target stack.

  5. 5. Practise Head of Operations work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

    Ship a portfolio project or take on Head of Operations tasks at work.

  6. 6. Get certified and position yourself as a Head of Operations

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    ITIL 4 StrategistPgMPPfMPMBA

    Update your CV and LinkedIn around Head of Operations, then apply to target roles.

Alternative routes