IT Operations Manager → Head of Operations
A realistic transition from IT Operations Manager to Head of Operations: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 50%. Difficulty: Medium.
Difficulty: Medium6 stepsDuration: 9 to 13 monthsOverlap: 50%
Transition from IT Operations Manager to Head of Operations.
Transferable skills
- Operations leadership
- Operations strategy
- Financial management
- Stakeholder management
Skills to learn
- Executive leadership
- Run/transformation balance
- Talent development
- Service delivery
Step-by-step learning plan
1. Build on your IT Operations Manager experience
2–4 weeks
Leverage
- Operations leadership
- Operations strategy
- Financial management
- Stakeholder management
Map transferable skills — Operations leadership, Operations strategy, Financial management — against what a Head of Operations needs.
2. Learn the core of the Head of Operations role
6–10 weeks
Learn
- Executive leadership
- Run/transformation balance
Technologies
PlanviewMS ProjectSharePoint
Cover the biggest gaps first: Executive leadership, Run/transformation balance.
3. Master advanced Head of Operations skills
6–10 weeks
Learn
- Talent development
- Service delivery
Technologies
PowerPointM365ITIL
Handle the advanced topics: Talent development, Service delivery.
4. Get productive with the Head of Operations toolchain
4–8 weeks
Technologies
PlanviewMS ProjectSharePointPowerPointM365ITILTableauMiro
Be hands-on with Planview, MS Project, SharePoint and the rest of the target stack.
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. 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.