Operations covers a broad range of functional expertise, from logistics and distribution to materials management and inventory control. Yet people in all of these areas have one thing in common: they must approach their positions with a combination of broad strategic business understanding and a systematic orientation toward operating standards and efficiencies.

With the emergence of ERP and solutions built around supply chain management, the operations function has become an important part of managing a business — whether manufacturing or distribution, retail, or B2B focused.

The ideal operations executive is a skilled manager with a clear understanding of finance, sales, and logistics. Ideally, these executives have both a broad understanding of day-to-day operations and a record of accomplishment in moving a company or division forward.