Our ongoing focus on transition pathways for service leavers now turns to operations and lean management – sectors that often go overlooked, yet quietly present some of the most natural landing zones for ex-forces talent.
To get a recruiter’s perspective on the space, we spoke with specialists in the field who have worked with hundreds of ex-army personnel making the move into operational and continuous improvement roles. Here’s what they had to say:
“You’re already doing this – you just don’t call it that.”
Operations and lean management might sound unfamiliar to those still serving, but the underlying principles are second nature to anyone from a military background. Coordinating teams, executing plans, managing logistics, responding to shifting priorities – these are all core elements of operations, and they’re embedded in day-to-day life in the army.
What civilian employers call ‘operations’ often amounts to what you’ve done in exercises, deployments, barrack routines, or even maintenance schedules. The difference is in terminology, not substance. Many service leavers underestimate how well their experience aligns with these roles.
That’s especially true in lean management. You’ve likely spent your career optimising limited resources, refining drills, cutting wasted time, and creating more effective systems. That’s lean thinking in practice. The military doesn’t always use words like ‘continuous improvement’ or ‘process mapping’, but those are the mindsets you’ve used every day.
From RQMS to operations manager
The most common route into this space is through logistics, engineering, or command-based roles. Think about an RQMS overseeing stores, a vehicle commander planning resupply, or a sergeant running a team of REME fitters. Those roles demand precision, resource coordination, and schedule management – all core responsibilities in civilian ops roles.
We’ve helped everyone from lance corporals to majors step into operations, logistics, and continuous improvement careers. In many cases, a lean or ops job is simply a new setting for an old skillset.
And the demand is there. From warehouses to factories to transport networks, companies across the UK are crying out for people who can keep complex systems running efficiently. Logistics firms in particular are short of good people. They don’t need theorists – they need doers. That’s why ex-military candidates stand out.
The traits employers don’t know how to ask for
Veterans entering operations and lean roles tend to excel quickly, not just because of what they know but because of how they think.
There’s a natural bias toward structure, consistency, and standards. There’s an ability to lead people without ego, to adapt without panic, and to hold a plan together when the wheels fall off. And there’s a confidence in decision-making under pressure that most civilians don’t develop until much later in their careers – if at all.
These aren’t things that jump off a CV, and a lot of hiring managers don’t know how to look for them. But put a veteran in front of a problem and they’ll solve it, often without needing to be told twice. That’s exactly what operational employers want, even if they don’t always know how to articulate it.
Where to focus
If you’re thinking about this route, don’t get distracted by the job titles. ‘Operations manager’ can mean 50 different things in 50 different industries. The core idea is the same: coordinating people, processes, and resources to deliver outcomes efficiently.
The big growth areas are logistics, distribution, manufacturing, healthcare operations, and infrastructure services. All of them are under pressure to improve productivity and reduce waste. All of them need practical, team-oriented leaders who can drive change without disrupting the mission.
Some roles will ask for Lean Six Sigma or project management certifications – and if you have time during resettlement, they’re worth considering. But many employers will train the right person if they see the right mindset.
The final word
Operations and lean management aren’t just good landing zones for service leavers – they’re some of the most stable, well-paid, and progression-friendly careers out there. You won’t be stuck at a desk all day. You’ll be solving problems, leading teams, and improving systems. Sound familiar?
If you’re the kind of person who thrives on getting things done, improving what isn’t working, and making sure everyone gets home safe – this is your world. You just haven’t stepped into it yet.
Stay tuned for the next instalment in our focus on post-service careers.
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