operator

noun

1 a machine operator:

machinist, mechanic, operative, engineer, driver, worker;

British machine minder.

2 a tour operator:

contractor, entrepreneur, promoter, impresario, arranger, fixer, trader, dealer, director, manager, partner, businessman, businesswoman, financier, venture capitalist, speculator.

3 nationalism has always been the ally of the ruthless operator:

manipulator, maneuverer, mover, worker, string-puller, mover and shaker, wheeler-dealer;

North American wirepuller.