What Does a Director of Operations Do?
A director of operations leads the strategic and day-to-day execution of business functions across departments to ensure organizational efficiency, productivity, and profitability. This leadership role works closely with executives and department heads to design, implement, and optimize workflows, monitor performance metrics, and align operations with company objectives.
They’re responsible for managing internal systems, identifying operational inefficiencies, overseeing budgets, and guiding cross-functional teams toward improved service delivery and scalability. Directors of operations often serve as the operational heartbeat of a company, translating leadership vision into practical outcomes.
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Director of Operations Core Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple departments
- Lead operational planning and strategic implementation efforts
- Develop and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Analyze KPIs and operational data to improve efficiency and performance
- Manage departmental budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation
- Coordinate with HR, finance, customer service, and logistics teams
- Lead cross-functional initiatives and continuous improvement projects
- Select, manage, and evaluate vendors or contractors
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational standards
- Report to executive leadership on operational performance
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with ERP, CRM, or operational platforms (e.g., NetSuite, Salesforce, SAP)
- Ability to analyze and interpret performance data and KPIs
- Budgeting, cost control, and resource planning expertise
- Experience in process design and workflow automation
- Vendor management and contract negotiation skills
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and team-building ability
- Critical thinking and analytical decision-making
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- High-level organizational and time management capabilities
- Ability to manage competing priorities and solve complex problems
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, operations management, or related field
Certifications
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
Lean, Agile, or operations-specific certifications are also valuable.
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of progressive experience in operations or business management
- Experience leading multi-site or cross-functional teams
- Background in scaling systems or introducing automation
- Familiarity with compliance standards in highly regulated industries
- MBA or master’s degree in a related discipline
National Average Salary
Director of operations salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Director of Operations is:
$105,783
Sample Job Description Templates for Directors of Operations
Director of Manufacturing Operations
Position Overview
The director of manufacturing operations oversees end-to-end production processes, ensuring products are manufactured efficiently, safely, and at the highest quality standards. This role drives continuous improvement initiatives, manages plant staff, and aligns operations with company goals and regulatory standards.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily plant operations, production schedules, and resource planning
- Monitor performance metrics including yield, downtime, and on-time delivery
- Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and safety initiatives to drive efficiency
- Coordinate with supply chain, engineering, and quality assurance teams
- Manage plant budget, labor costs, and capital expenditures
- Ensure compliance with OSHA and environmental regulations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with MES and ERP systems
- Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and quality control
- Budgeting and operational forecasting expertise
- Facility safety and equipment maintenance knowledge
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and production team management
- Critical thinking and quick decision-making
- Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills
- Continuous improvement mindset
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing, or operations management
Certifications
- Six Sigma Black Belt
- OSHA safety certification
PMP or ISO compliance training is also valuable.
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years in manufacturing leadership
- Experience managing union or multi-shift operations
- Background in scaling automated or high-volume production lines
Director of Healthcare Operations
Position Overview
The director of healthcare operations manages administrative functions, facility services, and support teams to ensure seamless healthcare delivery. This role works closely with clinical leadership to improve patient experience, staff performance, and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
- Oversee non-clinical departments such as scheduling, admissions, billing, and facilities
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA, Joint Commission, and other healthcare regulations
- Coordinate staffing, patient flow, and process improvement initiatives
- Develop and monitor department KPIs tied to patient satisfaction and efficiency
- Manage operating budgets, equipment, and vendor contracts
- Serve as liaison between operations and clinical leaders
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with EMR systems and healthcare operations platforms
- Knowledge of HIPAA and healthcare compliance frameworks
- Budgeting and resource allocation in medical settings
- Strong data analysis and performance tracking skills
Soft skills
- Empathetic communication and team leadership
- Strong organizational and crisis management skills
- Collaborative and cross-functional approach
- Detail-oriented with patient-first mindset
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business, or public health
Certifications
- Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (cHAP)
- OSHA and HIPAA compliance certifications
Lean or Six Sigma training is also helpful in clinical operations environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years in healthcare or hospital operations leadership
- Experience in multi-site or specialty care settings
- Familiarity with value-based care models
Director of Hotel Operations
Position Overview
The director of hotel operations oversees all departments and services within a hotel, ensuring optimal guest experience, operational efficiency, and team performance. This role manages department heads, controls operating costs, and drives service excellence across all guest-facing functions.
Responsibilities
- Manage front desk, housekeeping, food and beverage, maintenance, and security teams
- Oversee guest satisfaction, quality standards, and operational consistency
- Develop departmental SOPs and lead staff training initiatives
- Monitor occupancy rates, revenue performance, and operating costs
- Ensure compliance with safety, health, and brand protocols
- Work closely with ownership or general management on strategic planning
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with PMS platforms (e.g., Opera), POS systems, and hospitality analytics tools
- Budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management
- Experience with vendor contracts and event operations
- Knowledge of hotel brand standards and hospitality regulations
Soft skills
- Customer-first mindset with excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong team leadership and development abilities
- Calm under pressure and quick-thinking
- Strong organizational and delegation skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, or hotel management
Certifications
- OSHA safety certification
Hospitality management training programs and CPR certification are also beneficial.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years in hotel operations leadership
- Experience managing multiple departments in full-service or luxury hotels
- Background in high-volume guest service environments
Director of Corporate Operations
Position Overview
The director of corporate operations leads strategic and administrative operations to ensure effective internal processes and interdepartmental collaboration. This role oversees workflow design, team performance, vendor relationships, and corporate support functions like HR, IT, and facilities.
Responsibilities
- Lead corporate teams across administrative, HR, IT, or finance operations
- Design and refine company-wide SOPs and workflow systems
- Oversee facility management, vendor contracts, and office technology
- Develop KPIs tied to internal productivity and operational effectiveness
- Manage budgets, departmental goals, and leadership reporting
- Drive process automation and tech integration initiatives
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with ERP and corporate operations platforms (e.g., NetSuite, Workday)
- Project management and cross-functional leadership
- Vendor sourcing and service contract management
- Budgeting, forecasting, and policy development
Soft skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Critical thinking and systems-level problem-solving
- Team development and stakeholder influence
- Change management capability
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations, or a related field
Certifications
- PMP or Lean Six Sigma
Corporate strategy or leadership development program certification is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years in corporate operations or administrative leadership
- Experience optimizing distributed or hybrid teams
- Background in scaling internal systems for growth
Director of Retail Operations
Position Overview
The director of retail operations leads multi-store operations with a focus on sales performance, inventory control, customer experience, and team management. This role supports store managers, ensures compliance with retail policies, and implements initiatives to drive revenue growth and operational consistency.
Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations across multiple retail locations
- Set and monitor KPIs related to sales, labor efficiency, and shrink reduction
- Manage district or regional managers and develop store leadership teams
- Ensure consistent execution of visual merchandising and service standards
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and promotional planning across stores
- Coordinate with supply chain, marketing, and corporate teams
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in POS and inventory management systems
- Budgeting and sales analysis expertise
- Knowledge of retail compliance, loss prevention, and merchandising
- Multi-unit management and staffing optimization experience
Soft skills
- Results-driven leadership style
- Strong team motivation and coaching ability
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Agility in responding to seasonal or operational shifts
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in retail management, business, or related field
Certifications
- OSHA safety certification
Retail leadership certifications (e.g., NRF Retail Management Certificate) are beneficial.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years in multi-unit retail operations leadership
- Experience in brick-and-mortar and e-commerce retail integration
- Background in fast-paced or high-volume retail brands