How do you become an interim operations director?

1 What does an interim operations director do?

An interim operations director is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization, ensuring that they are efficient, effective, and aligned with the strategic goals and vision. Depending on the scope and size of the organization, an interim operations director might manage areas such as production, supply chain, logistics, quality, customer service, procurement, and inventory. An interim operations director also leads and supports the operations team, providing guidance, coaching, and feedback. Additionally, an interim operations director might be involved in implementing changes, improvements, or innovations in the operations function, such as introducing new systems, processes, or policies.

2 What skills and qualifications do you need?

To become an interim operations director, you need to have a strong background in operations management, preferably in a similar industry or sector as the organization you are applying to. You also need to have relevant qualifications, such as a degree in business, engineering, or operations management, or a professional certification in project management, lean, or Six Sigma. Moreover, you need to have excellent skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and stakeholder management. You need to be able to adapt quickly to new situations, work under pressure, and deliver results within tight deadlines. You also need to have a high level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality, as you might be dealing with sensitive or confidential information.

3 How to find opportunities?

One of the ways to find opportunities as an interim operations director is to register with a staffing service that specializes in placing interim executives and managers. A staffing service can help you find suitable assignments that match your skills, experience, and availability. You can also network with your existing contacts, such as former colleagues, clients, or mentors, and let them know that you are looking for interim roles. Additionally, you can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor, to search for interim operations director jobs and apply directly to the organizations that interest you.

4 How to succeed in this role?

To succeed as an interim operations director, you need to prepare well before starting your assignment. You need to research the organization, its goals, challenges, and culture, and understand the expectations and objectives of your role. You also need to establish a good rapport with your team, your manager, and other key stakeholders, and communicate clearly and frequently. Furthermore, you need to demonstrate your value and impact by delivering high-quality work, achieving the agreed outcomes, and providing insights and recommendations for improvement. You also need to document your progress and achievements, and seek feedback and testimonials from your manager and team. Finally, you need to maintain your professional development and network, and look for new opportunities to advance your career as an interim operations director.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?