Director of Operations Job Description: Duties and Salary

Directors of operations oversee operations within their organizations to maximize efficiency and profitability. As leaders, they work with many stakeholders. Because of the various responsibilities directors of operations have, they need a lot of experience and skill in different areas. The standard director of operations salary is around $148,418.

Directors of operations are essential to a company’s success because they oversee the organization’s daily activities. This role involves coordinating with various departments and teams, setting goals and implementing procedures to keep the company running as efficiently as possible.

And, because the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates the job outlook for general and operations managers (including directors of operations) will grow 7% between 2021 and 2031, now is a great time to enter this field.

What Does a Director of Operations Do?

Depending on the organization’s size and type, the responsibilities of a director of operations may vary slightly. But there are responsibilities this role shares across most companies, including:

• Overseeing the daily activities of the organization to ensure everything runs smoothly.
• Coordinating with other departments to help personnel meet goals and targets.
• Developing policies and procedures to improve quality, profitability and productivity.
• Setting goals and targets for the organization.
• Creating plans or strategies to achieve goals and targets.
• Monitoring performance with qualitative and quantitative data.
• Conducting regular assessments to identify improvement opportunities.
• Managing resources and budgets, including equipment, materials and personnel.
• Working with senior management to implement long-term company plans.
• Communicating with stakeholders to inform and involve them in the decision-making process.

In some organizations, the duties of chief officers and directors overlap slightly, giving directors of operations additional responsibilities.?

Who Does a Director of Operations Work With?

Directors of operations work with many people due to the nature of their responsibilities. This includes individuals inside and outside of the organization. Directors of operations often interact with:

• Senior management
• Employees
• Department heads
• Customers
• Regulatory agencies
• Suppliers or vendors

Required Skills and Qualifications for Directors of Operations

A director of operations has a lot of responsibility, so specific skills and qualifications are necessary to perform well in this role. Many director of operations job descriptions list the required skills and qualifications; some may be more extensive than others.

Some of the common skills required of directors of operations include:

• Leadership
• Communication (written and verbal)
• Decision-making
• Organizational skills
• Analytics
• Attention to detail
• Computer skills (word processing programs and spreadsheets)

What Education and Experience Do Directors of Operations Need?

Different employers and industries may have specific requirements for education and experience in this role. But most directors of operations have at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. Many directors of operations have a master’s degree.

Depending on the field in which a director of operations wants to work, a degree in a specific area, like engineering or finance, may be more appropriate than a management or business degree. It depends on typical employer requirements and industry standards.

Most directors of operations have several years of experience in leadership roles, such as managing or supervising teams. This might be general experience or in the same (or a related) industry.?

Again, depending on the industry, some employers may prefer more technical skills and experience, so it is essential to learn about standard job description requirements in a specific field before applying to open positions. This way, applicants have plenty of time to gain the experience, education and skills they need to land the role.

Director of Operations Salary Expectations

According to Salary.com, a director of operations earns an average yearly salary of $148,418 in the U.S. The salary range is usually between $137,096 and $169,837.

The amount a director of operations earns each year varies based on several factors, including:

• Experience
• Certifications
• Education
• Skill levels
• Location

Example of a Director of Operations Job Description

Look at a job description to understand the role better. The following example explains various director of operations responsibilities, provides a job summary and gives more insight into the requirements many employers will have for this position.

Job Summary:

The director of operations will oversee daily company activities, ensuring the organization performs effectively and efficiently with management tactics and performance measurements.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Review and analyze company procedures.
• Establish metrics and standards for company efficiency and effectiveness measurement; identify areas of improvement.
• Working with other leaders, plan, direct, implement, monitor and estimate budgets and costs in each division to meet financial goals.
• Lead coordination and integration between engineering, technology, customer service and operations for better workflows and cost-effectiveness.
• Implement policies and procedures to improve operations.
• Ensure work environments are safe and sufficient.
• Oversee purchasing, sales and manufacturing departments; ensure each meets goals set by leadership.
• Communicate new directives or procedures to managers or staff to answer questions, maintain morale and explain changes.
• Project a positive image to employees and the public, including customers, industry and community members.
• Perform other related duties as necessary.

Required Skills:

• In-depth understanding of theories, practices and policies used in finance and business.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including interpersonal skills.
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Exceptional managerial and diplomacy skills.
• Superb attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Required Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in business administration or related field.
• Diverse professional background with 10 years or more of related experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Extended periods of sitting at a desk.
• Extended periods of working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds when necessary.
• Must be able to travel when required.

Final Thoughts: How to Become a Director of Operations

Does this sound like a dream job? Being a director of operations can be extremely rewarding, as it comes with a lot of responsibility and opportunities to make organizational changes. But the first step is landing the job.

First, focus on obtaining a relevant education. Plan to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field, especially if you already have an industry in mind.

The next thing to do is gain experience and develop skills. Employers want candidates with plenty of experience in leadership, but they also need candidates who can handle the duties of this role. Focus on improving the following skills:

• Leadership
• Communication
• Organizational skills
• Data analytics
• Computer knowledge

Once you’re ready to start job searching, expand your network and build relationships with people in the industry. They can often provide information about potential opportunities. Attend industry events, join organizations and make connections to meet more people in your desired field.

Customize your resume and cover letter when applying to positions based on the director of operations job description and employer research. Highlight relevant skills, experience and education to obtain an interview.?

Don’t forget to prepare for the interview by practicing answers to common interview questions. Rhona Barnett-Pierce, the founder of How To Level Up, emphasizes that the interview is the time to sell yourself and your skills. In other words, it is “your time to shine.” Avoid vague responses and practice talking yourself up before the interview date to increase your chances.

While it may take some time and effort to become a director of operations, it is worth it if the job seems like a good fit for you.

Top Takeaways

Director of operations job description: duties and salary

• A director of operations is a leader and model for expectations within a company. They ensure daily operations and activities function as intended.
• Directors of operations have specific education, experience and skill requirements due to the nature of their work.
• The typical director of operations salary is between $137,096 and $169,837, depending on factors like experience, location and skills.

(Reporting by NPD)