Posted on November 21st, 2025 in Blog, Business

Director of Operations Job Description and Salary Range

A director of operations plays a key role in an organization’s success, serving as the bridge between executive strategy and frontline execution. Through their oversight of processes, people, and performance metrics, these senior leaders ensure that their organization’s day‑to‑day operations align with its strategic goals.

By understanding the director of operation’s job description, career path, salary, and job outlook, students and professionals can make a more informed decision when evaluating degree programs that are relevant to the role, such as a bachelor’s in business administration, a master’s in business administration (MBA), or a master’s in organizational leadership.

Director of Operations: Job Description

Directors of operations oversee the workings of an organization’s systems and teams, seeking to maximize their efficiency, quality, and profitability. They work in many sectors, such as manufacturing, healthcare, retail, logistics, technology, and nonprofits — making this one of the most versatile roles business graduates can pursue.

Although their responsibilities vary by industry and organizational goals, directors of operations are commonly responsible for:

Developing and implementing operational strategies and processes that align with company objectives
Monitoring and analyzing performance metrics, budgets, and financial reports to identify improvement opportunities
Leading cross‑departmental initiatives to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and increase productivity
Designing staffing plans, recruitment practices, performance evaluation systems, and training programs to build effective teams
Managing relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery, cost control, and quality standards
Overseeing compliance, safety, and quality assurance programs to protect employees and meet regulatory requirements
Preparing reports and presentations for senior leadership to support strategic planning and capital allocation
Coordinating incident response and business continuity plans to minimize disruptions from emergencies
Mentoring and developing midlevel managers and supervisors to promote leadership succession and organizational resilience
Driving the adoption of new technologies and automated processes to maintain agility, efficiency, and competitiveness

Director of Operations: Salary Range and Job Outlook

The director of operation’s salary range is fairly wide based on several factors that include the education and experience of the individual as well as the industry, geographic region, and size of the organization. Overall, the role offers a competitive base salary with significant potential for advancement.

According to May 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for all general and operations managers, including directors of operations, is $102,950. The top 10% of earners make $239,200 or more annually.

In terms of job outlook, the BLS projects that employment of general and operations managers will grow by 4% between 2024 and 2034, which is slightly faster than the national average growth of 3% projected for all occupations combined. This steady growth is expected to be due to an ongoing demand for leaders who can drive efficiency, manage resources, and align operational performance with organizational goals.

How to Become a Director of Operations

Becoming a director of operations requires a combination of formal education, hands-on experience, and targeted skill development. This path typically takes several years of progressive experience, but each stage builds the foundation needed for advanced leadership roles.

While required qualifications can vary by industry or organization, aspiring directors of operations can strengthen their candidacy by following this general career framework.

Earn a Relevant Degree

Prospective directors of operations need to begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations, supply chain management, or a related discipline. Although not required by every employer, pursuing an MBA or a master’s in organizational leadership can help professionals develop advanced strategic and financial management skills. Many organizations prefer candidates with graduate-level education for senior operational roles.

Gain Experience

Directors generally start with entry- or midlevel positions to build experience in operations, production, logistics, or process improvement. Working in a role such as operations coordinator, operations manager, production supervisor, or supply chain analyst can provide individuals with valuable exposure to the workflows and performance metrics that directors of operations oversee.

As professionals advance, they should seek opportunities to collaborate with departments such as finance, human resources, information technology, and sales to develop a comprehensive understanding of business operations. Because directors of operations coordinate across teams, cross-functional experience is helpful, as it enables individuals to strengthen their leadership effectiveness and strategic decision-making skills.

Consider a Certification

While not typically required, obtaining a professional credential demonstrates an individual’s technical expertise and commitment to the field. Notable examples include:

Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM): Focuses on production planning, inventory control, and operations strategy
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP): Covers end-to-end supply chain management, logistics, and global sourcing
Project Management Professional (PMP): Validates advanced project leadership and process management skills
Certified Manager Certification (CMC): Demonstrates broad management proficiency across business functions

Develop Leadership Skills

Strong leadership capabilities are critical for director roles. Aspiring directors of operations should seek supervisory responsibilities early, participate in management training programs, and demonstrate their ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and deliver strategic projects — key factors in earning a promotion to the director level.

Network and Pursue Advancement

Developing professional relationships with their peers and senior leaders who can offer mentorship and support their career growth should be an ongoing effort for future directors. Promotions often go to candidates who can demonstrate measurable impact and strong collaborative relationships within their organizations. When applying for leadership roles, individuals should highlight examples of their successful cross‑functional projects and quantifiable improvements that reflect their readiness for executive responsibility.

Leverage Your Degree Into a Career in Leadership

The broad and adaptable skill set a director of operations brings to their role makes them valuable leaders across nearly every industry. Further, the director of operation’s salary range and job growth data paint a positive long-term career outlook that can make this role a financially and professionally rewarding one.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward leadership, consider enrolling in the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration or Master of Business Administration program from Warner Pacific University Online. These degree programs help students build expertise in key areas such as marketing, finance, operations management, and business analytics.

For those focused on developing executive-level leadership skills, WPU Online’s Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program provides the training needed to manage teams, projects, and complex organizational initiatives effectively.

Explore these programs today to see which one best aligns with your professional goals and leadership ambitions.

Sources:
Association for Supply Chain Management, Become a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
Association for Supply Chain Management, Get Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)
Indeed, “Operations Director Job Description (and How to Become One)”
Indeed, “What Does a Director of Operations Do?”
Project Management Institute, Project Management Professional (PMP)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Top Executives