Post job

What does a director of business operations do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted expert
Eric Olsen
What does a director of business operations do

The position of a director of business operations involves the direction and coordination of an organization. It is the main responsibility of the directors of operations to oversee the profitability and overall growth of their organization. Their job includes staff management, department supervision, goods production, and expense control. They handle the company's resources, create and implement an operational plan, and make sure that the procedures are executed properly. The skills necessary for this position include leadership skills, management skills, customer service, and communication skills.

On this page

Director of business operations responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real director of business operations resumes:

  • Manage and provide assistance in the development of the tools, information and processes used in daily business to maximize ROI.
  • Manage operations team responsible for company's manufacturing, production and logistics.
  • Provide operational oversight for manage contract services delivery and practice management supervision and expansion.
  • Finance and billing accountability across Medicaid, manage care commercial insurance, insurance verification, contract management, and benefits administration.
  • Project manager of website creation and SEO development.
  • Work closely with QA to ensure designate algorithms, code changes, and/or new functionality is tested thoroughly.
  • Integrate staff into civilian workforce for maximum exposure to entire wholesale logistics processes.
  • Provide oversight and direction in the achievement of AAAHC accreditation for multiple ambulatory surgery centers.
  • Administer administrative and financial affairs to include personnel, procurement, payroll and budgetary information.
  • Initiate new billing, payroll and contractor certification processes in order to maximize efficiency and enhance profitability.
  • Orchestrate improvement within customer account portfolio resulting in increase customer retention and reliable and predictable EBITDA contribution.
  • Process A/R and A/P, reconcile bank accounts and general ledger.
  • Complete daily deposits, A/R, A/P, general ledger entries using QuickBooks.
  • Obtain ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 certifications to ensure robust processes are driving execution.
  • Improve controls and mitigate significant SOX deficiencies.

Director of business operations skills and personality traits

We calculated that 14% of Directors Of Business Operations are proficient in Business Operations, Project Management, and Customer Service. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Leadership skills, and Management skills.

We break down the percentage of Directors Of Business Operations that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Business Operations, 14%

    Hired to establish a new business operations group to drive alignment in strategy execution and operational excellence across five business divisions.

  • Project Management, 7%

    Performed project management activities for large corporate initiatives, including company-wide reorganization project and implementation of several enterprise software applications.

  • Customer Service, 5%

    Hold accountability for all functional areas, including customer service, logistical planning, service management and regulatory compliance.

  • Patients, 5%

    Ensured the provision of outstanding, individualized respiratory care to respiratory-complex patients around the clock.

  • KPIs, 4%

    Created and implemented business scorecards with KPIs to enhance transparency and drive accountability.

  • Oversight, 4%

    Led development of strategic initiatives to build an operational framework and oversight controls for Merchant Banking.

"business operations," "project management," and "customer service" are among the most common skills that directors of business operations use at work. You can find even more director of business operations responsibilities below, including:

Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a director of business operations to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." Directors of business operations often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "managed client business planning process, drove weekly worldwide operations meetings and maintained oversight of the sales communications website. "

Leadership skills. Another essential skill to perform director of business operations duties is leadership skills. Directors of business operations responsibilities require that "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources." Directors of business operations also use leadership skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "developed set of financial reports and presented monthly results, analysis and recommendations to senior leadership. "

Problem-solving skills. A big part of what directors of business operations do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to director of business operations responsibilities because "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical director of business operations tasks: "focused on aspects of the customer providing daily customer support, service and prompt resolution to issues. "

Time-management skills. Another crucial skill for a director of business operations to carry out their responsibilities is "time-management skills." A big part of what directors of business operations relies on this skill, since "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." How this skill relates to director of business operations duties can be seen in an example from a director of business operations resume snippet: "managed p&l; for business operations ensuring deliverables were in scope, on time, and within budget. "

All director of business operations skills

Choose from 10+ customizable director of business operations resume templates

Build a professional director of business operations resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your director of business operations resume.
Director Of Business Operations Resume
Director Of Business Operations Resume
Director Of Business Operations Resume
Director Of Business Operations Resume
Director Of Business Operations Resume
Director Of Business Operations Resume
Director Of Business Operations Resume
Director Of Business Operations Resume
Director Of Business Operations Resume
Director Of Business Operations Resume
Director Of Business Operations Resume
Director Of Business Operations Resume
Director Of Business Operations Resume
Director Of Business Operations Resume
Director Of Business Operations Resume
Director Of Business Operations Resume

Compare different directors of business operations

Director of business operations vs. Associate director

An associate director oversees the daily activities and business operations within a particular area. They are primarily responsible for devising strategies that aim for growth in profit and customer satisfaction, implementing policies and standards, evaluate the workforce, providing support to various departments, and setting goals in terms of budget and sales. Furthermore, they must regularly report progress to the director and coordinate with managers and supervisors in the joint effort to reach the vision and mission of the company.

The annual salary of associate directors is $2,278 higher than the average salary of directors of business operations.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both director of business operations and associate director positions are skilled in project management, customer service, and patients.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, director of business operations responsibilities require skills like "business operations," "financial management," "business strategy," and "operational efficiency." Meanwhile a typical associate director has skills in areas such as "healthcare," "portfolio," "excellent organizational," and "strong project management." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Associate directors really shine in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $143,618. Comparatively, directors of business operations tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $127,932.The education levels that associate directors earn slightly differ from directors of business operations. In particular, associate directors are 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a director of business operations. Additionally, they're 3.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Director of business operations vs. Division director

A division director is an individual who is responsible for managing team members and business operations that are assigned in his/her or her division to achieve the goals of a company. Division directors are required to evaluate division performance and ensure that the team's work complies with the company policies and procedures. They must lead new business development efforts with customers or brokers and should work closely with legal to ensure the protection of the company's interest. Division directors also assist in employee recruitment and provide training to the team if there are skill gaps.

On average, division directors earn a $8,812 higher salary than directors of business operations a year.A few skills overlap for directors of business operations and division directors. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "project management," "customer service," and "patients. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, director of business operations responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "business operations," "kpis," "excellent interpersonal," and "business strategy." Meanwhile, a division director has duties that require skills in areas such as "client relationships," "healthcare," "social work," and "robert." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Division directors may earn a higher salary than directors of business operations, but division directors earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $161,467. On the other hand, directors of business operations receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $127,932.division directors earn similar levels of education than directors of business operations in general. They're 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 3.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Directors of business operations in the next 3-5 years?

Eric OlsenEric Olsen LinkedIn profile

Professor, Industrial Technology and Packaging, Orfalea College of Business

We are doubling down on what we call "digital fabrication." Most manufacturing technologies we deal with now have a growing digital component that our students need to understand and be competent in. Of course, that means current hot exotics like additive manufacturing, but our students need to look at any process and realize there is probably a digitally enhanced path forward.

Director of business operations vs. Managing director

A Managing Director oversees workflow and progress, making sure that all operations align within the company or organization's mission or set of goals. They are responsible for crafting strategies, devising effective business plans, and executing guidelines that would nurture a company's growth, and as well as to be the driving force that would direct employees to the company's objectives. Furthermore, a Managing Director must coordinate with those in a higher position, such as the members of the board.

On average, managing directors earn higher salaries than directors of business operations, with a $17,745 difference per year.By looking over several directors of business operations and managing directors resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "business operations," "project management," and "customer service." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from director of business operations resumes include skills like "patients," "kpis," "continuous improvement," and "operational efficiency," whereas a managing director is more likely to list skills in "healthcare," "portfolio," "financial services," and "client relationships. "

Managing directors earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $177,065. Comparatively, directors of business operations have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $127,932.When it comes to education, managing directors tend to earn similar degree levels compared to directors of business operations. In fact, they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.6% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Director of business operations vs. District director

A district director is an executive professional who is responsible for managing staff members of an organization in a particular district. This director is required to conduct store visits to ensure that store employees are following store procedures and maintain inventory levels. The manager must manage all the general ledger revenue and expense activity while maintaining oversight for all operations, policies, and procedures. This manager should also plan and develop workshops, comprehensive training, and professional development for all staff members.

District directors average a lower salary than the annual salary of directors of business operations. The difference is about $11,250 per year.While both directors of business operations and district directors complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like oversight, business development, and direct reports, the two careers vary in some skills.While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "business operations," "project management," "customer service," and "patients" are skills that commonly show up on director of business operations resumes. On the other hand, district directors use skills like professional development, lead generation, strategic plan, and store locations on their resumes.The average resume of district directors showed that they earn lower levels of education compared to directors of business operations. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 7.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.7%.

Types of director of business operations

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse executive management jobs