Post Job

What is a director of human resources operations and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
R. Scott Hengen

As a director of HR operations, you are responsible for promoting and implementing human resource value by coordinating HR programs. You are to supervise the process of recruiting, orientation, training, and, importantly counseling, of the employees. It is also your duty to assure and ensure business continuity by selecting qualified candidates and orienting and developing them. You are to control all HR practices and operations such as payroll, vendor management, and benefits administration. In addition, you are to maintain strict oversight over outside legal counsel by closely monitoring cost and strategy.

You must have at least a bachelor's degree in human resources management, psychology, or business for this role. You must demonstrate discipline, intelligence, and an eye for people. You must also be able to relate to people and have an eye for detail. A director of human resource operations is supposed to earn an average of $126,791 in a year.

What general advice would you give to a Director Of Human Resources Operations?

R. Scott Hengen

Technical Theatre Faculty/Production Coordinator, Montgomery College

Your studies and time in school are a good base and support for your production in the industry. As you begin, please consider that you will still be learning and, even though you have learned the essentials, you will be asked to apply your skills and experience in new ways and in a more competitive and practical atmosphere. Deadlines must be met, and the economy of time and effort will be crucial. Work hard, but try to keep a balance between time in the industry and your home life.
ScoreDirector Of Human Resources OperationsUS Average
Salary
8.1

Avg. Salary $118,368

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
8.6

Growth Rate 7%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.40%

Asian 5.71%

Black or African American 7.65%

Hispanic or Latino 11.14%

Unknown 5.09%

White 70.01%

Gender

female 56.50%

male 43.50%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress Level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.4

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
5.3

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Director Of Human Resources Operations career paths

Key steps to become a director of human resources operations

  1. Explore director of human resources operations education requirements

    Most common director of human resources operations degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.7 %

    Master's

    19.6 %

    Associate

    6.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific director of human resources operations skills

    SkillsPercentages
    HRIS9.24%
    Continuous Improvement6.82%
    Project Management6.06%
    Shared Services5.67%
    Oversight4.76%
  3. Research director of human resources operations duties and responsibilities

    • Manage daily accounting on QuickBooks.
    • Manage and publish several cost-savings models for Sr. level management.
    • Implement a new payroll and HRIS system that allow online enrollment resulting in a payroll savings of over $50k annually.
    • Supervise or prepare monthly journal entries and prepare general ledger reconciliations.
  4. Get director of human resources operations experience

    Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a director of human resources operations. The most common roles before becoming a director of human resources operations include human resources manager, director of human resources team lead and human resources coordinator.
  5. Prepare your director of human resources operations resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your director of human resources operations resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a director of human resources operations resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Director Of Human Resources Operations Resume templates

    Build a professional Director Of Human Resources Operations resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Director Of Human Resources Operations resume.
    Director Of Human Resources Operations Resume
    Director Of Human Resources Operations Resume
    Director Of Human Resources Operations Resume
    Director Of Human Resources Operations Resume
    Director Of Human Resources Operations Resume
    Director Of Human Resources Operations Resume
    Director Of Human Resources Operations Resume
    Director Of Human Resources Operations Resume
    Director Of Human Resources Operations Resume
  6. Apply for director of human resources operations jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a director of human resources operations job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Director Of Human Resources Operations Job

Zippi

Are you a Director Of Human Resources Operations?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average director of human resources operations salary

The average Director Of Human Resources Operations salary in the United States is $118,368 per year or $57 per hour. Director of human resources operations salaries range between $86,000 and $162,000 per year.

Average Director Of Human Resources Operations Salary
$118,368 Yearly
$56.91 hourly

What Am I Worth?

salary-calculator

How do directors of human resources operations rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Director Of Human Resources Operations reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2021
Pros

Making a difference in the lives of the people and the community where I am employed.

Cons

Decline in business levels and employee layoffs.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Helping people throughout the organization

Cons

Lack of control over certain areas of HR


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Autonomy to address HR issues as I see fit. Ability to work with people in all areas of the company, in all roles and at all levels.

Cons

I'm the only HR person, so I don't have a team.


Working as a Director Of Human Resources Operations? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

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