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What is a senior director, operations and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Eric Olsen
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A senior director of operations oversees and spearheads the major activities in the operations department of a company. They usually work with the upper-level managers and are responsible for making most of the big decisions with regard to business operations and the aspects that fall under them.

The typical workday of a senior director of operations may vary depending on one's designation, but it mostly revolves around overseeing operational processes, developing strategies for improved efficiency, attending meetings with other managers, and evaluating the performance of business operations to pinpoint areas for improvement.

Furthermore, they also spend a lot of time communicating and collaborating with executives and other members of the upper management. As you would expect, this job entails the need for extensive experience and expertise when it comes to the operational processes of a business.

That said, one may need years--if not decades--of industry experience before one can become a senior director of operations. Despite that, the reward at the end is worth it, seeing that this position can give you an earning potential of $156,000 per year.

What general advice would you give to a Senior Director, Operations?

Eric OlsenEric Olsen LinkedIn Profile

Professor, Industrial Technology and Packaging, Orfalea College of Business

Times of change are also times of great opportunities. We are going to need new technical solutions to address problems we are just learning about. You have to lean into the issues. Don't be a technologist - be a problem solver. That is why we also emphasize soft skills like lean six sigma, teamwork, and change management.
ScoreSenior Director, OperationsUS Average
Salary
8.9

Avg. Salary $149,771

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
9.6

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%

Asian 6.41%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 15.38%

Unknown 4.34%

White 67.15%

Gender

female 24.34%

male 75.66%

Age - 44
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 - 44
Stress Level
9.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
9.2

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
3.6

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

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Senior Director, Operations career paths

Key steps to become a senior director, operations

  1. Explore senior director, operations education requirements

    Most common senior director, operations degrees

    Bachelor's

    71.1 %

    Master's

    19.1 %

    Associate

    5.9 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior director, operations skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service7.76%
    Oversight6.92%
    Continuous Improvement6.02%
    SR5.66%
    Project Management5.30%
  3. Complete relevant senior director, operations training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior directors, operations learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a senior director, operations based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior director, operations resumes.
  4. Gain additional senior director, operations certifications

    Senior director, operations certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific senior director, operations certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for senior directors, operations include Project Management Professional (PMP) and Six Sigma Green Belt.

    More About Certifications
  5. Research senior director, operations duties and responsibilities

    • Design and manage systems and processes to deliver consistent, scalable and compliant with SOX and other regulations.
    • Manage PMO with responsibility for performance management, resource and portfolio management.
    • Manage new product co-development program with a major medical device company that enable remote surgical oversight and support.
    • Finance and billing accountability across Medicaid, manage care commercial insurance, insurance verification, contract management, and benefits administration.
  6. Get senior director, operations experience

    Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a senior director, operations. The most common roles before becoming a senior director, operations include operations director, operations manager team lead and director.
  7. Apply for senior director, operations jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior director, 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 Senior Director, Operations Job

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Average senior director, operations salary

The average Senior Director, Operations salary in the United States is $149,771 per year or $72 per hour. Senior director, operations salaries range between $103,000 and $216,000 per year.

Average Senior Director, Operations Salary
$149,771 Yearly
$72.01 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do senior directors, operations rate their job?

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Senior Director, Operations reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Cons

Operations never stops, its always up and running and you have to be available at any time


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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

I love being able to mold my team and the distribution center to the culture of respect and accountability! Having senior and executive leadership support is a huge positive factor in making this happen!!

Cons

Long hours and calls outside of regular business hours are the norm!


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Pros

I love it and I wish I was back at my old job but I guess it is what it is

Cons

Not being loyal


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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.

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