Director of Operations Job Description: Senior Operations Leader

The Director of Operations role is a senior leadership position for experienced operations professionals responsible for translating strategy into operational performance. Candidates should have a proven record of leading multidisciplinary teams, driving process improvement, managing operational risk and delivering measurable business outcomes. This role suits candidates who combine strategic thinking with hands-on operational delivery and strong stakeholder management.

Director of Operations Job Profile

The Director of Operations oversees day to day operational functions and ensures consistency, efficiency and quality across the organisation. This role focuses on designing and executing operational strategies that support organisational objectives, optimise resources and improve customer and stakeholder outcomes.

The post holder will lead operational planning, performance management and continuous improvement initiatives, working closely with senior leaders to align operations with commercial and strategic goals. They will be accountable for operational governance, risk mitigation and delivery of agreed targets.

Director of Operations Job Description

The Director of Operations provides senior management with operational leadership, establishing priorities and translating strategic plans into actionable programmes. They will develop and maintain operational policies, performance frameworks and reporting dashboards to ensure clarity of responsibility and transparency of outcomes. The role requires close collaboration with finance, HR, service delivery and regulatory teams to manage budgets, staffing and compliance risks effectively.

The role operates in a fast paced environment and demands effective change management to improve processes, reduce cost and enhance service quality. The Director of Operations will lead complex projects, optimise supply and vendor arrangements and ensure resilience planning is in place to maintain continuity of critical services. They will represent operations at executive forums and provide regular briefings to senior stakeholders and boards.

Director of Operations: Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an operational strategy aligned to the organisation's strategic objectives.
• Lead annual operational planning and translate strategy into measurable plans and KPIs.
• Oversee budgetary control and resource allocation to achieve operational targets and deliver cost efficiencies.
• Establish and monitor performance metrics, reporting to senior leadership on delivery, risks and opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement programmes to streamline processes, increase productivity and enhance service quality.
• Manage end to end service delivery, including supply chain and vendor performance oversight.
• Ensure operational compliance with regulatory and governance requirements and maintain robust audit controls.
• Lead, mentor and develop senior operational managers and cross functional teams to build capability and succession.
• Design and implement risk management and business continuity plans to protect critical operations.
• Own complex programme delivery, ensuring projects meet scope, time and quality expectations.
• Coordinate cross functional initiatives with finance, HR, IT and commercial teams to support organisational change.
• Negotiate and manage contracts and commercial arrangements with suppliers and partners.
• Provide executive level reporting, insights and recommendations to the senior leadership team and board.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability and continuous learning across operational teams.

Director of Operations: Requirements and Qualifications

• Degree level qualification in business, operations management or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Proven senior operations experience, typically 10 or more years with significant leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrable experience of operational strategy development and delivery at scale.
• Proven P&L accountability or strong commercial acumen in managing budgets and cost control.
• Strong experience in process improvement methodologies and operational optimisation.
• Experience of managing regulated activities and familiarity with governance and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including executive and board level engagement.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to use data to drive decisions.
• Proven track record in leading change programmes and delivering complex projects on time.
• Experienced people leader with ability to motivate, coach and develop senior managers and teams.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, tailored to diverse audiences.
• MBA or professional qualification in operations, project management or similar is desirable.
• High level of personal integrity, resilience and the ability to work under pressure.