What is an Operations Director and what do they do?

It is one of the most in-demand profiles in the job market, a high-responsibility position that comes with compensation aligned with the importance of this role: Do you want to know what the job of an Operations Director involves? Below are key insights to understand in detail what lies behind this highly desired position.

In English, ‘Chief Operating Officer’ – COO – and in Spanish ‘Director de operaciones’. In both cases, regardless of the language, we are dealing with one of the most in-demand professional profiles in large corporations. The proper performance of the Operations Director’s functions is crucial for the ongoing success of a solvent company during the current financial year.

This is a strategic and fundamental role in business intelligence. Below we detail how this profession is defined, what tasks are assigned to it, and how much the role holder earns. For those interested in developing their career as a Chief Operating Officer, we also provide guidance on what to study to become an Operations Director.

What is an Operations Director?

An Operations Director is a managerial position, a strategic role essential for executing the business plan. Also known as the ‘Head of Operations’, this is the person in charge of a company’s daily activities. They are responsible for improving processes, advancing product/service development, and making key decisions that can significantly impact the organization.

To understand the importance of this professional profile, it should be noted that within a corporate structure, the Operations Director reports only to the company’s CEO. In other words, they are a key piece in the management structure.

What are the functions of an Operations Director?

To answer the question ‘what does an Operations Director do?’, we can refer to their main responsibilities within the company:

• Defining market strategies

They must design, in collaboration with department heads and teams, initiatives across the entire value chain, including production, distribution, logistics, and sales. The ultimate goal is always to improve financial performance.

• Managing human, material, and logistical resources

Commercial objectives are their responsibility, and through their knowledge and tools, they must implement measures to properly manage business resources and achieve set goals.

• Optimizing company processes

Closely related to the previous points, this involves redesigning procedures to maximize the efficiency of both material and human resources.

• Supervising professional teams

The Operations Director must oversee the work carried out in different company departments. Team coordination with area managers is essential.

• Performance control

Financial results must meet expectations, and objectives set by the board of directors must be achieved, making this a fundamental responsibility.

• Consolidating/redefining company policies and actions

If everything is going well, strategies are consolidated. If not, it is necessary to reassess and redesign strategies. The Operations Director leads this process.

What is the salary of an Operations Director?

How much does a professional in this role earn? The salary of an Operations Director depends on the size of the company. According to Glassdoor salary data, they typically earn between €40,000 and €75,000 per year. They often receive bonuses and variable compensation based on goal achievement. Factors influencing salary include:

• Company category: multinational status, industry sector, etc.
• Executive background, experience, and education.
• Company revenue and number of employees, among others.

A recent ManpowerGroup report, ‘Employment Outlook Study’, highlights that the Operations Director is one of the highest-paid jobs at present. According to their database, salaries range between €60,000 and €76,000 annually, depending on the city where the role is performed.

What should you study to become an Operations Director?

Given the salary level associated with this role, it is a highly desirable position for professionals aiming for executive careers. For those wondering what to study, here are some key paths:

• Business and economics degrees: Economics, Business Administration, or Law. A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (BBA) is one of the most relevant qualifications for this role.
• Postgraduate specialization: Due to high competition, advanced education is recommended. EAE Barcelona offers a Master’s in Finance covering key aspects of operations management.
• Foreign languages: English proficiency is essential, as companies increasingly operate internationally and require global communication skills.