Director of Operations Job Description (Responsibilities, Skills, Duties, and Sample Template)

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If you’ve Googled “Director of Operations job description,” chances are you’ve seen the same dry list of bullet points over and over again.

Responsibilities. Requirements. Apply here.

But here’s the problem: most of those templates don’t actually help you attract a great Director of Operations—they just give you filler content that looks professional on the surface but fails to connect with real candidates.

And when you’re hiring someone to run your internal operations, align departments, and keep your business moving efficiently, a bland job description just won’t cut it.

At this level, the wrong hire can cost you speed, morale, and momentum.

That’s why this guide does things differently.

In this article, we’re not just giving you a copy-paste template—we’re going to show you how to write a job post that actually attracts sharp, operationally-minded leaders who know how to get things done.

We’ll also share:

  • Two example job posts (one for experienced hires, one for up-and-comers)

  • A bad example and what to avoid

  • Tips to make your post stand out

  • A smarter way to use AI without sounding robotic

  • And how to streamline your hiring process using WorkScreen.io

Before we get into examples, if you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It walks through everything you need to know—from structure to tone to candidate psychology.

Ready to write a job post that actually works?

Let’s start by understanding what the Director of Operations role really is.

WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results

What Does A Director of Operations Actually Do

A Director of Operations isn’t just someone who manages processes—they’re the engine behind your company’s day-to-day execution.

In simple terms, this is the person who keeps the trains running on time.

They align departments, improve workflows, eliminate bottlenecks, and make sure the team delivers—on time, on budget, and at high quality. While the CEO focuses on vision and growth, the Director of Operations ensures the business runs smoothly and consistently behind the scenes.

Think of them as a force multiplier: they don’t just get things done—they make everyone else more effective too.

That’s why this role requires a unique blend of skills:

  • Strategic thinking to help set priorities

  • Operational discipline to build systems

  • Communication skills to align teams

  • Leadership to drive accountability across departments

If you’re hiring for this role, don’t just look for someone who can follow a checklist—look for someone who can build the checklist, improve it, and make sure it gets done every time.

Two Great Director of Operations Job Description Templates

✅ Template 1 – Job Description For Experienced Director of Operations

(Culture-first, conversational style)

📌 Job Title: Director of Operations — Verdant Supply Co. (Hybrid: Austin HQ + Remote)
💼 Full-Time | $115,000–$135,000 USD (DOE)
🕒 Mon-Fri, 9 AM–5 PM CST

🎥 A Quick Hello from Our CEO

“I’m Riley Tran, founder of Verdant. In this 90-second Loom I’ll show you our warehouse, introduce the team, and explain why ops is our biggest growth lever this year.”
(Insert Loom link.)

🌿 About Us – Verdant Supply Co.

Verdant Supply Co. is a bootstrapped, eight-year-old e-commerce business that ships eco-friendly home & garden products to 200 k+ customers across the U.S. We run a 30-person team, a 90,000 sq-ft warehouse in Austin, and crossed $18 M ARR last quarter—all without outside funding.

🤝 Our Culture

  • High Trust, Low Bureaucracy – autonomy > hierarchy.

     

  • Metrics + Mission – we track data obsessively and care about sustainability.

     

  • Say It Early – problems surface in minutes, not months.

     

  • Celebrate Wins – weekly “Friday High-Fives” and quarterly retreats.

     

🛠️ What You’ll Do

  • Own day-to-day ops across supply-chain, logistics, and inventory (Shopify + NetSuite).

     

  • Build SOPs that cut errors and speed up fulfillment.

     

  • Forecast demand and manage vendor relationships in China & Mexico.

     

  • Lead a 6-person ops team; hire as volume grows.

     

  • Translate CEO vision into quarterly operational OKRs and track execution.

     

✅ What You’ll Bring

  • 5+ yrs senior ops experience in e-commerce or CPG.

     

  • Proven record scaling past $10 M revenue.

     

  • Process-design mindset + data fluency (Excel / SQL a plus).

     

  • Calm, clear communicator who drives accountability.

     

  • Bonus: Lean/6 Sigma or similar continuous-improvement chops.

     

🎁 Perks & Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision (100 % employer-paid for you, 80 % for dependents)

     

  • 401(k) match 4 % after 6 months

     

  • Unlimited PTO with a 15-day minimum

     

  • Profit-share up to 10 % of salary (paid quarterly)

     

  • $3 k annual learning budget + paid conference trips

     

  • Quarterly sustainability retreats (next one: Moab!)

     

🚀 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

You’ll architect the systems that let Verdant double again—without chaos. Instead of fixing someone else’s mess, you’ll build the playbook from day one and see your work reflected in real-world growth and happier customers.

📥 How to Apply

We evaluate every applicant through WorkScreen.io to focus on how you think and execute. Click below, complete a 20-minute scenario-based assessment, and we’ll personally reply to every submission.
👉 [WorkScreen link]

🌱 Template 2 – Job Description For Emerging / Trainable Director of Operations

(Potential-focused, still rigorous)

📌 Job Title: Director of Operations (Growth Track) — NovaCraft Labs (Remote-First)
💼 Full-Time | $70,000–$90,000 USD + Annual Bonus
🕒 Core Hours: 10 AM–4 PM ET (set the rest yourself)

🎥 Meet Your Future Mentor

“I’m Elena Mendez, COO at NovaCraft. Watch this 2-minute video to see how a small ops team powers our 700 % YoY growth—and the gaps you’ll help us close.”
(Insert Loom link.)

🚀 About Us – NovaCraft Labs

NovaCraft builds SaaS-enabled hardware kits that let STEM teachers run hands-on robotics lessons without IT headaches. We launched in 2021, closed a $4 M seed round last year, and now serve 1,300+ schools across North America.

👥 Our Culture

  • Learn-by-Doing – we prototype, test, iterate fast.

     

  • Radical Candor – feedback weekly, not yearly.

     

  • Students First – every decision traces back to classroom impact.

     

  • Flexible, Not Flaky – remote freedom paired with real ownership.

     

🛠️ What You’ll Be Doing

  • Shadow COO for 3 months, then take over vendor, shipping, and RMA workflows.

     

  • Map current processes; propose and roll out improvements that save time/cost.

     

  • Draft SOPs and train teams on new tools (ShipStation, Airtable, Asana).

     

  • Coordinate cross-functional projects (new product launches, warehouse moves).

     

  • Grow into full P&L responsibility for ops within 18 months.

     

✅ What We Value

  • 2–4 yrs experience juggling projects or wearing many hats in a fast-growth org.

     

  • Systems thinker who loves turning chaos into checklists.

     

  • Strong written comms; can explain processes so anyone “gets it.”

     

  • Hunger to master supply-chain & ops (we’ll fund certifications).

     

  • G-sheet / Excel fluency; curiosity about SQL a plus.

     

🎁 Perks & Benefits

  • Fully remote setup budget ($1,500) + monthly coworking stipend

     

  • Medical, dental, vision (75 % employer coverage)

     

  • 20 days PTO + 10 company holidays

     

  • $2,500 annual education stipend + paid certifications

     

  • Bi-annual offsites (next stop: Vancouver)

     

🚀 Why This Role Is a Great Fit

You’ll get CTO-level visibility while building the muscle to become a senior operator—without waiting 10 years or navigating corporate politics. Every workflow you fix frees up teachers to inspire more students.

📥 How to Apply

All applications run through WorkScreen.io so we can evaluate real-world problem solving, not pedigree. Expect a quick logistics scenario and a short async video intro. We respond to every applicant within a week.
👉 [WorkScreen link]

Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.

Breakdown of Why These Director of Operations Job Posts Work

So what makes these Director of Operations job descriptions stand out from the sea of bland, bullet-point-filled templates online?

Here’s a breakdown of what’s working—and why it matters when you’re trying to attract operational leaders (not passive applicants):

✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Purpose-Driven

Instead of generic titles like “Director of Operations,” these posts specify:

  • The company (e.g., Verdant Supply Co. or NovaCraft Labs)

     

  • The format (e.g., remote, hybrid, HQ-based)

     

  • The intent (e.g., “Growth Track” signals opportunity for an emerging leader)

     

That clarity sets expectations and increases relevance—so the right people click, and the wrong ones self-filter out.

✅ 2. They Include a Personal Video from a Leader

Most job posts feel faceless. But a short Loom from the CEO or COO instantly makes the opportunity feel real.

It humanizes your company, creates trust, and builds connection—especially for remote candidates.

✅ 3. The “About Us” Section Is Grounded in Reality

Forget vague corporate boilerplate. These company profiles tell you:

  • How old the company is

     

  • What they actually do

     

  • How they’re growing

     

  • Why operations matter to their success

     

It gives candidates a real picture of what they’re walking into—and what kind of team they’d join.

✅ 4. Culture Isn’t Claimed—It’s Shown

Anyone can say “we value collaboration.” But these posts show it:

  • NovaCraft runs on “radical candor” and async ownership.

     

  • Verdant prioritizes “Friday high-fives” and metrics that matter.

     

That emotional clarity helps high-performing candidates say, “Yes, this feels like me.”

✅ 5. Responsibilities Are Tied to Business Impact

Instead of dumping a to-do list, each responsibility explains the why:

  • “Translate CEO vision into quarterly OKRs”

     

  • “Fix workflows that free up teachers to inspire students”

     

This helps candidates see how their work matters—especially for ops roles that span multiple functions.

✅ 6. Qualifications Balance Rigor with Flexibility

  • Senior post = high standards (e.g., scaling past $10M, managing logistics teams)

     

  • Entry-level post = coachability, ownership, growth mindset

     

This makes each post more inclusive without watering down quality.

✅ 7. Salary and Perks Are Clear and Competitive

Transparent compensation builds trust. So do unique perks like:

  • Profit-sharing

     

  • Remote work budgets

     

  • Learning stipends

     

  • Retreats and offsites

     

It signals that the company respects your time and contribution—which top candidates always notice.

✅ 8. The Application Process Feels Human and Fair

Using WorkScreen instead of “email us your resume” shows candidates:

  • You value skill over credentials

     

  • You’re using tech to make hiring fairer

     

  • You’re not ghosting applicants—everyone gets a response

     

That alone puts these posts in the top 1% of candidate experience.

✅ 9. The Tone Is Conversational, Not Corporate

The writing reads like a person, not a policy manual. That matters.

Why? Because great operators don’t just want to be hired—they want to partner with a team that gets it.

These posts speak to that mindset.

Bad Director of Operations Job Description Example (And Why It Fails)

Let’s take a look at what a typical, outdated job description for a Director of Operations looks like. You’ve probably seen hundreds just like it.

❌ Bad Job Post Example

Job Title: Director of Operations
Company: GlobalTech Solutions
Location: New York, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: Competitive

Job Summary

GlobalTech Solutions is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to oversee day-to-day business activities and improve operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, business acumen, and the ability to drive results across departments.

Responsibilities

  • Manage operational strategy and execution

     

  • Oversee departmental performance and KPIs

     

  • Collaborate with leadership to align goals

     

  • Ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures

     

  • Monitor budgets, workflows, and resource allocation

     

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

     

  • 5+ years in a senior operations role

     

  • Strong communication and analytical skills

     

  • Proven track record in process improvement

     

How to Apply

Email your resume and cover letter to hr@globaltech.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

❌ Why This Job Post Fails

Let’s break down where this goes wrong—and why great candidates will scroll right past it:

🚫 1. Generic Title + No Hook

“Director of Operations” means nothing without context. No company name, mission, or growth stage is included in the headline. There’s no energy. No uniqueness. It looks like every other listing.

🚫 2. Cold, Vague Summary

Phrases like “business acumen” and “drive results” are filler. There’s no explanation of what the company actually does, what the current challenges are, or why this role matters now.

🚫 3. No Culture, No Mission

Not a single word about company values, team dynamics, or how work gets done. Culture isn’t a perk—it’s a filter. And this post leaves that blank.

🚫 4. Zero Salary Transparency

“Competitive” tells the applicant nothing and wastes their time. It’s one of the biggest red flags for serious candidates who expect clarity and fairness.

🚫 5. Responsibilities Are Empty

There’s no context or connection to business outcomes. These bullet points could apply to a hundred different companies in any industry. They say what needs doing—but not why it matters.

🚫 6. Hiring Process Is Dismissive

“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.” This cold line tells the candidate: We don’t respect your time, and you may never hear back. It’s one of the fastest ways to alienate great applicants.

🚫 7. Tone Is Corporate and Lifeless

There’s no personality, no urgency, no sense of the humans behind the company. It reads like it was written for compliance, not connection.

Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Post Stand Out

Once you’ve nailed the structure and tone, here are a few advanced touches that can make your Director of Operations job post even more compelling, trustworthy, and conversion-friendly.

💡 Tip 1: Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Applicants

A growing number of job seekers are cautious about scams and misuse of their information. Adding a simple trust notice near your application link builds immediate credibility.

Example:

🔒 We take your privacy seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking info, or sensitive personal data during the hiring process. All legitimate communication will come from an official [yourcompany.com] email address.

💡 Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time

While competitive salaries matter, time off is a real perk—and most job posts overlook it. Be specific.

Example:

“We offer 20 days of paid time off per year (plus 10 company holidays), because rest is fuel for great work.”

Or for remote/hybrid companies:

“Take up to 4 flex days each quarter—no questions asked.”

💡 Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities

Top operations candidates often want mastery and long-term growth. Make it clear that you invest in your team.

Example:

“We cover certifications like Lean Six Sigma, demand planning courses, and provide a $3K/year professional development budget.”

💡 Tip 4: Include a Loom or Video Message from the Hiring Manager

Even a 90-second video from your CEO, COO, or future manager can completely change how your post is received. It builds:

  • Trust

     

  • Relatability

     

  • Personality

     

And it helps filter in candidates who connect with your leadership style.

Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4

💡 Tip 5: Show What Makes You Different

Ask yourself: “What would make a skeptical, talented operator choose us over a bigger brand?” Whatever that is—highlight it.

  • “No VC chaos—just real profits and high ownership.”

     

  • “You won’t inherit a mess. You’ll build the system from day one.”

     

  • “We hire adults, not task robots. Expect autonomy from week one.”

     

These are not just slogans—they’re culture signals.

Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?

These days, almost every ATS—from Workable to Manatal—lets you generate job descriptions with a single click using AI. And while that sounds convenient, here’s the truth:

⚠️ The Wrong Use of AI Will Hurt Your Hiring

If you prompt an AI tool with something like:

“Write a Director of Operations job description for my company.”

You’ll likely end up with a cold, generic list of tasks that:

  • Sounds like every other post online

     

  • Fails to convey your culture or mission

     

  • Attracts low-effort candidates who are applying to anything and everything

     

And worst of all? It repels top talent. Great candidates can tell when a post was generated without care. It makes your company feel untrustworthy—or worse, not serious.

✅ The Right Way to Use AI

AI isn’t the enemy—it’s a powerful writing partner if you give it direction.

Instead of asking it to “write” your post, give it the raw ingredients and ask it to polish, organize, or rephrase what you’ve already outlined.

Here’s a smart prompt to use:

🧠 Smart AI Prompt Example:

Help me write a job description for a Director of Operations.

  • Our company is Verdant Supply Co., a profitable e-commerce brand based in Austin that sells sustainable home goods.

     

  • We’re hiring someone to manage logistics, supply chain, and internal ops.

     

  • We care about culture fit, systems thinking, and leadership over just credentials.

     

  • Our tone is human, conversational, and mission-driven.

     

  • We offer $115K–$135K/year, profit-sharing, full health coverage, and quarterly retreats.

     

  • We also want to include a link to a short Loom video from the CEO.

     

Here are a few rough notes I’ve written [paste notes here]. Can you help polish this into a clear, engaging post?

💡 Use AI to Polish, Not Replace

Let AI:

  • Refine the structure

     

  • Improve clarity

     

  • Reword repetitive phrasing

     

  • Check grammar or tone

     

  • Suggest stronger headings

     

But the story, intention, and human touch? That should come from you.

When used wisely, AI becomes your editor—not your hiring strategist.

Copy-Paste Job Description Templates (Quick Use)

✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Job Description Template

📌 Job Title: Director of Operations at [Your Company Name]
💼 Full-Time | [Remote / Hybrid / Onsite – Location]
💰 $[Salary Range] + [Bonuses / Profit Sharing if applicable]
🕒 [Work Hours / Flex Policy]

🎥 A Quick Message from [Hiring Manager / CEO]

(Link to Loom or intro video)

About Us

[Your Company Name] is a [brief description: size, stage, industry]. We [describe what you do and why it matters—brief and human].
We’re growing, profitable, and looking for someone to help us scale our systems, teams, and day-to-day operations.

Our Culture

  • [Short culture descriptors—3 to 4 bullets. E.g.:]

    • Outcome-focused, not hours-focused

    • Fast-moving but thoughtful

    • Candid, kind, and curious

    • High-trust, low-bureaucracy

What You’ll Do

  • [Responsibility 1 with real-world impact]

  • [Responsibility 2 tied to business goals]

  • [Responsibility 3 that highlights collaboration or leadership]

  • [Include tools, platforms, or domains they’ll own]

What You’ll Bring

  • [X+ years of relevant experience]

  • [Key skill #1, e.g., “Process improvement”]

  • [Key trait #1, e.g., “Clear, confident communicator”]

  • [Bonus skills, if any]

Perks & Benefits

  • Competitive salary with [bonus/profit share/etc.]

  • [PTO policy] + [flex days or remote setup]

  • [Health/dental/vision coverage]

  • [Learning/training budget or mentorship opportunities]

  • [Offsites, wellness, or unique perks]

Why This Role Is a Great Fit

[One paragraph that ties this role to your mission, shows ownership potential, or explains why this hire will make a meaningful difference.]

How to Apply

We use WorkScreen.io to evaluate candidates based on real skills—not just résumés. To apply, follow this link:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen URL]
You’ll complete a short, practical evaluation and hear back from us directly. No black hole. No ghosting.

🧱 Option 2: Traditional Format (Clean & Professional)

Job Title: Director of Operations
Location: [Location or Remote]
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $[Insert Range]

🎥 A Quick Message from [Hiring Manager / CEO]

(Link to Loom or intro video)

Job Brief

We’re looking for a Director of Operations to lead our internal processes, improve workflows, and manage key functions like logistics, finance, and cross-functional team alignment. The ideal candidate will be both strategic and hands-on—comfortable in a growing, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

  • Manage day-to-day operations across [departments]

  • Develop and implement SOPs and process improvements

  • Collaborate with leadership on strategic planning and OKRs

  • Analyze KPIs and operational performance metrics

  • Manage vendor, partner, or supply chain relationships

  • Lead a small team and grow it over time

Requirements

  • [X]+ years experience in operations or similar roles

  • Proven track record of driving efficiency and team accountability

  • Strong communication and leadership skills

  • Proficiency in [list platforms/tools]

  • Bonus: Experience in [industry-specific detail]

Benefits

  • [Health + insurance]

  • [PTO policy + holidays]

  • [Learning and growth opportunities]

  • [Remote flexibility / relocation support]

How to Apply

All applicants will go through our WorkScreen evaluation process so we can make fair, data-driven hiring decisions. Apply below:

Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Phase of Hiring

Writing a strong job post is just the beginning.

The real challenge? Figuring out which applicants are actually worth interviewing—and avoiding the ones who simply know how to game the system.

That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.

🛠️ WorkScreen helps you:

✅ Spot Top Talent Instantly

Every candidate who applies through WorkScreen is evaluated automatically through short, role-specific tasks—so you can see how they think, work, and communicate before the interview.

The result?
A performance-based leaderboard that shows you exactly who stands out—no résumé guesswork required.

✅ Test Real-World Skills (In One Click)

You can assign skill assessments that match the role:

  • Workflow mapping for operations hires

     

  • Scenario-based decision making

     

  • Writing and communication tasks

     

  • And more

     

This ensures you’re assessing candidates based on what matters most—their ability to execute.

✅ Eliminate Low-Effort Applicants

Tired of AI-generated applications, copy-paste answers, and people who apply to 100 jobs a day?

WorkScreen automatically filters out low-effort and irrelevant candidates—so your hiring funnel only includes people who care, show up, and can deliver.

✅ Make Smarter, Faster, Fairer Decisions

Hiring shouldn’t take months or rely on gut feel. With WorkScreen, you get structured, bias-resistant insights that help you make decisions with confidence.

Want to hire smarter, faster, and with less guesswork? Create your job post inside WorkScreen, share your link with candidates, and start evaluating applicants automatically.

FAQ

Look for a combination of strategic thinking and process execution. The strongest Directors of Operations typically demonstrate:

  • Systems thinking – the ability to identify bottlenecks and design scalable workflows

  • Leadership and team alignment – especially across departments

  • Data fluency – they can interpret KPIs, budgets, and forecasting models

  • Clear communication – both written and verbal, across teams and levels

  • Calm problem-solving under pressure – especially during growth or change
    Bonus: Look for someone with a background in continuous improvement frameworks like Lean or Six Sigma if you’re in a process-heavy business.

In the U.S., the average base salary for a Director of Operations ranges from $105,000 to $145,000/year, depending on:

  • Location (e.g., salaries in San Francisco or NYC are often 20–30% higher)

  • Company size and industry

  • Experience level and scope of responsibility
    Bonuses and profit-sharing can add another 10–25% in total compensation for senior hires.

Not always. Many operational principles—like building SOPs, managing teams, and improving efficiency—are transferable across industries. However, if your business is heavily regulated (like healthcare or finance) or logistics-intensive (like e-commerce or manufacturing), industry familiarity can be a strong advantage.

An Operations Manager typically focuses on executing tasks within a specific team or department.
A Director of Operations takes a broader view—designing systems, leading cross-functional initiatives, and aligning the entire company’s operational strategy with its goals. Directors often manage managers and work at a strategic level.

Yes—transparency attracts serious candidates and filters out mismatches early. If you’re unsure of the exact figure, give a thoughtful range and mention if it’s negotiable based on experience or location.



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Author’s Details

Mike K.

Mike is an expert in hiring with a passion for building high-performing teams that deliver results. He specializes in streamlining recruitment processes, making it easy for businesses to identify and secure top talent. Dedicated to innovation and efficiency, Mike leverages his expertise to empower organizations to hire with confidence and drive sustainable growth.

Hire Easy. Hire Right. Hire Fast.

Stop wasting time on unqualified candidates. WorkScreen.io streamlines your hiring process, helping you identify top talent quickly and confidently. With automated evaluations , applicant rankings and 1-click skill tests, you’ll save time, avoid bad hires, and build a team that delivers results.

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