Director of Operations Resume Examples and How to Write
Are you struggling to land interviews for Director of Operations positions in Australia? You’re not alone. With businesses increasingly focusing on operational excellence, efficiency, and scalable growth strategies, Director of Operations roles have become highly competitive across industries from manufacturing and logistics to technology and healthcare. Whether you’re transitioning from operations management, supply chain leadership, or general management roles, or you’re an experienced operations executive looking to advance to director level, crafting an exceptional resume is your gateway to securing that coveted Director of Operations position.
Directors of Operations are the strategic architects of organisational efficiency, driving operational excellence, process optimisation, and sustainable growth while leading large teams and complex multi-site operations. In Australia’s dynamic business environment, these senior executives play a crucial role in implementing lean methodologies, managing supply chain complexities, and ensuring regulatory compliance while delivering measurable improvements in productivity, cost management, and customer satisfaction. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a compelling Director of Operations resume tailored specifically for the Australian job market, covering everything from understanding what recruiters on platforms like SEEK and LinkedIn are looking for, to demonstrating your executive operational leadership and strategic business impact.
Director of Operations Resume (Text Version)
Michael Reynolds
Director of Operations
[email protected]
+61 400 890 123
Melbourne, VIC 3000
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelreynoldsoperations
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Strategic Director of Operations with 14+ years of progressive leadership experience driving operational excellence and sustainable growth across manufacturing, logistics, and technology sectors. Proven track record of delivering $80M+ in cost savings, improving operational efficiency by 45%, and leading successful digital transformation initiatives across multi-site operations. Expertise in lean manufacturing, supply chain optimisation, team development, and P&L management. Passionate about building high-performance cultures that deliver exceptional customer outcomes while driving measurable business results in Australia’s competitive marketplace.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Director of Operations | Advanced Manufacturing Solutions | Melbourne, VIC
March 2018 – Present
- Lead comprehensive operations for $400M+ manufacturing company with 1,800+ employees across 8 Australian facilities and international supply chains
- Delivered $35M annual cost reduction through implementation of lean six sigma methodologies, process automation, and supply chain optimisation initiatives
- Increased operational efficiency by 52% and reduced product defect rates by 85% through comprehensive quality management and continuous improvement programs
- Successfully managed P&L responsibility for $250M+ operations while consistently exceeding EBITDA targets by 12-18% annually
- Led digital transformation initiative implementing Industry 4.0 technologies, IoT monitoring, and advanced analytics, improving overall equipment effectiveness by 35%
- Built and developed operations leadership team of 25+ managers across production, quality, supply chain, and maintenance functions with 92% retention rate
Operations Manager – Supply Chain | Global Logistics Corporation | Sydney, NSW
January 2014 – February 2018
- Managed end-to-end supply chain operations for Asia-Pacific region, overseeing $200M+ annual logistics spend and 500+ team members
- Implemented comprehensive vendor management and strategic sourcing programs, achieving 25% cost reduction while improving service levels to 99.2%
- Led successful warehouse automation project across 6 distribution centres, reducing labour costs by 30% and improving order accuracy to 99.8%
- Developed and executed business continuity plans during COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining 95%+ service levels while ensuring employee safety compliance
- Established KPI frameworks and performance dashboards providing real-time visibility to C-suite and enabling data-driven operational decisions
- Managed strategic relationships with tier-1 suppliers and logistics partners, negotiating multi-year contracts worth $150M+ annually
Senior Operations Analyst | Manufacturing Excellence Group | Brisbane, QLD
June 2010 – December 2013
- Provided operational analysis and process improvement support for diversified manufacturing group with $300M+ annual revenue
- Led cross-functional project teams implementing lean manufacturing principles, delivering 20% productivity improvements across 4 production lines
- Developed comprehensive performance measurement systems and operational reporting, identifying $12M+ in cost reduction opportunities
- Managed ERP system upgrade and implementation, ensuring seamless transition with zero operational disruption and improved system efficiency
- Conducted detailed operational assessments for potential acquisition targets, providing due diligence analysis for $50M+ transactions
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial and Systems)
University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
Graduated: December 2009
WAM: 82.1
CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification – Australian Six Sigma Institute – 2017
• Executive Leadership Program – Australian Institute of Management – 2020
• Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) – Supply Chain & Logistics Association – 2016
• Project Management Professional (PMP) – Project Management Institute – 2015
KEY SKILLS
• Strategic Operations Leadership • Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma • Supply Chain Management
• P&L Management & Cost Optimisation • Team Development & Change Management • Process Improvement & Automation
• Quality Management Systems • Vendor & Supplier Relations • Performance Analytics & KPI Development
ACHIEVEMENTS
• Operations Excellence Award – Australian Industry Group 2023
• Manufacturing Leader of the Year – Engineers Australia 2022
• Board Member, Australian Supply Chain & Logistics Association (2021-Present)
• Mentor, Australian Institute of Management Executive Development Program (2019-Present)
What is The Best Format for a Director of Operations Resume?
For Director of Operations positions in Australia, the reverse chronological format is your optimal choice. This format effectively demonstrates your operational leadership progression and showcases how you’ve advanced from technical operations roles to strategic executive positions with increasing responsibility and scope. Australian recruiters and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) used by companies posting on SEEK and LinkedIn prefer this format as it clearly presents your operational excellence trajectory and growing expertise in executive operations management.
Formatting Guidelines:
Header: Include your full name, professional title, phone number, email address, location (city and state), and LinkedIn profile URL. Your header should be executive-level professional, making it easy for hiring managers and executive recruiters to contact you immediately.
Summary: Write a compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your operational achievements, years of experience, and key specialities in operations leadership. This section should immediately demonstrate your ability to drive strategic operational initiatives and deliver measurable business outcomes at the director level.
Experience: List your work history in reverse chronological order, focusing on quantifiable achievements that show your impact on operational performance, cost management, efficiency improvements, and team leadership. Use bullet points to make your executive accomplishments easy to scan.
Education: Include your degree, institution, graduation year, and any relevant academic achievements. For Directors of Operations, engineering, business, operations management, or MBA qualifications are particularly valuable, along with professional certifications.
Other sections: Consider adding certifications, professional development, speaking engagements, board positions, or industry recognition that strengthens your executive operations credentials.
Technical Specifications:
- Font: Use professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica
- Font sizes: 16-18pt for headings, 11-12pt for body text
- Margins: 1-inch margins on all sides
- White space: Ensure adequate spacing between sections for readability
- File type: Save and submit as PDF unless the employer specifically requests a Word document
- Length: 2 pages is standard for director-level positions, up to 3 pages for extensive executive experience
What Experience Should be on Your Director of Operations Resume?
Your experience section should tell the story of your operational leadership evolution, emphasising achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive strategic initiatives, optimise complex operations, lead large teams, and deliver measurable business value. Focus on metrics-driven accomplishments that show your impact on operational efficiency, cost management, quality improvement, and organisational development.
Include experiences that showcase:
- Strategic operational planning and execution
- Large-scale process improvement and transformation initiatives
- Multi-site and cross-functional team leadership
- P&L management and cost optimisation programs
- Supply chain management and vendor relations
- Technology implementation and digital transformation
- Quality management and regulatory compliance
- Performance measurement and continuous improvement
Correct Example:
Director of Operations | Healthcare Technology Group | Perth, WA
February 2019 – Present
- Lead operational excellence for $300M+ healthcare technology company with 1,200+ employees across manufacturing, distribution, and service operations
- Delivered $22M annual cost savings through implementation of lean methodologies, automation initiatives, and supply chain consolidation programs
- Improved operational efficiency by 40% and reduced customer complaint rates by 70% through comprehensive quality management and process standardisation
- Successfully managed $180M+ P&L responsibility while consistently achieving EBITDA targets and maintaining 15%+ profit margins
- Led successful ISO 13485 certification across all manufacturing facilities, ensuring compliance with Australian TGA and international medical device regulations
- Implemented advanced ERP and manufacturing execution systems, improving inventory turns by 35% and reducing lead times by 50%
- Built high-performance operations team of 30+ leaders, achieving 94% employee engagement scores and industry-leading safety performance
Incorrect Example:
Director of Operations | Healthcare Technology Group | Perth, WA
February 2019 – Present
- Managed operations department
- Oversaw manufacturing and distribution
- Worked on cost reduction projects
- Led team meetings
- Handled compliance requirements
Entry-Level Director of Operations Resume Samples [Experience]
If you’re transitioning into Director of Operations roles, focus on transferable leadership skills from senior operations management, plant management, or operations manager positions. Highlight any experience with process improvement, team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, or P&L responsibility that demonstrates your readiness for director-level operational leadership.
Correct Entry-Level Example:
Senior Operations Manager | Food Manufacturing Co | Adelaide, SA
April 2017 – Present
- Lead operations for $120M food manufacturing facility with 400+ employees, managing production, quality, maintenance, and logistics functions
- Implemented comprehensive lean manufacturing program delivering 28% productivity improvement and $8M annual cost reduction
- Achieved 99.5% on-time delivery performance and reduced customer quality complaints by 80% through systematic process improvements
- Successfully managed facility P&L with full responsibility for $80M+ operational budget and procurement decisions
- Led cross-functional teams through major equipment upgrades and facility expansion, completing $15M capital project on time and under budget
- Developed and mentored operations leadership team of 12 supervisors and managers, improving retention rates by 45% and building succession pipeline
- Established comprehensive safety management system achieving zero lost-time incidents for 18+ consecutive months
Incorrect Entry-Level Example:
Senior Operations Manager | Food Manufacturing Co | Adelaide, SA
April 2017 – Present
- Managed manufacturing operations
- Supervised production teams
- Worked on improvement projects
- Handled budgets and costs
- Attended management meetings
How to Write the Education Section for your Director of Operations Resume
The education section for Directors of Operations should highlight qualifications that demonstrate your technical expertise, analytical capabilities, and strategic business understanding essential for executive operational leadership. At the director level, relevant educational background combined with professional certifications significantly strengthens your credibility in Australia’s competitive executive operations market.
Include your highest relevant qualification first, followed by any additional degrees, certifications, or executive education that directly relates to operations leadership and business management. If you have an MBA or advanced engineering qualifications, these should be prominently featured as they’re highly valued for director-level operations positions.
Director of Operations Resume Example [Education]
Master of Business Administration (Operations Management)
Melbourne Business School, University of Melbourne, VIC
Graduated: November 2016 | GPA: 6.4/7.0
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical and Manufacturing)
University of Technology Sydney, NSW
Graduated: December 2008 | WAM: 79.8
Professional Qualifications:
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – Australian Six Sigma Institute (2015)
• Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) – Supply Chain & Logistics Association (2017)
• Chartered Engineer (CPEng) – Engineers Australia (2013)
Executive Education:
• Advanced Operations Strategy – Australian Graduate School of Management (2020)
• Digital Transformation for Operations Leaders – INSEAD Business School (2021)
How to Write the Skills Section for your Director of Operations Resume
The skills section is vital for Director of Operations resumes as it showcases both your technical operational expertise and executive leadership capabilities. This role requires a sophisticated blend of deep operational knowledge, strategic thinking, leadership skills, and business acumen. Aim to include 12-18 skills that directly relate to director-level operational leadership, balancing hard skills (specific operational tools and methodologies) with soft skills (executive leadership and strategic thinking abilities).
Tailor your skills to match the job description while ensuring you can confidently demonstrate each skill through examples and measurable executive-level results. Australian employers particularly value candidates who can show proficiency with advanced operational systems and demonstrate understanding of local regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Director of Operations Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
- Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Methodologies
- Supply Chain Management and Procurement
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
- Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
- Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001, AS/NZS standards)
- Process Automation and Industry 4.0 Technologies
- Financial Analysis and P&L Management
- Project Management and Capital Planning
- Performance Analytics and KPI Development
- Risk Management and Compliance
- Vendor Management and Contract Negotiation
- Facility Management and Maintenance Planning
Director of Operations Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
- Executive Leadership and Vision Setting
- Strategic Planning and Execution
- Cross-functional Team Management
- Change Management and Transformation
- Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Crisis Management and Problem Solving
- Communication and Presentation
- Coaching and Talent Development
- Cultural Leadership and Team Building
- Negotiation and Commercial Acumen
- Innovation and Continuous Improvement
- Decision Making Under Pressure
How to pick the best Director of Operations skills:
- Analyse the job description for specific operational competencies, industry requirements, and leadership capabilities mentioned
- Research the company’s operational complexity, technology stack, and strategic priorities to understand their executive needs
- Consider the industry context – manufacturing emphasises lean methodologies while service industries focus on process optimisation
- Balance technical operational expertise with executive leadership and strategic business skills
- Only include skills you can confidently demonstrate through concrete executive-level examples and measurable outcomes
- Stay current with evolving operational technologies, methodologies, and best practices in executive operations
- Include both traditional operational management skills and emerging capabilities like digital transformation and data analytics
Director of Operations Resume Examples [Skills]
- Operational Excellence: Led comprehensive operational transformation for $500M+ organisation, delivering 35% efficiency improvement and $40M+ cost reduction through lean six sigma implementation
- P&L Management: Successfully managed $300M+ operational P&L with full accountability for budget performance, consistently achieving 15-20% EBITDA margins above industry benchmarks
- Team Leadership: Built and led high-performance operations organisation of 40+ managers and 1,500+ employees, achieving 90%+ engagement scores and industry-leading productivity metrics
- Supply Chain Optimisation: Transformed global supply chain operations reducing total cost by 25% while improving service levels to 99%+ through strategic sourcing and automation initiatives
- Digital Transformation: Led successful implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies and IoT solutions, improving overall equipment effectiveness by 30% and enabling predictive maintenance capabilities
- Quality Management: Established comprehensive quality frameworks achieving ISO certification across all facilities and reducing defect rates by 75% while improving customer satisfaction to 95%+
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Director of Operations Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your Director of Operations resume by showcasing executive credentials, thought leadership, and industry recognition that distinguish you from other senior operations candidates. These sections demonstrate your commitment to operational excellence, industry engagement, and leadership within the operations community.
Consider including sections such as:
Resume Licences & Certifications: Professional engineering qualifications, operations certifications (Lean Six Sigma, PMP), or industry-specific credentials demonstrate technical competency and commitment to maintaining professional standards at the executive level.
Languages on a Resume: In Australia’s global business environment, language skills can be particularly valuable for managing international operations, supply chains, or multinational manufacturing facilities.
Professional Associations: Membership in organisations like Engineers Australia, Australian Institute of Management, or industry-specific operations associations shows executive-level professional engagement and networking.
Conferences: Speaking engagements or attendance at executive operations conferences, manufacturing summits, or supply chain forums demonstrates thought leadership and continuous learning at the senior executive level.
Resume Volunteer Work: Board positions, operations advisory roles for non-profits, or pro bono operational consulting shows commitment to community service and operational excellence beyond professional responsibilities.
Awards and Honours: Recognition for operational excellence, safety leadership, or business transformation achievements.
Director of Operations Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Right Example:
BOARD AND ADVISORY POSITIONS
• Independent Director and Operations Committee Chair, Australian Manufacturing Council (2021-Present)
• Advisory Board Member, Industry 4.0 Transformation Institute (2020-Present)
• Operations Committee Member, Engineers Australia Victoria (2019-Present)
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
• “Operational Excellence in the Digital Age” – Australian Manufacturing Week 2023
• “Building Resilient Supply Chains” – Supply Chain & Logistics Summit 2022
• “Leadership in Operational Transformation” – Australian Institute of Management 2021
PUBLICATIONS
• “Digital Manufacturing Transformation in Australia” – Engineers Australia Magazine (2023)
• “Sustainable Operations for Growth Companies” – Australian Industry Group Report (2022)
Wrong Example:
INTERESTS
• Operations management
• Process improvement
• Team leadership
PERSONAL INFORMATION
• Age: 42
• Marital Status: Married
• Health: Excellent
Tip: Additional sections you might consider include executive education programs, operational technology advisory roles, industry research participation, mentoring programs for emerging operations leaders, or international operational assignments. Every section should demonstrate your executive calibre and thought leadership in operations and business excellence.
How to write a Director of Operations Resume Objective or Resume Summary
Your resume summary is your executive value proposition – a powerful section that immediately communicates your value as a Director of Operations. This 3-4 line section should highlight your most impressive operational achievements, executive leadership experience, and unique capabilities that make you the ideal candidate for senior operations leadership roles.
An effective Director of Operations summary should include:
- Years of experience and specific areas of operational leadership expertise
- Quantifiable achievements (cost savings, efficiency improvements, successful transformations)
- Key strategic and leadership competencies
- Your leadership philosophy or unique approach to operational excellence
- Industry expertise or specialisation areas
Director of Operations Resume Summary Examples
Right Example:
Executive Director of Operations with 16+ years driving transformational operational excellence and sustainable growth across manufacturing, technology, and logistics sectors. Proven success delivering $120M+ in value creation through strategic process improvement, supply chain optimisation, and digital transformation initiatives while leading high-performance teams of 2,000+ employees. Expert in lean six sigma, P&L management, and cross-functional leadership with strong track record in complex operational turnarounds and greenfield implementations. Recognised thought leader in operational innovation and Industry 4.0 transformation, passionate about building world-class operations that drive competitive advantage.
Wrong Example:
Experienced operations professional seeking Director of Operations position where I can use my operational skills and leadership experience. I have worked in operations for many years and understand manufacturing, process improvement, and team management. Looking for opportunities to advance my career and take on director-level responsibilities.
For those transitioning into Director of Operations roles, focus on transferable executive capabilities, operational transformation achievements, and leadership development experience. Emphasise any experience with large-scale process improvement, P&L management, or cross-functional leadership that demonstrates your readiness for director-level executive responsibility.
Entry-Level Director of Operations Resume Summary Examples
Right Example:
Emerging Director of Operations with 11+ years of progressive operational leadership and proven capability managing complex multi-site operations and high-performing teams. Successfully led $200M+ operational transformations delivering 30% efficiency gains and exceptional safety performance across manufacturing and distribution environments. MBA-qualified with Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and strong background in P&L management, supply chain optimisation, and digital transformation. Eager to leverage analytical expertise and operational excellence passion to drive strategic value creation at director level.
Wrong Example:
Senior operations manager seeking promotion to director level to develop executive leadership skills. I have experience managing operations teams and working on improvement projects. Looking for opportunities to learn director responsibilities and advance my operations career. Available to start immediately and committed to professional growth.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Director of Operations Resume
Updating your LinkedIn profile alongside your resume is crucial for Director of Operations job seekers in Australia. Executive operations roles are primarily recruited through LinkedIn and executive search firms, with CEOs, board members, and executive recruiters using the platform to assess not just your experience but your strategic thinking, operational innovation, and executive presence. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume while positioning you as a senior operations leader and strategic business partner.
When updating your LinkedIn profile, ensure alignment with your resume while leveraging LinkedIn’s unique features for showcasing your operational achievements, thought leadership, and professional influence. Your LinkedIn serves as a platform for demonstrating your comprehensive operational leadership expertise and strategic impact within the executive business community.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Directors of Operations
Your LinkedIn headline is critical for Director of Operations positions as it positions you as a strategic executive leader rather than just an operations manager. Your headline should communicate your executive level, specialisation, and value proposition while being optimised for Australian executive recruiters and board members searching for senior operations leadership.
Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
• “Director of Operations | $400M+ P&L Leadership | Operational Excellence & Digital Transformation Expert”
• “Executive Director of Operations ✦ Multi-Site Leadership ✦ Driving Sustainable Growth Through Innovation”
• “Director of Operations | Lean Six Sigma Leader | Building High-Performance Operations Teams”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
• “Director of Operations at ABC Company”
• “Experienced operations executive seeking opportunities”
• “Director of Operations with process improvement experience”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary should be more narrative and vision-focused than your resume summary, allowing you to share your operational leadership philosophy, transformation approach, and what drives your passion for operational excellence in 5-7 paragraphs. While your resume summary focuses on achievements and qualifications, your LinkedIn summary can include your leadership journey, operational philosophy, and vision for operations function transformation.
For the Australian market, consider sharing your understanding of local operational challenges, experience with Australian regulatory environments, or insights into managing operations across Australia’s diverse industrial sectors. This demonstrates cultural fit and market expertise that Australian boards and executives highly value in senior operations leadership roles.
Showcasing Director of Operations Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn allows for more detailed executive storytelling than your resume. Use this space to elaborate on your operational methodology, share case studies of successful transformations, and include media such as facility photos, team achievements, or industry recognition that demonstrates your operational impact and leadership excellence.
Consider adding:
- Operational transformation case studies with detailed business impact metrics
- Photos from facility visits, team events, or operational milestone celebrations
- Awards, recognition certificates, or safety achievement documentation
- Videos from speaking engagements or operational facility tours
- Links to published thought leadership, interviews, or operational best practice articles
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Directors of Operations
Prioritise executive leadership and strategic operational skills alongside technical expertise. Focus on getting endorsements from C-suite executives, board members, and senior business leaders for skills that Australian executive recruiters commonly search for when recruiting Directors of Operations, such as Operations Management, Executive Leadership, Lean Six Sigma, and Strategic Planning.
Key skills to prioritise include Operations Management, Executive Leadership, Process Improvement, Supply Chain Management, P&L Management, and Team Leadership. Consider taking LinkedIn Skills Assessments for relevant areas like Operations Management or Leadership to earn verified skill badges that enhance executive credibility.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Directors of Operations
Optimise your profile specifically for the Australian executive operations community by connecting with local operations leaders, joining relevant Australian operations groups (such as Australian Institute of Management or industry-specific operational excellence networks), and engaging with content from Australian business leaders, manufacturing companies, and operations thought leaders.
Share insights about Australian operations leadership trends, regulatory developments, or operational excellence approaches that work well in Australian contexts. Position yourself as an operations thought leader by regularly sharing commentary on operational excellence, supply chain management, or digital transformation initiatives.
Regularly publish executive-level content about operational leadership best practices, transformation insights, or lessons learned from successful operational implementations to establish yourself as a knowledgeable and influential operations executive in the Australian market. This ongoing thought leadership helps keep you visible to executive recruiters, board members, and senior executives looking for director-level operations leadership talent.
Creating an exceptional Director of Operations resume for the Australian market requires demonstrating both operational expertise and executive leadership effectiveness, combining deep technical knowledge with proven strategic business impact. By following the strategies outlined in this guide – from showcasing quantifiable operational improvements to positioning yourself as a comprehensive operations leader – you’ll be well-positioned to capture the attention of CEOs, board members, and executive recruiters seeking senior operations leadership talent.
Remember that your resume works best when paired with a strategic cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the organisation’s operational challenges, strategic objectives, and how your executive leadership can drive their operational success. Research the company’s operational footprint, efficiency metrics, and growth objectives to show how your expertise can contribute to their continued excellence.
As you pursue Director of Operations opportunities, regularly explore executive operations positions on SEEK and LinkedIn while staying current with Australian operational excellence trends, leadership best practices, and industry developments. The executive operations landscape continues to evolve with new technologies, sustainability requirements, and strategic approaches, and maintaining awareness of emerging operational leadership opportunities, transformation methodologies, and business excellence frameworks will keep your executive capabilities relevant and your applications competitive.
