Head of Operations Resume Examples and How to Write
Tired of applying for senior operations leadership roles without securing interviews, despite having years of operational excellence and team management experience? You’re not alone. Many accomplished operations professionals across Australia find themselves overlooked for Head of Operations positions, wondering why their track record of process improvements and business results isn’t translating into opportunities at growing companies and established organisations.
Australia’s business landscape is increasingly complex, with companies seeking operations leaders who can drive efficiency, manage distributed teams, and navigate digital transformation challenges. Whether you’re stepping up from Operations Manager roles, transitioning from consulting with firms like McKinsey & Company, or pivoting from related leadership positions, your resume needs to demonstrate both strategic vision and hands-on execution capabilities that Australian businesses demand.
This comprehensive guide will revolutionise how you present your operations leadership credentials, providing you with executive-level strategies to showcase your business impact, highlight your team leadership achievements, and demonstrate the strategic thinking that positions you as the operations leader Australian companies need to scale and succeed in competitive markets.
Head of Operations Resume (Text Version)
CATHERINE WONG
Head of Operations
Mobile: 0434 789 123
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/catherinewongoperations
Location: Sydney, NSW
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Strategic operations executive with 12+ years of experience driving operational excellence, process optimisation, and team leadership across technology and retail sectors. Proven track record of scaling operations for high-growth companies, delivering $15M+ in cost savings and efficiency improvements whilst building high-performing teams of 50+ professionals. Expert in digital transformation, supply chain optimisation, and change management with deep understanding of Australian market dynamics and regulatory requirements.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Head of Operations | TechStart Australia | January 2021 – Present
• Lead end-to-end operations for fast-growing SaaS company serving 10,000+ Australian businesses, managing $45M annual revenue operations
• Built and scaled operations team from 15 to 55 professionals across customer success, technical operations, and business development functions
• Implemented comprehensive process automation strategy reducing operational costs by $3.2M annually whilst improving customer satisfaction scores by 28%
• Established Australian operations framework enabling successful expansion to New Zealand and Singapore markets with $12M additional revenue
• Partner with C-suite executives on strategic planning, resource allocation, and performance metrics, contributing to 150% revenue growth over 3 years
Operations Director | Retail Solutions Group | March 2018 – December 2020
• Directed operations for multi-channel retail technology provider serving 200+ Australian retailers with combined revenue of $280M
• Led digital transformation initiative migrating legacy systems to cloud-based platforms, improving system reliability by 99.5%
• Managed cross-functional teams of 35 professionals including project managers, business analysts, and technical specialists
• Developed vendor management program optimising supplier relationships and achieving $4.1M in cost reductions over 2-year period
• Implemented data-driven performance management system improving team productivity by 35% and reducing employee turnover by 22%
Senior Operations Manager | Commonwealth Bank of Australia | July 2015 – February 2018
• Managed operational processes for business banking division serving 25,000+ SME customers across NSW and ACT regions
• Led process reengineering projects that reduced loan processing times by 45% whilst maintaining 100% regulatory compliance
• Coordinated with legal, compliance, and risk teams to implement new banking regulations, ensuring seamless transitions with zero penalties
• Supervised team of 20 operations specialists and analysts, implementing performance improvement programs that increased efficiency by 30%
• Developed customer service protocols that improved Net Promoter Score (NPS) from 6.2 to 8.1 over 18-month period
Operations Manager | PwC Australia | September 2012 – June 2015
• Managed operations for consulting engagements across financial services, retail, and technology sectors
• Led operational due diligence projects for M&A transactions valued at $500M+, identifying synergies and integration opportunities
• Developed and implemented process improvement methodologies adopted across 15+ client engagements with average 25% efficiency gains
• Coordinated multi-disciplinary project teams and managed stakeholder relationships for complex business transformation initiatives
• Contributed to business development activities, supporting proposal development and client presentations that secured $8M+ in new business
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Australian Graduate School of Management, UNSW | 2014
• Concentration: Strategy and Operations Management
• Capstone Project: “Digital Transformation in Australian Financial Services” – published in AGSM Business Review
Bachelor of Commerce (Management) | University of Sydney | 2010
• Major: Operations Management with minor in Information Systems
• Academic Achievement: High Distinction average, University Medal recipient
EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT
• Advanced Management Program – Harvard Business School Executive Education (2022)
• Digital Leadership Certificate – MIT Sloan Executive Education (2021)
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification – Australian Quality Council (2019)
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Strategic Operations Planning and Execution
• Digital Transformation and Change Management
• Team Leadership and Organisational Development
• Process Optimisation and Continuous Improvement
• Financial Management and Budget Planning
• Stakeholder Management and Executive Communication
• Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance
• Vendor Management and Strategic Partnerships
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Delivered $18.3M cumulative cost savings across operations roles over 8-year period
• Successfully scaled operations teams by 300%+ whilst maintaining high performance standards
• Led digital transformation projects affecting 50,000+ customers with 99.2% successful implementation rate
• Recognised as “Executive of the Year” – Australian Operations Excellence Awards (2023)
What is The Best Format for a Head of Operations Resume?
The reverse chronological format is essential for Head of Operations resumes as it clearly demonstrates your progression through increasingly senior roles and showcases your track record of delivering results at the executive level. This format is particularly important for operations leadership positions where employers need to see your career trajectory and evidence of successfully managing larger teams and more complex operations.
Use professional, executive-appropriate fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman that convey authority and attention to detail. Your name should be prominent at 18-20 points, section headings at 14-16 points, and body text at 11-12 points for optimal readability. Maintain consistent 1-inch margins and use strategic white space to create a clean, executive-level presentation that reflects your strategic thinking abilities.
Always submit as a PDF unless specifically requested otherwise, as this preserves professional formatting and demonstrates executive-level attention to detail. Your resume should include these essential sections:
Header: Include your full name, professional title (Head of Operations), mobile number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and location (city and state).
Executive Summary: A powerful 4-5 line overview highlighting your experience, leadership achievements, and strategic impact in operations roles.
Experience: Detail your career progression in reverse chronological order, focusing on operations leadership and senior management roles.
Education: Include your degrees, MBA if applicable, and any executive education that demonstrates ongoing professional development.
Other sections: Consider adding executive development, core competencies, key achievements, or board positions that showcase your senior-level expertise and industry recognition.
What Experience Should Be on Your Head of Operations Resume?
Your experience section should demonstrate your evolution into senior operations leadership whilst highlighting strategic achievements that show your impact on business growth, efficiency, and team performance. Focus on roles that showcase your ability to manage complex operations, lead large teams, and deliver measurable business results. Include specific metrics that demonstrate your contribution to revenue growth, cost reduction, and operational excellence.
Australian employers particularly value operations leaders who understand local market dynamics, regulatory requirements, and can manage both domestic and international expansion. Emphasise experiences that show your strategic thinking, change management capabilities, and ability to build and scale high-performing operations teams in competitive markets.
CORRECT EXAMPLE:
Head of Operations | FlexiWork Technologies | February 2020 – Present
• Direct comprehensive operations for leading Australian workforce management platform serving 8,000+ businesses with $65M annual recurring revenue
• Built and lead operations organisation of 70+ professionals across customer success, technical operations, product delivery, and business development
• Implemented scalable operations framework enabling 200% business growth whilst improving customer satisfaction scores from 7.1 to 8.9
• Led digital transformation initiatives reducing manual processes by 80% and achieving $5.2M in annual operational cost savings
• Partner with executive team on strategic planning and market expansion, contributing to successful Series B funding of $25M
INCORRECT EXAMPLE:
Head of Operations | Tech Company | 2020 – Present
• Responsible for company operations and team management
• Improved processes and reduced costs
• Worked with senior management on strategy
• Managed various operational activities
• Led team and implemented changes
Entry-Level Head of Operations Resume Samples [Experience]
For professionals transitioning into their first Head of Operations role, focus on senior management experience that demonstrates your readiness for operations leadership. Include director-level roles, significant project leadership, P&L responsibility, and any experience managing large teams or complex operations. Show your strategic thinking and ability to drive business results at scale.
CORRECT EXAMPLE:
Operations Director | Growth Ventures Australia | March 2019 – Present
• Lead operations for portfolio of 5 high-growth startups with combined annual revenue of $32M, preparing for Head of Operations promotion
• Manage cross-portfolio operations team of 25+ professionals and coordinate with 15+ portfolio company executives on operational excellence
• Developed standardised operations frameworks adopted across portfolio companies, achieving average 40% improvement in operational efficiency
• Led due diligence and integration planning for 3 acquisitions valued at $18M+, ensuring seamless operational transitions
• Established performance management systems and KPI frameworks that improved portfolio company valuations by average 35%
INCORRECT EXAMPLE:
Senior Manager | Business Company | 2019 – Present
• Managed operations and different projects
• Worked with teams and improved processes
• Looking to step up to Head of Operations role
• Have experience in management
• Led various operational activities
How to Write the Education Section for your Head of Operations Resume
Education is crucial for Head of Operations positions as it demonstrates the strategic thinking, business acumen, and analytical capabilities required for senior operations leadership. Australian employers highly value MBA qualifications and executive education from prestigious institutions, as these credentials indicate your ability to think strategically about complex business challenges and operations at scale.
Include your highest degrees, any MBA or executive education programs, and relevant professional development that shows your commitment to continuous learning and staying current with operations management best practices and emerging trends.
Head of Operations Resume Example [Education]
Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Melbourne Business School | 2018
• Concentration: Strategy and Operations, with electives in Digital Transformation
• Capstone Project: “Operational Excellence in Australian Scale-ups” – featured in MBS Executive Insights publication
• Academic Recognition: Dean’s List, Operations Management Prize recipient
• Executive Team: Class President, Operations Club Co-founder
Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial & Systems) | Monash University | 2012
• Major: Industrial Engineering with minor in Management
• Final Year Project: “Supply Chain Optimisation for Australian Manufacturing” – awarded Best Engineering Project
• Academic Achievement: First Class Honours, University Medal recipient
How to Write the Skills Section for your Head of Operations Resume
The skills section for Head of Operations resumes should emphasise strategic capabilities, leadership competencies, and technical knowledge that demonstrate your ability to drive operational excellence at the executive level. Include 12-16 skills that showcase both your operational expertise and strategic leadership abilities that are essential for senior operations roles.
Focus on high-level competencies that differentiate you from operational managers and demonstrate your capability to lead at the C-suite level. Australian employers particularly value operations leaders who combine traditional operational excellence with digital transformation capabilities and strategic business understanding.
Head of Operations Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• Strategic operations planning and execution
• Digital transformation and technology implementation
• Financial analysis and budget management ($50M+)
• Process optimisation and lean methodologies
• Data analytics and business intelligence
• Supply chain and vendor management
• Risk management and regulatory compliance
• Project and program management (enterprise-level)
• Merger and acquisition integration
• Performance management and KPI development
• Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
• Change management and organisational development
• Quality assurance and continuous improvement
• Business process reengineering
Head of Operations Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Executive leadership and team building
• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Stakeholder management and communication
• Cross-functional collaboration and influence
• Emotional intelligence and cultural awareness
• Decision-making under pressure
• Conflict resolution and negotiation
• Innovation and creative problem-solving
• Adaptability and resilience in changing environments
• Mentoring and executive coaching
• Board-level presentation and reporting
• Crisis management and business continuity
• Ethical leadership and corporate governance
• Global mindset and cultural intelligence
How to pick the best Head of Operations skills:
1. **Analyse C-suite job descriptions** to identify the strategic capabilities and leadership competencies most valued at executive level
2. **Prioritise strategic skills** that demonstrate your ability to think and operate at the senior leadership level
3. **Include transformation capabilities** that show your ability to lead large-scale change and digital initiatives
4. **Balance operational and leadership skills** to demonstrate both hands-on expertise and strategic vision
5. **Focus on scalable competencies** that show your experience managing large operations and complex organisations
6. **Emphasise business impact skills** that demonstrate your ability to drive revenue growth and operational efficiency
Head of Operations Resume Examples [Skills]
• Strategic Operations Leadership: Led operations transformation for $200M+ revenue organisations, achieving 35% efficiency improvements whilst scaling teams 300%
• Digital Transformation Execution: Championed technology initiatives affecting 100,000+ customers, delivering $12M in cost savings and 40% process improvements
• Executive Team Collaboration: Partner with C-suite executives and board members on strategic planning, presenting to boards of ASX-listed companies
• Large-Scale Team Leadership: Built and managed operations organisations of 100+ professionals across multiple geographic locations and business units
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Head of Operations Resume?
Additional sections are highly valuable for Head of Operations resumes as they demonstrate executive-level expertise, industry recognition, and thought leadership that differentiate you from other senior candidates. These sections are particularly important for operations leadership roles where board experience, speaking engagements, and industry involvement indicate your level of professional standing.
Consider including Board Positions and Advisory Roles which demonstrate governance experience and executive credibility. Speaking Engagements and Publications show thought leadership and industry expertise. Executive Education and Certifications demonstrate ongoing professional development at the senior level.
Industry Recognition and Awards provide third-party validation of your executive performance. Professional Associations at senior levels indicate your engagement with executive communities. Mentoring and Executive Coaching can show your commitment to developing other leaders.
Head of Operations Resume Examples [Other Sections]
BOARD POSITIONS & ADVISORY ROLES
• Independent Director – Technology Startup Board (2022-Present), overseeing operations governance for $50M revenue company
• Strategic Advisor – Scale-up Advisory Board (2021-Present), providing operations expertise for high-growth Australian companies
EXECUTIVE RECOGNITION & AWARDS
• “Operations Executive of the Year” – Australian Business Awards (2023)
• “Top 40 Under 40 Operations Leaders” – Operations Excellence Magazine (2022)
• “Digital Transformation Leader” – Australian CIO Awards (2021)
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
• Keynote Speaker – Australian Operations Excellence Conference (2023): “Leading Digital Transformation at Scale”
• Panel Expert – CEO Institute Summit (2022): “Building Resilient Operations in Uncertain Times”
• Published Author – Harvard Business Review Australia (2023): “The Future of Operations Leadership”
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
• Executive Member – Australian Institute of Management (AIM)
• Senior Fellow – Operations Leadership Network Australia
• Advisory Board Member – Future of Work Institute
INTERESTS
• Business
• Leadership
• Strategy
• Technology
OTHER
• Have some awards
• Speak at events sometimes
• Member of groups
Tip: You can include relevant executive interests like angel investing, startup mentoring, or executive coaching that demonstrate your broader business engagement. International experience, language skills, or cross-cultural competencies can also add value for multinational operations roles.
How to write a Head of Operations Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling executive summary is critical for Head of Operations resumes as it immediately establishes your senior-level expertise, demonstrates your strategic impact, and communicates your value proposition to C-suite hiring decision-makers. This 4-5 line section should capture your executive experience, key achievements, strategic capabilities, and what makes you uniquely qualified for operations leadership roles.
Focus on transformational achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive business results at scale, such as revenue growth enabled, cost reductions achieved, or successful organisational transformations led. Include specific executive-level experience and strategic competencies that align with senior operations leadership requirements.
• **Quantify your executive impact** with specific revenue figures, team sizes, and business transformation outcomes
• **Highlight strategic capabilities** that demonstrate your ability to operate at C-suite level
• **Include transformation achievements** that show your ability to lead large-scale change initiatives
• **Mention industry expertise** and market knowledge that provides competitive advantage
• **Reference leadership experience** managing large organisations and complex operations
Head of Operations Resume Summary Examples
CORRECT EXAMPLE:
Strategic operations executive with 15+ years of experience driving operational excellence and business transformation across technology, financial services, and retail sectors. Successfully scaled operations for high-growth companies from $10M to $500M+ revenue whilst building world-class teams of 200+ professionals across multiple geographic markets. Expert in digital transformation, process automation, and change management with proven track record of delivering $50M+ in cumulative cost savings and efficiency improvements. Recognised thought leader with MBA from top-tier institution and extensive board-level experience guiding strategic decisions for ASX-listed companies.
INCORRECT EXAMPLE:
Experienced operations professional with background in management and process improvement. Good with teams and strategy. Looking for senior operations role where I can use my experience and skills to help company grow and improve operations.
For professionals transitioning to their first Head of Operations role, focus on senior management experience, strategic project leadership, and readiness for executive-level responsibility. Highlight your track record of managing large teams, driving significant business results, and working at the senior leadership level.
Entry-Level Head of Operations Resume Summary Examples
CORRECT EXAMPLE:
Senior operations leader with 10+ years of progressive experience managing complex operations and driving business transformation initiatives for $100M+ revenue organisations. Successfully led cross-functional teams of 50+ professionals whilst delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction. Expert in digital transformation, process optimisation, and strategic planning with MBA from leading Australian business school. Proven ability to partner with C-suite executives on strategic initiatives and ready to take on expanded Head of Operations responsibility.
INCORRECT-EXAMPLE:
Operations manager ready to step up to head of operations role. Have experience managing teams and improving processes. Want to take on more responsibility and lead operations at senior level.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Head of Operations Resume
LinkedIn profile alignment with your resume is crucial for Head of Operations candidates, as the platform serves as a key channel for executive recruitment, board opportunities, and senior-level networking in Australia’s business community. Research indicates that 95% of Australian executive recruiters use LinkedIn for C-suite and senior leadership searches, making profile optimisation essential for operations leadership roles.
Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume whilst leveraging the platform’s executive networking capabilities, thought leadership opportunities, and professional content sharing features. This strategic alignment helps establish your executive presence and connects you with other C-suite leaders, board members, and executive search firms across Australia’s business landscape.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Head of Operations
EFFECTIVE EXAMPLES:
“Head of Operations | Digital Transformation Leader | Scaling High-Growth Companies | $500M+ Revenue Operations Experience”
“Executive Operations Leader | MBA | Building World-Class Teams | Driving Operational Excellence | Board Advisor”
“Head of Operations | C-Suite Executive | Process Innovation & Team Leadership | Available for Executive Opportunities”
INEFFECTIVE EXAMPLES:
“Head of Operations”
“Operations Executive”
“Senior Operations Professional”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary should adopt a more conversational, first-person executive tone whilst expanding significantly on your resume’s key points. Unlike your resume’s concise summary, LinkedIn allows 2,000+ characters to articulate your leadership philosophy, strategic vision, and approach to operations excellence that resonates with other executives and board members.
Include insights about your leadership style, thoughts on the future of operations, and your approach to building high-performing teams. Mention specific experience with Australian market challenges, regulatory environments, or industry dynamics. Use relevant hashtags like #OperationsExcellence, #DigitalTransformation, #ExecutiveLeadership, or #ScaleUp to improve discoverability among executive networks.
Showcasing Head of Operations Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows for richer executive storytelling than traditional resume constraints. Expand your achievements to include strategic context, leadership challenges overcome, and business transformation narratives that demonstrate your executive-level impact. Include specific examples of board interactions, investor relations, or strategic partnerships you’ve managed.
Use LinkedIn’s media feature to showcase executive presentations, strategic frameworks you’ve developed, or recognition you’ve received for operations excellence. This approach transforms your experience from job descriptions into compelling executive success stories that demonstrate your capability to operate at C-suite level.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Head of Operations
Prioritise executive-level skills such as “Strategic Planning,” “Operations Management,” “Digital Transformation,” “Executive Leadership,” “Change Management,” and “Business Development” alongside technical competencies. Actively seek endorsements from C-suite colleagues, board members, investors, and other senior executives you’ve worked with.
While LinkedIn skill assessments for executive-level competencies are limited, consider completing assessments for foundational skills like “Project Management” or “Strategic Planning” if they add credibility. Focus more on building a network of high-quality endorsements from other executives and thought leaders in your industry.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Head of Operations
Engage actively with Australian executive and business content by sharing strategic insights, commenting thoughtfully on industry trends, and publishing articles about operations excellence or digital transformation. Position yourself as a thought leader by sharing lessons learned from scaling operations or leading transformation initiatives.
Connect strategically with other C-suite executives, board members, executive search consultants, and operations leaders across major Australian companies and high-growth startups. Follow Australian business publications, executive institutes, and leadership organisations to stay current with executive discussions and demonstrate your engagement with the senior business community.
Creating an exceptional Head of Operations resume requires balancing strategic vision with operational execution, leadership achievements with business results, and individual success with team development capabilities. Your resume serves as the critical foundation for positioning yourself as a senior executive capable of leading complex operations and driving transformational business outcomes.
Remember that Australia’s business landscape values operations leaders who combine strategic thinking with practical execution, international perspective with local market knowledge, and proven leadership experience with innovative approaches to operational challenges. Your resume should embody these qualities whilst clearly demonstrating your executive-level impact and readiness for senior operations leadership.
As you pursue Head of Operations opportunities, ensure your resume works effectively alongside with our compelling cover letter resources that expands on your strategic vision and leadership philosophy. This executive-level combination will position you strongly for success in Australia’s dynamic and competitive operations leadership market.
For ongoing executive development and senior-level networking, consider engaging with the Australian Institute of Management and exploring executive education opportunities through leading business schools. These connections, combined with a strategically crafted executive resume, will accelerate your success in Australia’s senior operations leadership landscape.
