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Chief Operations Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Chief Operations Officer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Chief Operating Officer (COO) - HR3DGI Program Location: Alexandria, VA Looking for an opportunity ... Minimum 4 years of direct experience in operations-focused management roles * Experience leading ...

Leidos

Chief Operations Officer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

As COO, you will report directly to the Program Manager and serve as the primary operational ... Minimum 4 years of direct experience in operationsfocused management roles * Experience leading ...

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Chief Operations Director information

Is COO a stressful job?

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) role is often considered stressful due to its high level of responsibility for daily operations, strategic planning, and organizational performance. COOs must manage multiple departments, meet tight deadlines, and handle significant decision-making, which can contribute to work-related stress. Effective stress management and leadership skills are important for success in this position.

What is a chief operations director?

A chief operations director is a senior executive responsible for overseeing an organization’s daily operations, implementing strategic plans, and ensuring efficiency across departments. They often coordinate with other executives, manage operational teams, and utilize management tools to optimize performance.

How does a Chief Operations Director typically collaborate with other executive leaders to drive organizational success?

A Chief Operations Director regularly partners with fellow executives such as the CEO, CFO, and department heads to align operational strategies with overall business objectives. This collaboration often involves participating in strategic planning meetings, reviewing performance metrics, and coordinating cross-functional initiatives to improve efficiency and productivity. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential, as the role requires balancing the needs of various teams while ensuring that operational goals support the company’s long-term vision.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Operations Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Operations Director, you typically need extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and a relevant degree such as an MBA. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, process optimization tools, and industry-specific certifications like Six Sigma or PMP is highly valuable. Outstanding leadership, communication, and decision-making skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for overseeing complex operations, driving organizational efficiency, and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

What does a Chief Operations Director do?

A Chief Operations Director is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the daily operations of an organization. They develop and implement business strategies, manage operational budgets, and work to improve processes across departments. Their role often involves collaborating with other executives to ensure that the company's goals and objectives are met efficiently. Additionally, they may be involved in resource allocation, performance monitoring, and policy development to drive organizational success.

What is the salary of a head of operations?

The salary of a Chief Operations Director typically ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 annually, depending on the industry, company size, and location. Senior operations leaders often receive additional compensation such as bonuses, stock options, or benefits based on performance and experience.

What is the difference between Chief Operations Director vs Operations Manager?

AspectChief Operations DirectorOperations Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often advanced degrees, leadership experienceBachelor's degree, relevant certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, executive meetings, cross-department oversightDay-to-day operations, team management, process implementation
Employer & Industry UsageLarge corporations, multi-industry companiesMid-sized to large organizations across various industries

The Chief Operations Director focuses on strategic leadership and high-level decision-making, overseeing multiple departments and long-term goals. In contrast, the Operations Manager handles daily operations, team supervision, and process optimization. Both roles require leadership skills, but the scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

Is COO higher than Operations Director?

In most organizations, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior executive who oversees the company's daily operations and typically ranks higher than an Operations Director. The COO often reports directly to the CEO and has broader strategic responsibilities, while the Operations Director usually manages specific operational functions within the organization. The exact hierarchy can vary depending on the company's size and structure.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Operations jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Chief Operations jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Chief Operations Director jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Chief Operations Director job openings:
Chief Operations Director jobs near you
Chief Operations Officer

Chief Operations Officer

Leidos

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 488 rated business services

Job description

Chief Operating Officer (COO) - HR3DGI Program
Location: Alexandria, VA
Looking for an opportunity to make an impact at a global scale?
Join the Leidos Defense Sector, where our teams support "can't fail" missions that protect national security across the world. We deliver operational excellence, advanced geospatial capabilities, and integrated airborne ISR solutions through collaboration, innovation, and dedication to our customers. Everything we do is rooted in our Mission, Vision, and Values-and driven by our commitment to doing what's right.
About the Role
Leidos has an opening for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) supporting a contractor-owned, contractor-operated manned aircraft program headquartered in Alexandria, VA. This position plays a critical leadership role within the High-Resolution 3-Dimensional Geospatial Imaging (HR3DGI) program-one of the largest and most advanced airborne geospatial collection efforts in the world.
HR3DGI is a complex operations and technology integration program executed across multiple Combatant Commands (COCOMs). Leidos serves as the sole provider of manned airborne collection, processing, and dissemination of high-resolution 3D geospatial data worldwide. As COO, you will report directly to the Program Manager and serve as the primary operational liaison to Government Program Managers, military partners, and program stakeholders at CONUS and OCONUS locations.
You will lead daily operations across multiple deployed and CONUS sites, oversee collection management, manage personnel, and ensure the program maintains operational readiness and mission success. This role supervises 8-10 Site Operations Managers and coordinates across a program team of 100+ deployed personnel, including direct-report managers for Flight, Ground, and Technical Processing operations.
This position is based in Northern Virginia (Alexandria, VA). Regular travel to local customer sites (Fort Belvoir) is required, with infrequent OCONUS travel.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Lead and supervise daily operations across multiple sites, including mobilization and re-mobilization activities
  • Manage all deployed airborne flight operations, collection activities, and onsite processing
  • Oversee administration, aircraft maintenance, logistics, facilities, communications, operational systems, and vendor subcontracts
  • Coordinate planning, scope development, design, and direction of daily operational tasks
  • Maintain operational oversight of staff, equipment, aircraft, and mission systems
  • Develop, refine, and implement operating procedures to ensure safe, effective operations
  • Partner with QA/QC teams to support Government audits (GFR via AR95-20, DCMA 8210.1D)
  • Team with Lead Pilots and Chief Pilots for flight operations; team with Lead Mechanics and Director of Maintenance for ground operations
  • Maintain a monthly Operational Readiness Rate of 90% or higher per aircraft
  • Enforce flight and ground safety, regulatory compliance, and operational standards
  • Support CONUS resource managers with scheduling, logistics, procurement, and pre-deployment coordination
  • Resolve operational issues or conflicts quickly and communicate effectively with the customer and program leadership
  • Develop site standup, shutdown, mobilization plans with accurate lead times and briefings for PMO and customer staff
  • Perform all duties necessary to ensure responsiveness and readiness of the HR3DGI program

Required Qualifications
  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
  • Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of directly relevant experience (additional experience or training may substitute for degree)
  • Minimum 4 years of direct experience in operations-focused management roles
  • Experience leading, managing, or supporting deployed/OCONUS teams
  • Ability to obtain a passport and travel internationally
  • Willingness to travel OCONUS to Hazard and Hardship locations on short notice
  • Ability to meet all program and DoD medical/contractual training requirements for deployment, including CRC requirements
  • Knowledge of airborne ISR and geospatial collection systems
  • Strong understanding of military operations, terminology, and the Joint Military Decision Making Process (JMDP)
  • Ability to maintain working knowledge of airborne collection platforms and remote sensing payload capabilities
  • Understanding of flight and ground operating procedures with ability to manage department leads
  • Strong communication skills with ability to provide rapid, accurate operational feedback to program leadership and customer
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently with minimal direction
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office-PowerPoint, Project, Excel, and Word

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree and 6+ years of relevant experience
  • Special Operations Aviation or Aviation Management experience
  • Previous ISR operations experience

AMSOPP1
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
July 17, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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