1

Director Operations Manager Jobs in Fulton, MO (NOW HIRING)

Director, Operations Columbia, Missouri (On-Site) Watlow is seeking a Director of Operations to ... Manage budgets, resources, and capital investments with a focus on efficiency and return ...

Director, Operations Columbia, Missouri (On-Site) Watlow is seeking a Director of Operations to ... Manage budgets, resources, and capital investments with a focus on efficiency and return ...

Director, Operations Columbia, Missouri (On-Site) Watlow is seeking a Director of Operations to ... Manage budgets, resources, and capital investments with a focus on efficiency and return ...

The Operations Manager role in Columbia, MO is responsible for overseeing the direct management and day to day operations of a core location in our BioAnalyticsdivision, where we support over 4,000 ...

IT Operations & Security Manager We are a 45-year-old company with a loyal, long-standing customer ... The ideal candidate is a self-directed, highly organized leader who can think strategically while ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Director Operations Manager information

See Fulton, MO salary details

$29.2K

$92.5K

$154.2K

How much do director operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for director operations manager in Fulton, MO is $92,488.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,800.00 and $116,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Director Operations Manager, you need strong leadership, strategic planning, and business management skills, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration or a related field. Familiarity with ERP systems, data analytics tools, and Lean Six Sigma or PMP certifications is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and team-building abilities help you drive performance and manage change effectively. These skills ensure efficient operations, foster organizational growth, and enable successful execution of company strategies.

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

AspectDirector Operations ManagerOperations Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple departments, develops strategic plans, manages senior staffSupervises daily operations, manages frontline staff, ensures operational efficiency
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree, often MBA, extensive experience in operations managementHigh school diploma or associate degree, relevant experience in operations
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, strategic planning settingsWarehouse, manufacturing, retail stores, or service centers
Industry UsageCommon in large organizations across various industriesFound in operational roles within specific departments or locations

The Director Operations Manager typically holds a higher strategic role, overseeing multiple departments and setting long-term goals, while the Operations Supervisor focuses on managing daily activities and frontline staff. Both roles require operational knowledge, but the Director position involves broader responsibilities and higher-level decision-making.

Is a director of operations higher than a VP?

In most organizations, a Vice President (VP) of operations is considered higher than a Director of Operations, as VPs typically oversee multiple departments or divisions and have broader strategic responsibilities. Directors usually focus on managing specific teams or functions within the operations hierarchy. The exact hierarchy can vary depending on the company's size and structure.

What is the highest salary for an operations manager?

The highest salaries for operations managers can exceed $150,000 annually, especially in large corporations or industries like technology, finance, and healthcare. Factors such as experience, location, company size, and certifications like PMP can influence compensation levels.

Who is higher, COO or director of operations?

In most organizations, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) is higher than the Director of Operations. The COO typically oversees multiple departments and reports directly to the CEO, while the Director of Operations manages daily operational activities and reports to the COO or senior leadership. The specific hierarchy can vary depending on the company's size and structure.

What does a Director Operations Manager do?

A Director Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of an organization or a specific department. They develop and implement operational policies, manage budgets, streamline processes, and ensure that the company meets its goals efficiently. This role often involves supervising teams, coordinating with other departments, and analyzing performance metrics to improve productivity. Their leadership ensures that business operations run smoothly, efficiently, and in alignment with the company's strategic objectives.

Is a director of operations a high position?

A director of operations is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing daily business activities, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. It is considered a high-level position often reporting to executive management and requiring strong leadership, management skills, and industry experience.

How does a Director Operations Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive organizational goals?

A Director Operations Manager frequently works alongside departments such as finance, HR, sales, and IT to ensure operational strategies align with broader business objectives. This role involves leading meetings, setting shared goals, and coordinating resources across teams to streamline processes and improve efficiency. Effective communication and relationship-building are key, as the Director must balance priorities, resolve conflicts, and foster a culture of collaboration. By regularly engaging with cross-functional teams, the Director Operations Manager helps to break down silos and drive company-wide initiatives forward.
What are popular job titles related to Director Operations Manager jobs in Fulton, MO? For Director Operations Manager jobs in Fulton, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Operations Manager jobs in Fulton, MO look for? The top searched job categories for Director Operations Manager jobs in Fulton, MO are:
What cities near Fulton, MO are hiring for Director Operations Manager jobs? Cities near Fulton, MO with the most Director Operations Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Operations Manager job openings in Fulton, MO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,488 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
Director, Operations

Director, Operations

watlow

Columbia, MO • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Watlow rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 142 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

At Watlow’s Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Columbia, Missouri, we combine precision manufacturing with forward-thinking innovation. Part of a global thermal solutions leader founded in 1922, our Columbia facility is a critical hub for high-performance manufacturing, engineering, and operational excellence.

#PoweredByPossibility

We are hiring a: Director, Operations

Columbia, Missouri (On-Site)

Watlow is seeking a Director of Operations to lead our Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Columbia, Missouri. Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations, you will provide both strategic direction and hands-on leadership across production, quality, safety, supply chain, and engineering to deliver world-class products and drive operational excellence. As a key member of the Operations Leadership Team, you will partner closely with Business Units, New Product Development, and executive leadership to align operational capabilities with business objectives.

This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced operations leader who thrives in complex, high-tech manufacturing environments, is passionate about Lean transformation, and has the vision to build and develop high-performing teams. If you are a hands-on leader who drives accountability and continuous improvement from the shop floor to the executive table, we would love to connect with you.

What You’ll Do:

  • Manufacturing Leadership: Lead all manufacturing operations to consistently achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives across the Columbia facility.
  • Team Development: Build, coach, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement at every level of the organization.
  • Lean Transformation: Drive the application of Lean principles to streamline processes, improve throughput, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness — embedding behaviors, not just tools.
  • Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate with Business Units and New Product Development to ensure seamless integration of new products into production, aligning operational capabilities with innovation priorities.
  • Performance Management: Establish and monitor KPIs to track performance, productivity, and Lean progress, using data to drive informed decisions and continuous improvement.
  • Compliance & Quality: Ensure compliance with all regulatory, environmental, and industry standards, and champion quality through robust control measures and a culture of excellence.
  • Financial Stewardship: Manage budgets, resources, and capital investments with a focus on efficiency and return, identifying and pursuing cost-reduction opportunities across products, processes, and projects.
  • Technology & Innovation: Evaluate and introduce new technologies, systems, and methods to strengthen production capabilities and competitive positioning.
  • Engagement & Culture: Lead site-level engagement initiatives that align with Watlow’s purpose, vision, and strategy, promoting collaboration, trust, and open communication across leadership, teams, and stakeholders.
  • Watlow Business System: Represent the site within the Watlow Business System (WBS) framework, ensuring consistent adoption of best practices across the organization.

What you’ll need to succeed?

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business
  • 10+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations, with direct oversight of production, supply chain, engineering, and quality
  • Demonstrated success implementing Lean principles at scale with hands-on transformation experience, not just knowledge
  • Semiconductor industry or similarly complex, high-precision manufacturing environment experience
  • Proven project management track record delivering on-time, on-budget initiatives
  • Experience with New Product Introduction (NPI/NPD) in a manufacturing setting
  • Strong analytical and communication skills, with a data-driven approach to performance management and decision-making
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (<10%)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree (MS or MBA) in Business, Engineering, or Operations Management
  • Lean Six Sigma certification (Black Belt or Master Black Belt)
  • Change management experience leading cultural transformations in complex organizations
  • Background aligning and collaborating with front-end design and development functions (BU, Sales, Engineering) to ensure linkage to the manufacturing setting
  • Experience scaling operations in high-growth or innovation-driven industries

What Watlow employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Watlow logo

About Watlow

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1922

Social media