Director, Plant Operations Jobs

Explore Director, Plant Operations opportunities on Ladders, where professionals can find vetted jobs paying $100,000 or more. Directors of plant operations lead the people, processes, and resources that keep manufacturing and industrial facilities running safely, efficiently, and profitably.

What Does a Director of Plant Operations Do?

These leaders oversee day-to-day plant performance and guide operational strategy. Responsibilities may include managing production, improving quality and throughput, controlling operating costs, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. They also develop teams, coordinate with supply chain and engineering groups, and report performance to senior leadership.

Common Skills and Qualifications

Employers often seek substantial experience in plant, manufacturing, or operations leadership, along with a record of improving results across complex facilities. Useful strengths include continuous improvement, workforce development, budgeting, production planning, safety management, and data-driven decision-making. Familiarity with methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma may be valuable, depending on the role and industry.

Industries and Career Opportunities

Director of Plant Operations roles can be found across manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, automotive, chemicals, energy, and other industrial sectors. The scope varies by employer: some directors manage one site, while others oversee multiple facilities or broader regional operations. These positions can offer a path to senior roles such as vice president of operations or chief operating officer.

Find Director, Plant Operations Jobs on Ladders

Browse vetted Director, Plant Operations openings on Ladders and explore opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Compare roles by responsibilities, location, and industry to find a leadership position aligned with your experience and career goals.

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$220K - $260K *

Join a dynamic team to shape the future of engineering operations and strategy, driving high-impact decisions and managing a multi-million dollar budget while fostering collaboration and innovation in...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$81K - $115K *

Drive lab operations by supervising teams, managing equipment, and ensuring safety/quality standards while implementing process improvements for efficiency and productivity...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$118K - $169K *

Lead a high-performing team in a state-of-the-art waste-to-energy facility, ensuring safe, reliable, and environmentally compliant operations while driving continuous improvement and workforce develop...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$88K - $94K *

Oversee the operation and maintenance of the transit fleet and facilities, ensuring efficient service delivery. Lead a team, manage budgets, and implement policies to enhance fleet performance and com...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$90K - $110K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of medical device innovation by leading R&D projects, ensuring compliance, and driving successful commercialization. Collaborate across teams to meet project goals...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in optimizing warehouse operations, ensuring timely deliveries and exceptional service. Drive performance and efficiency in a fast-paced environment while managing logistics, inventory...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$88K - $98K *

Transform the resident experience by overseeing operations in supportive housing. Lead a dedicated team to ensure safety, compliance, and hospitality while fostering a welcoming community environment...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Transform project delivery by leading a high-performing PMO, optimizing processes, and ensuring compliance with best practices while collaborating with executive leaders to meet client needs and drive...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $130K *

Oversee and enhance Environmental, Health, and Safety initiatives across North and South America, ensuring compliance and driving continuous improvement in safety practices for field service operation...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Champion financial analysis and operational support while managing budgets, payroll, and vendor relationships at our dynamic facility. Drive efficiency through reporting, inventory management, and str...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$90K - $110K *

Lead the charge in optimizing workplace operations, ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable facilities management across production and office environments, while supporting a growing team through scal...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$110K - $220K *

Transform operations by leading complex projects, enhancing efficiency, and driving strategic initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze data, manage budgets, and foster talent de...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$80K - $95K *

Champion the execution of complex construction projects, ensuring safety, efficiency, and profitability. Lead cross-functional teams, manage schedules, and drive stakeholder engagement to deliver succ...

5 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$88K - $105K *

Lead the charge in optimizing operational workflows and task management systems. Collaborate with STARCOM HQ to ensure timely responses and efficient task completion, enhancing organizational effectiv...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$81K - $121K *

Accelerate progress at our manufacturing campus by leading capital projects that enhance operations and drive efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful results from conc...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$85K - $120K *

Shape the future of operations by leading distribution efforts, ensuring quality standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Oversee safety, budget management, and team development to e...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$183K - $243K *

Architect a robust energy strategy that ensures safe, reliable services. Champion operational excellence and foster innovative solutions to meet evolving energy demands while driving customer satisfac...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$90K - $110K *

Manage production operations and facility maintenance, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency. Lead continuous improvement initiatives while achieving budget and performance goals. Oversee schedulin...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$90K - $110K *

Optimize operations and drive excellence in manufacturing, ensuring safety and quality while achieving financial and delivery targets. Lead continuous improvement initiatives and manage resources to m...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$170K - $210K *

Shape the future of implementation by leading a skilled team for strategic client launches, ensuring timely delivery and quality outcomes while refining processes to enhance efficiency in a rapidly gr...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$99K - $149K *

Join a dynamic team to lead and execute projects, ensuring successful outcomes through effective stakeholder collaboration and adherence to established standards. Drive customer satisfaction and manag...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in mechanical project management, overseeing construction needs, coordinating schedules, and ensuring project success through effective communication and documentation. Drive innovatio...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in managing mechanical construction projects, ensuring client satisfaction through effective coordination, cost optimization, and comprehensive documentation while overseeing field ope...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing mechanical construction projects, ensuring customer satisfaction through effective management, coordination, and documentation while driving project success...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$80K - $95K *

Join us to lead mechanical construction projects, managing scope, schedules, and resources to meet customer needs while ensuring quality delivery and compliance with industry standards...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Director of Plant Operations do?question toggle

    A Director of Plant Operations leads facility operations, including production, staffing, safety, quality, equipment, and cost management. The role typically focuses on meeting performance goals while improving efficiency and maintaining compliance.

  • What qualifications are common for Director of Plant Operations jobs?question toggle

    Employers commonly look for significant experience in manufacturing or plant leadership, strong operational and people-management skills, and a record of improving safety, productivity, quality, or costs. Requirements vary by company and industry.

  • Which industries hire Directors of Plant Operations?question toggle

    These directors work in industries such as manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, automotive, chemicals, energy, and other sectors that operate production or industrial facilities.

  • Do Director of Plant Operations jobs pay $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Many senior plant operations roles offer salaries of $100,000 or more, though compensation depends on factors such as industry, location, facility scope, and experience. Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities at this salary level.

  • What is the difference between a plant operations director and a plant manager?question toggle

    The titles vary by employer. A plant manager often leads the operations of a single facility, while a Director of Plant Operations may oversee a larger site, multiple facilities, or broader strategic responsibilities.