A VP of operations (vice president of operations) is a leadership role on the executive level.
They work with the chief executive and other departments to make decisions and manage the organization’s everyday operations.
This article explores the job description, salary, career paths, working conditions, required qualifications, and how to become a VP of operations.
VP Of Operations Information
| Official Job Title | VP Of Operations |
| Average Salary | $162,707 |
| Stress Level | Average |
| Work/ Life | High |
| Job Satisfaction | High |
| Career Advancement | High |
Job Description: VP of Operations
What Is A VP Of Operations Role?
The VP of Operation’s role in any organization is to work closely with the executive or the president at the top tier.
A VP of Operation formulates policy, plans resource allocation, manages operations, and oversees projects.
What Does A VP Of Operations do Daily?
VP of Operations daily works closely with the executive to provide support and works with other departments to manage recruitment, staff accountability, staff development, and leadership.
Responsibilities, Duties & Roles Of A VP Of Operations
The VP of Operations has dynamic duties, roles, and responsibilities.
They ensure excellence by providing technical expertise to the leadership.
The VP of Operations is responsible for optimizing operation costs, ensuring safety and financial performance, and achieving quality.
The VP of Operations also supports the team and coaches while promoting individual staff development.
As a top-level member of the organization, the VP of Operations is tasked with project budgeting, representing the company internally and externally, and working closely with HR to fine-tune the company’s policy.
Salary Range of A VP Of Operations
Average Salary
According to multiple sources and salary reports, the average salary of a VP of Operations in the United States is around $162,707.
This salary, however, varies by organization and location.
Starting Salary
The starting salary of a VP of Operations in the United States is around $140,335.
This figure is highly relative to the hiring company.
Senior Salary
The senior salary of a VP of Operations is around $181,107.
Other benefits and bonuses usually come with this figure.
How To Become a VP of Operations
The Entry Level: Certification, Training & Degree
The essential minimum entry-level qualification of a VP of Operations is a bachelor’s degree.
Most VP of Operations earned their degree in business administration, business management, and other related fields.
Employers and business owners sometimes hire a VP of Operations to take over the organization’s entire operation after some time.
So, you must have relevant qualifications and pieces of training that qualify for the position.
After getting a bachelor’s degree, you can enhance your knowledge by earning a master’s degree.
Other Skill Sets, Requirements & Qualifications
A VP of Operations should have other skill sets like strategic planning, budgeting, financial management, analytical skills, negotiation, diagnostic skills, critical thinking skills, and leadership skills.
Other requirements apart from the bachelor’s degree are a master’s degree, Ph.D., and other qualifications from the body of associations.
How Long Does It Take To Become A VP Of Operations?
The VP of Operations position requires a lot of experience.
Even after getting an associate’s or master’s degree, it could still be within the range of 7-10 years.
Most employers will not hire you unless you have lots of experience working in a similar role over the years.
It is also salient to note that most VPs of Operations usually get to this position through promotion because they must have been familiar with its culture and policies.
Is It Hard To Become A VP Of Operations?
As long as you have gained the qualifications and experience in similar roles, becoming a VP of Operations is not tricky.
A VP Of Operations Career Paths
The VP Of Operations Roadmap
Executives in most organizations must have worked for several years, climbing up the ladder of hierarchy.
So before you become a VP of Operations, you must have worked in similar senior-level positions and gain the relevant experiences you will need to perform in your new role.
If you’re passionate and you master various competencies in strategy, development, communication, and globalization, nothing should hinder you from achieving your goal of becoming a VP of Operations.
Projections For Growth In VP Of Operations Jobs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the VP of Operations and other jobs in this category will grow by 6 percent through 2031.
The growth compared to other occupations is fast on average.
In Summary: Is VP Of Operations A Good Career?
A career as VP of Operations is worth it.
In just a short period after you become a VP of Operations, you could become your organization’s chief executive.
The wealth of experience required for the role makes it a high demand for professionals in this field.
Working Conditions Of A VP Of Operations.
Can A VP Of Operations Work Remotely From Home?
A VP of Operations can work remotely from home.
In a senior position and the nature of the job or present situations usually dictate the work location.
In large corporations with multiple VP of Operations, there could be an arrangement for a specific period for remote work.
How Many Hours Does A VP Of Operations Work?
A VP of Operations typically works the regular 9-5 traditional business hours.
Naturally, as a senior position, more commitment is expected.
It is typical for the VP of Operations to work overtime if some uncompleted tasks or projects need to be balanced.
Can A VP Of Operations Work Part-Time?
A VP of Operations can work part-time, but it strongly depends on the organization or your employer.
Other factors that influence this may be the type of projects worked on or simply the company’s policy.
What Are The Average Vacation Days Of A VP Of Operations?
The average vacation days of a VP of Operations are not different from other office jobs.
However, a VP of Operations may need to plan vacations outside the completion time of projects.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a VP of Operations
- Business Development Manager
- Auditor
- Finance Manager
- Purchasing Manager
- Case Manager
- Branch Manager
- Public Relationship Manager
- Accounting Director
- Hotel Manager
- Administrative Manager
- Brand Manager
- Office Manager
Resume Tips For A VP Of Operations
Here are a few tips for a VP of Operations resume:
- Technicality Mastery:
- The VP of Operations job relies on many years of previous experience in similar roles.
- You must be sure to list your wealth of expertise in organizational or business management.
- ATS Knowledge:
- You need to understand how the ATS software works in selecting resumes for processing.
- Make sure to use the relevant keywords and structure in your resume for a higher chance of getting selected.
- Achievements:
- You must list some successful projects and the workforce you have successfully managed to increase your chance of securing the job.
Interview Questions
Q1: Can you share with us what makes you qualified for this position?
Why it works: This question is asked to learn about your work experiences and give you a chance to shine on how much you’ve accomplished.
Q2: What certifications have you received that qualify you as a VP of Operations?
Why it works: This question is asked to check how much you have developed over the years.
The certifications requested here is not the conventional bachelor’s and master’s degree.
Although you can reference them quickly, emphasis should be on the ones you have acquired related to the field.
Q3: What has been the most challenging experience you’ve encountered as a director of operations or similar positions?
Why it works: This question works to check if you have the right skills to tackle the challenges you will encounter while working with the organization.
Jobs Related To a VP of Operations
- Operations Manager
- Facilities Operation Project Manager
- Program Manager
- Manager of Regional Operations
- Associate Manager
For HR Manager: Tips For Hiring a VP of Operations
Key Characteristics To Look For In A VP Of Operations
When trying to hire a VP of Operations, HR must ask questions like is the candidate culturally fit, does the candidate understand the industry, will the candidate generates or drive results, is the candidate passionate about learning, and if the candidate is purpose-driven.
The VP of Operations must be aligned with the company values and must form healthy relationships within and outside the organization.
Minimum Level Of Education & Experience Of A VP Of Operations
The minimum level of education and experience of a VP Of Operations is relative.
According to various job listings, the minimum formal education required and degree level is a bachelor’s degree.
For higher levels, companies could request experience as high as ten years in related fields.
References
- https://www.indeed.com/recruitment/job-description/vp-of-operations
- https://www.indeed.com/career/vice-president-of-operations
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-network-administrator
- https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/network-administrator-career-salary-guide/
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm#tab-1
- https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/vice-president-of-operations-salary
- https://www.villanovau.com/resources/hr/vice-president-operations-job-description/
- https://www.indeed.com/recruitment/job-description/vp-of-operations
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm#tab-6
- https://www.indeed.com/viewjob jk=0dee377c95d1760f&tk=1fgldc5r2ocat800&from=serp&vjs=3
- https://yscouts.com/blog/what-to-look-for-in-a-vp-of-operations/
- https://www.learn4good.com/jobs/washington/district-of-columbia/healthcare/606664808/e/