Director

Supply Chain Operations Director

The supply chain execution leader — directing daily supply chain operations to ensure reliable product flow.

Career Level
Junior
Mid
Senior
Director
VP
Executive
Work Personality
E
C
R
I
S
A
Enterprisingleading, persuading
Conventionalorganizing, detail-oriented
Based on Holland Code framework
Job markets for Supply Chain Operations Directors
Employment concentration · ~353 areas
Based on employment in related occupations
Mapped SOC categories:
BLS Occupational Employment Statistics
What it's like

What it's like to be a Supply Chain Operations Director

As Supply Chain Operations Director, you lead the operational execution of supply chain activities. You manage daily operations across warehousing, transportation, and distribution, ensure on-time delivery, and solve operational problems. This role emphasizes execution and operational excellence.

Your days are operationally intensive. You might review daily operations dashboards, address supply chain issues, coordinate across warehouses and carriers, manage operations teams, and ensure service level performance. You keep the supply chain running daily.

The hardest part is maintaining reliable operations while handling the constant variability and disruptions in supply chain execution. Supply Chain Operations Directors who thrive are strong operational managers, make quick decisions, and build teams that execute reliably.

IndependenceAbove avg
Working ConditionsAbove avg
SupportAbove avg
AchievementModerate
RecognitionModerate
RelationshipsModerate
O*NET Work Values survey
StrategyExecution
StructuredAdaptable
ManagingContributing
CollaborativeIndependent
Operations complexityVolume and velocityGeographic scopeService requirementsTeam size
This role varies by operational intensity. High-volume, time-sensitive operations differ from steady-state supply chains. Geographic scope affects complexity. Service requirements (same-day, next-day) affect pressure. Team sizes vary significantly.
✦ Editorial — written by Truest from industry research and career patterns
Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.

$239K$179K$119K$60K$0KLower paying387 metro areas, sorted by salary level
All experience levels1
This level's estimated range
INDUSTRIES PAYING ABOVE AVERAGE
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Supply Chain Operations Directors (SOC 11-3071.04), not just this title · BEA RPP 2023
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.
Exploring the Supply Chain Operations Director career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
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What is the scope of supply chain operations?
What is the volume and service level requirements?
What are typical operational challenges?
What technology supports operations?
What is the team structure?
✦ Editorial — career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns
The Broader Landscape

Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.

$61K–$181K
Salary Range
10th – 90th percentile
213K
U.S. Employment
+6.1%
10yr Growth
19K
Annual Openings

How this category is changing

$110K$107K$104K$101K$99K201920202021202220232024$99K$110K
BLS OEWS May 2024 · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034

Skills & Requirements

SpeakingCoordinationJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningMonitoringTime ManagementComplex Problem SolvingCritical ThinkingWriting
O*NET OnLine · Bureau of Labor Statistics
11-3071.04

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS Employment Projections · O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.