Head Of Operations Jobs in Illinois
Head Of Operations jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, with openings concentrated in logistics and supply chain, healthcare administration, manufacturing, and financial services, ranging from operations manager level through senior vice president of operations. Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford anchor most of the hiring activity, with established employers such as Caterpillar, United Airlines, and Advocate Health Care consistently seeking operations leadership across their Illinois footprints. Process improvement, multi-site operations oversight, and cross-functional team leadership are the specialties Illinois employers request most consistently. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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About the Role
Morningstar's mission is to empower investor success. At the heart of that mission is the Direct Platform, which delivers the data, research, analytics, and software solutions relied upon by investors worldwide. Our products depend on one of the industry's most comprehensive investment data ecosystems, spanning managed investments, fixed income, private markets, reference data, and emerging investment structures. As the volume, complexity, and strategic importance of investment data continue to grow, Morningstar is investing in the modernization of its global data acquisition and operations capabilities to power the next generation of products and client solutions.
Direct Platform provides independent analysis on investments, portfolios, and markets. Our products rely on the acquisition, management, and delivery of one of the industry's most comprehensive investment data ecosystems, spanning managed investments, fixed income, private markets, reference data, and emerging investment structures. This data powers research, analytics, software platforms, and client solutions used by investors around the world.
For the Head of Data Operations, we are seeking a transformational leader to oversee Morningstar's global data acquisition, operations, and collection technology ecosystem. This executive will lead a large-scale global organization (~700 people) while driving modernization of the platforms, workflows, and operating models that support data collection, enrichment, quality management, and delivery.
Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer of the Direct Platform, the Head of Data Operations will partner closely with Data Strategy, Product, Research, Engineering, and Architecture leaders to execute Morningstar's data acquisition roadmap, accelerate automation and AI-enabled capabilities, and establish a scalable operating model capable of supporting the next generation of investment data products. The role requires a unique blend of operational leadership, technology transformation expertise, and strategic vision to drive innovation while ensuring operational excellence across the global data ecosystem.
Responsibilities
Data Operations Leadership
- Lead a global organization responsible for acquiring, managing, enriching, and delivering investment, reference, and market data at scale.
- Partner with Data Strategy, Product, and Research leaders to execute the enterprise data acquisition strategy and roadmap.
- Translate strategic data priorities into scalable operational capabilities, processes, and technology solutions.
- Drive organizational agility by rapidly adapting data acquisition approaches to evolving market opportunities, regulatory requirements, and client needs.
- Lead initiatives that improve accuracy, productivity, efficiency, and scalability while maintaining appropriate quality standards for each data product.
- Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and client impact.
Data Platforms & Technology Transformation
- Lead the evolution of Morningstar's data collection, acquisition, and production ecosystem, establishing a vision for modern, scalable, and highly automated operations.
- Drive investment decisions and prioritization for collection platforms, workflow tools, AI-enabled solutions, and operational technologies.
- Partner with Engineering and Architecture leaders to modernize legacy systems and accelerate automation across the data lifecycle.
- Champion the adoption of AI, advanced analytics, and emerging technologies to improve operational effectiveness and scalability.
- Establish operating metrics, performance frameworks, and management disciplines to continuously improve efficiency, quality, and throughput.
- Monitor emerging technologies and industry best practices to ensure Morningstar remains at the forefront of data acquisition and operational innovation.
Governance, Risk & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Execute data governance policies and operational frameworks established in partnership with Data Strategy, Product, Risk, Compliance, and other key stakeholders.
- Ensure data collection, management, and operational processes comply with applicable regulatory, privacy, and risk requirements.
- Build strong partnerships across Product, Research, Data Strategy, Technology, Commercial, and Client-facing organizations.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on operational strategy, transformation priorities, investment decisions, and organizational effectiveness.
- Champion a data-driven, customer-centric culture across the enterprise while promoting collaboration and accountability.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of executive leadership experience leading large-scale data acquisition, operations, technology, or transformation organizations, with accountability for both operational performance and modernization initiatives.
- Strong understanding of financial, investment, reference, and/or market data ecosystems, including the operational processes required to acquire, manage, enrich, and deliver high-quality datasets at scale.
- Proven track record leading large-scale transformation efforts leveraging automation, AI-enabled capabilities, workflow modernization, and technology-driven process redesign to improve scalability, efficiency, quality, and productivity.
- Experience leading large, globally distributed organizations through significant organizational change, operating model evolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to partner effectively across Product, Technology, Data Strategy, Research, and Commercial organizations to translate strategic priorities into operational and technology outcomes.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and change leadership skills, with the ability to influence senior executives and drive enterprise-wide impact.
- Experience implementing or sponsoring investments in AI, automation, workflow tooling, advanced analytics, and operational technologies within complex enterprise environments.
- Willingness to travel as needed to engage with global teams and stakeholders, including operations centers in Madrid and Mumbai.
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
Preferred Experience
- Experience leading technology-enabled transformation within financial services, market data, investment data, reference data, or adjacent information services organizations.
- Experience managing or sponsoring large-scale investments in data acquisition technology, workflow platforms, automation capabilities, and AI-powered operational solutions.
- Familiarity with modern data platforms, cloud-based technologies, and enterprise-scale data operations environments.
Location: This role is based at our global headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. Regardless of office, there is an expectation of four days per week in the office. Morningstar operates a flexible in-office model in which employees select one preferred remote workday per week.
Compensation and Benefits
At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That’s why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:
Financial Health
100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
Stock Ownership Potential
Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
Physical Health
Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance
Emotional Health
Trust-Based Time Off
6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave
Adoption Assistance
Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses
Tuition Reimbursement
Social Health
Charitable Matching Gifts program
Dollars for Doers volunteer program
Paid volunteering days
15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups
Total Cash Compensation Range
$311,100.00-477,000.00Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive
Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.
001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal EntityAbout the Role
Morningstar's mission is to empower investor success. At the heart of that mission is the Direct Platform, which delivers the data, research, analytics, and software solutions relied upon by investors worldwide. Our products depend on one of the industry's most comprehensive investment data ecosystems, spanning managed investments, fixed income, private markets, reference data, and emerging investment structures. As the volume, complexity, and strategic importance of investment data continue to grow, Morningstar is investing in the modernization of its global data acquisition and operations capabilities to power the next generation of products and client solutions.
Direct Platform provides independent analysis on investments, portfolios, and markets. Our products rely on the acquisition, management, and delivery of one of the industry's most comprehensive investment data ecosystems, spanning managed investments, fixed income, private markets, reference data, and emerging investment structures. This data powers research, analytics, software platforms, and client solutions used by investors around the world.
For the Head of Data Operations, we are seeking a transformational leader to oversee Morningstar's global data acquisition, operations, and collection technology ecosystem. This executive will lead a large-scale global organization (~700 people) while driving modernization of the platforms, workflows, and operating models that support data collection, enrichment, quality management, and delivery.
Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer of the Direct Platform, the Head of Data Operations will partner closely with Data Strategy, Product, Research, Engineering, and Architecture leaders to execute Morningstar's data acquisition roadmap, accelerate automation and AI-enabled capabilities, and establish a scalable operating model capable of supporting the next generation of investment data products. The role requires a unique blend of operational leadership, technology transformation expertise, and strategic vision to drive innovation while ensuring operational excellence across the global data ecosystem.
Responsibilities
Data Operations Leadership
- Lead a global organization responsible for acquiring, managing, enriching, and delivering investment, reference, and market data at scale.
- Partner with Data Strategy, Product, and Research leaders to execute the enterprise data acquisition strategy and roadmap.
- Translate strategic data priorities into scalable operational capabilities, processes, and technology solutions.
- Drive organizational agility by rapidly adapting data acquisition approaches to evolving market opportunities, regulatory requirements, and client needs.
- Lead initiatives that improve accuracy, productivity, efficiency, and scalability while maintaining appropriate quality standards for each data product.
- Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, and client impact.
Data Platforms & Technology Transformation
- Lead the evolution of Morningstar's data collection, acquisition, and production ecosystem, establishing a vision for modern, scalable, and highly automated operations.
- Drive investment decisions and prioritization for collection platforms, workflow tools, AI-enabled solutions, and operational technologies.
- Partner with Engineering and Architecture leaders to modernize legacy systems and accelerate automation across the data lifecycle.
- Champion the adoption of AI, advanced analytics, and emerging technologies to improve operational effectiveness and scalability.
- Establish operating metrics, performance frameworks, and management disciplines to continuously improve efficiency, quality, and throughput.
- Monitor emerging technologies and industry best practices to ensure Morningstar remains at the forefront of data acquisition and operational innovation.
Governance, Risk & Cross-Functional Leadership
- Execute data governance policies and operational frameworks established in partnership with Data Strategy, Product, Risk, Compliance, and other key stakeholders.
- Ensure data collection, management, and operational processes comply with applicable regulatory, privacy, and risk requirements.
- Build strong partnerships across Product, Research, Data Strategy, Technology, Commercial, and Client-facing organizations.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on operational strategy, transformation priorities, investment decisions, and organizational effectiveness.
- Champion a data-driven, customer-centric culture across the enterprise while promoting collaboration and accountability.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of executive leadership experience leading large-scale data acquisition, operations, technology, or transformation organizations, with accountability for both operational performance and modernization initiatives.
- Strong understanding of financial, investment, reference, and/or market data ecosystems, including the operational processes required to acquire, manage, enrich, and deliver high-quality datasets at scale.
- Proven track record leading large-scale transformation efforts leveraging automation, AI-enabled capabilities, workflow modernization, and technology-driven process redesign to improve scalability, efficiency, quality, and productivity.
- Experience leading large, globally distributed organizations through significant organizational change, operating model evolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to partner effectively across Product, Technology, Data Strategy, Research, and Commercial organizations to translate strategic priorities into operational and technology outcomes.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and change leadership skills, with the ability to influence senior executives and drive enterprise-wide impact.
- Experience implementing or sponsoring investments in AI, automation, workflow tooling, advanced analytics, and operational technologies within complex enterprise environments.
- Willingness to travel as needed to engage with global teams and stakeholders, including operations centers in Madrid and Mumbai.
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
Preferred Experience
- Experience leading technology-enabled transformation within financial services, market data, investment data, reference data, or adjacent information services organizations.
- Experience managing or sponsoring large-scale investments in data acquisition technology, workflow platforms, automation capabilities, and AI-powered operational solutions.
- Familiarity with modern data platforms, cloud-based technologies, and enterprise-scale data operations environments.
Location: This role is based at our global headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. Regardless of office, there is an expectation of four days per week in the office. Morningstar operates a flexible in-office model in which employees select one preferred remote workday per week.
Compensation and Benefits
At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That’s why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:
Financial Health
100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
Stock Ownership Potential
Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
Physical Health
Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance
Emotional Health
Trust-Based Time Off
6-week Paid Sabbatical Program
6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave
Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave
Adoption Assistance
Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses
Tuition Reimbursement
Social Health
Charitable Matching Gifts program
Dollars for Doers volunteer program
Paid volunteering days
15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups
Total Cash Compensation Range
$311,100.00-477,000.00Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive
Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.
001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal EntitySee All 9 Head Of Operations Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Head Of Operations JobsHead Of Operations Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Head Of Operations Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in head of operations jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field required
- Five or more years of progressive operations leadership experience in an Illinois industry
- Demonstrated experience managing large teams across multiple Illinois facilities or departments
- Proficiency with ERP platforms such as SAP or Oracle used widely by Illinois manufacturers
- Strong background in process improvement methodologies including Lean or Six Sigma
- Experience with Illinois regulatory compliance requirements relevant to the employer's industry
Head Of Operations Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a head of operations in Illinois?
Most Illinois employers expect a bachelor's degree in business, operations management, supply chain, or a related field, with an MBA providing a meaningful competitive edge at senior levels. The role carries no state-issued license in Illinois, so the path is built through progressive experience: starting in operations coordinator or analyst roles at Illinois companies, taking on supervisory responsibility, and earning certifications such as APICS CSCP or a Lean Six Sigma credential that Illinois manufacturers and logistics firms consistently value.
How much do head of operationses make in Illinois?
Head of operationses in Illinois earn a median of about $103,570 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $53,240 for the lowest 10% to over $269,320 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire head of operationss in Illinois?
Employers hiring head of operationss in Illinois right now include Wipro, Google, and Arethia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters, large healthcare networks, and major logistics hubs means demand for operations leadership stays active across both corporate and multi-site environments.
Which Illinois cities have the most head of operations jobs?
The cities with the most head of operations openings in Illinois are Chicago, Itasca, and Des Plaines. Chicago dominates because it is home to a large share of Illinois's corporate headquarters, major hospital systems, and logistics infrastructure, while Peoria and Rockford draw openings from heavy manufacturing and industrial employers, particularly in the equipment and aerospace supply chain sectors, that maintain significant operations workforces outside the metro.
Are there remote head of operations jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, since the role typically requires on-site presence to oversee facilities, teams, and workflows. About 80% of head of operations openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those arrangements tend to apply most to corporate or multi-site roles where strategic planning and reporting are the primary duties rather than direct floor or facility management.
How can I get hired as a head of operations in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an operations coordinator or operations analyst role at a mid-size Illinois employer, where you gain direct exposure to scheduling, vendor management, and process documentation. Large Illinois employers such as Advocate Health Care, Caterpillar, and United Airlines run rotational or associate operations programs that accept candidates with limited experience. Earning an APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional credential or completing a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt course strengthens an application meaningfully and signals readiness for the operational rigor Illinois hiring managers expect.
Where can I find and apply to head of operations jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to head of operations jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across industries and experience levels. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 9 Head Of Operations Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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