Operations Director Jobs in California
Operations Director jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with concentrated demand in technology, logistics, healthcare, and entertainment across a seniority range from senior manager to C-suite transition. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the largest hiring metros, anchored by employers like Kaiser Permanente, Amazon, and Northrop Grumman. The most in-demand specialties are supply chain operations, healthcare operations, and technology program management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Operations Director JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 444+ Operations Director jobs









At Gilead, we’re creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we’ve tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer – working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world’s biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.
Every member of Gilead’s team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we’re looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.
We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.
Job Description
Director, Business Strategy & Operations, Office of the General Counsel
We are seeking a Director, Business Strategy & Operations, to join the Office of the General (OGC), reporting to the Executive Director, Chief of Staff to the General Counsel & EVP, Legal & Compliance. The incumbent will partner closely the Chief of Staff and the Legal, Compliance, and Corporate Responsibility departments and be responsible for contributing to global functional education and development programs; helping ensure technology/AI enablement and innovation within and across Legal, Compliance, and Corporate Responsibility; and supporting day-to-day operations for our 400+ global team members. You will own and solve problems and help build models that ensure operational excellence.
You will be a key member of the Office of the General Counsel and will help foster a culture of growth, development, collaboration, and accountability. You will partner closely with the Chief of Staff, Legal, Compliance, Corporate Responsibility, IT, Procurement, and a number of other key stakeholders within the organization, representing the Office of the General Counsel in such interactions and on cross-functional workstreams.
Key Responsibilities
Education, Development, and Productivity
- Collaborate with global Legal, Compliance, and Corporate Responsibility colleagues to understand their learning, technology, and operational efficiency needs and develop actionable solutions.
- Build out and lead on global functional education programs specific to Legal, Compliance, and Corporate Responsibility professionals.
- Develop, coordinate, and maintain Legal, Compliance, and Corporate Responsibility resources, templates, and functional training materials. Optimize information management and access to department information and institutional knowledge.
Technology Enablement & Innovation
- Assess technology/AI opportunities and contribute to the Legal, Compliance, and Corporate Responsibility technology/AI roadmaps, governance, decision-making, and implementation.
- Partner closely with IT, Procurement, Change Management, Project Management teams, and other teams involved in technology and responsible AI processes and implementation. Develop technology/AI-related training and resources to help guide best practices and use cases.
Operational Excellence
- Work with the Chief of Staff to execute on various enterprise and functional strategic initiatives and priorities.
- Optimize processes and workflows to help improve efficiencies, enhance partnership, and achieve administrative and operational excellence across Legal, Compliance, and Corporate Responsibility.
- Lead and serve as a change management champion.
- Assist with the execution of Legal, Compliance, and Corporate Responsibility events, including functional town halls.
- Assist with the execution of various cross-functional enterprise and functional initiatives, including a mix of strategic and operational projects. Perform special projects as assigned by the Chief of Staff.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree and Twelve Years' Experience
OR
Masters' Degree and Ten Years' Experience
OR
JD and Eight Years' Experience
Preferred Qualifications
The successful candidate will have an enterprise mindset and be highly skilled in how to achieve excellence through collaboration and working with cross-functional, global teams. You consistently demonstrate and lead with Gilead’s Core Values of Integrity, Teamwork, Inclusion, Accountability, and Excellence. You will have a track record of:
- Outstanding operational management skills and being energized by connecting people and ideas;
- An ability to translate team member needs into actionable solutions;
- Highly effective collaboration and cross-functional workstream management skills;
- Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritize appropriately in fast-paced work environment;
- Excellent interpersonal, strategic thinking, communication, and organizational skills;
- Ability to independently handle complex matters and an understanding of when to elevate issues to senior management for awareness or decision-making;
- A growth mindset and the desire to create and enhance an environment rooted in trust, courage, innovation, and inclusiveness.
- A minimum of 12 years experience working within a corporation, professional consulting firm, or law firm;
- Experience working with Legal and Compliance professionals in a highly-matrixed environment; Experience designing and/or implementing new technology or AI solutions in the legal field is a significant plus.
People Leader Accountabilities:
- Create Inclusion - knowing the business value of diverse teams, modeling inclusion, and embedding the value of diversity in the way they manage their teams.
- Develop Talent - understand the skills, experience, aspirations and potential of their employees and coach them on current performance and future potential. They ensure employees are receiving the feedback and insight needed to grow, develop and realize their purpose.
- Empower Teams - connect the team to the organization by aligning goals, purpose, and organizational objectives, and holding them to account. They provide the support needed to remove barriers and connect their team to the broader ecosystem .
The salary range for this position is: $226,185.00 - $292,710.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.
For additional benefits information, visit:
https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing
* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.
For jobs in the United States:
Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex , age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.com for assistance.
For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the 'Know Your Rights' poster.
NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
Gilead Sciences will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.
Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.
Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.
For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:
Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.
See All 444+ Operations Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Operations Director JobsOperations Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Operations Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Retail
- Insurance
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in operations director jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in business, operations management, or a related field required
- Seven or more years of progressive operations leadership experience in a California industry
- Demonstrated expertise in supply chain, logistics, or healthcare operations management
- Proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Salesforce platform tools
- Strong cross-functional leadership with experience managing large California-based teams
- PMP certification or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred
Operations Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a operations director in California?
Most operations director roles in California require a bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, supply chain, or a related field, with an MBA preferred at larger employers. California does not require a state-issued license for general operations directors, but roles in healthcare operations may require familiarity with California Department of Public Health regulations. Candidates typically advance through roles like operations manager or supply chain manager at California-based companies before reaching director level.
Which companies hire operations directors in California?
Employers hiring operations directors in California right now include Gilead Sciences, Kaiser Permanente, and Stanford University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters, large healthcare systems, and logistics hubs means demand is consistent across a wide range of company sizes and industries.
Which California cities have the most operations director jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego have the most operations director openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its entertainment, logistics, and healthcare industries, while San Francisco and San Jose are anchored by major technology headquarters, and San Diego draws demand from its defense contracting and biotech sectors.
Are there remote operations director jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than for purely analytical roles, since operations directors often need to be on-site to manage facilities, teams, and logistics. About 68% of operations director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with the most remote work concentrated in technology company roles focused on program management and process improvement rather than physical operations oversight.
How can I get hired as a operations director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into an operations coordinator or operations manager role at a mid-size California company and building toward director level from there. Large California employers like Kaiser Permanente, Amazon fulfillment centers, and technology firms in the Bay Area run structured associate operations programs and rotational leadership tracks that develop candidates for director roles. A PMP certification or Lean Six Sigma credential gives candidates without a long resume a measurable edge in California listings.
Where can I find and apply to operations director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to operations director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 444+ Operations Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Operations Director Jobs