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 494+ Operations Director jobs
It all started when engineer Fred Luddy wrote code that automated a tedious task for his coworker, Phyllis. She cried tears of joy. That moment inspired Fred to build a company that could do that for everyone—freeing people from busywork so they could focus on meaningful work. Today, ServiceNow is the AI control tower for business reinvention. Our ServiceNow AI platform brings together any AI, any data, and any workflow— helping 85% of the Fortune 500® work smarter, faster, and better. We're building an AI-native culture where technology and talent are unstoppable together. And we're just getting started.
Join us to put AI to work for people.
Job Description
The Senior Director, Strategic Operations & Transformation serves as a trusted advisor to the COO of Legal, Societal, and Global Affairs (LSGA) and is responsible for designing, operating, and continuously improving the organization's operating model.
Reporting to the COO - Legal, this leader oversees LSGA's rhythm of the business, business operations, budget and resource planning, governance processes, strategic programs, and Project Management Office (PMO). The role also serves as an internal transformation and operational excellence function, identifying opportunities to simplify processes, improve effectiveness, strengthen accountability, and help LSGA scale for the future.
Leading a small, high-performing team, this individual will help run the Office of the President & CLO, ensuring the organization operates with discipline, transparency, agility, and focus as it supports ServiceNow's next phase of growth and impact.
Lead LSGA's Operating System
- Own and evolve LSGA's annual operating cadence, including planning processes, business reviews, leadership team governance, performance management, and organizational reporting.
- Oversee budget planning, resource allocation, headcount management, vendor governance, and operational reporting across the organization.
- Partner closely with Finance, People, Digital Technology, and executive leadership to ensure strategic priorities are translated into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
- Establish scalable operating mechanisms, governance processes, dashboards, and metrics that improve transparency, accountability, and execution.
Drive Strategic Programs and PMO
- Lead the LSGA PMO and portfolio of strategic initiatives, ensuring clear prioritization, ownership, risk management, and successful execution.
- Coordinate complex cross-functional programs spanning Legal, Compliance, Ethics, Government Affairs, Corporate Affairs, Sustainability, Social Impact, and ServiceNow.org.
- Anticipate issues, remove roadblocks, and help drive alignment across the LSGA leadership team and key enterprise stakeholders.
Drive Operational Excellence and Transformation
- Lead the continuous assessment and improvement of LSGA processes, operating mechanisms, governance models, and organizational workflows.
- Conduct process mapping, organizational diagnostics, and operating model reviews to simplify work, eliminate friction, and improve organizational effectiveness.
- Identify opportunities to leverage AI, automation, data, and technology to improve productivity, visibility, and decision-making.
- Build and lead a small, high-impact Strategic Operations team that acts as an internal "SWAT team" for the organization's most critical operational challenges, transformation efforts, and emerging priorities.
- Partner with leaders across LSGA to clarify ownership, streamline processes, improve service delivery, and strengthen execution at scale.
Qualifications
12+ years of experience in strategic operations, business operations, management consulting, program leadership, transformation, or related executive operating roles.- Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide initiatives in complex, matrixed organizations.
- Strong business and financial acumen, including budgeting, planning, and resource management.
- Exceptional program management, organizational leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven ability to influence senior executives, drive alignment, and execute through ambiguity.
- Track record of building scalable operating models, improving organizational effectiveness, and delivering measurable business impact.
What Success Looks Like
- LSGA operates through a clear, disciplined, and scalable operating model.
- Strategic priorities are translated into action, measured, and delivered consistently.
- Leaders have visibility into organizational performance, risks, and resource allocation.
- Processes are streamlined, ownership is clear, and teams spend more time on high-value work.
- The organization is continuously improving, simplifying, and modernizing how work gets done.
For positions in this location, we offer a base pay of $220,300 - $396,500, plus equity (when applicable), variable/incentive compensation and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the base pay shown is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location. We also offer health plans, including flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) Plan with company match, ESPP, matching donations, a flexible time away plan and family leave programs. Compensation is based on the geographic location in which the role is located and is subject to change based on work location.
Additional Information
Work Personas
We approach our distributed world of work with flexibility and trust. Work personas (flexible, remote, or required in office) are categories that are assigned to ServiceNow employees depending on the nature of their work and their assigned work location. Learn more here. To determine eligibility for a work persona, ServiceNow may confirm the distance between your primary residence and the closest ServiceNow office using a third-party service.
Equal Opportunity Employer
ServiceNow is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. In addition, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with legal requirements.
Accommodations
We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are unable to use this online application and need an alternative method to apply, please contact globaltalentss@servicenow.com for assistance.
Export Control Regulations
For positions requiring access to controlled technology subject to export control regulations, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), ServiceNow may be required to obtain export control approval from government authorities for certain individuals. All employment is contingent upon ServiceNow obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by relevant export control authorities.
From Fortune. ©2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
It all started when engineer Fred Luddy wrote code that automated a tedious task for his coworker, Phyllis. She cried tears of joy. That moment inspired Fred to build a company that could do that for everyone—freeing people from busywork so they could focus on meaningful work. Today, ServiceNow is the AI control tower for business reinvention. Our ServiceNow AI platform brings together any AI, any data, and any workflow— helping 85% of the Fortune 500® work smarter, faster, and better. We're building an AI-native culture where technology and talent are unstoppable together. And we're just getting started.
Join us to put AI to work for people.
Job Description
The Senior Director, Strategic Operations & Transformation serves as a trusted advisor to the COO of Legal, Societal, and Global Affairs (LSGA) and is responsible for designing, operating, and continuously improving the organization's operating model.
Reporting to the COO - Legal, this leader oversees LSGA's rhythm of the business, business operations, budget and resource planning, governance processes, strategic programs, and Project Management Office (PMO). The role also serves as an internal transformation and operational excellence function, identifying opportunities to simplify processes, improve effectiveness, strengthen accountability, and help LSGA scale for the future.
Leading a small, high-performing team, this individual will help run the Office of the President & CLO, ensuring the organization operates with discipline, transparency, agility, and focus as it supports ServiceNow's next phase of growth and impact.
Lead LSGA's Operating System
- Own and evolve LSGA's annual operating cadence, including planning processes, business reviews, leadership team governance, performance management, and organizational reporting.
- Oversee budget planning, resource allocation, headcount management, vendor governance, and operational reporting across the organization.
- Partner closely with Finance, People, Digital Technology, and executive leadership to ensure strategic priorities are translated into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.
- Establish scalable operating mechanisms, governance processes, dashboards, and metrics that improve transparency, accountability, and execution.
Drive Strategic Programs and PMO
- Lead the LSGA PMO and portfolio of strategic initiatives, ensuring clear prioritization, ownership, risk management, and successful execution.
- Coordinate complex cross-functional programs spanning Legal, Compliance, Ethics, Government Affairs, Corporate Affairs, Sustainability, Social Impact, and ServiceNow.org.
- Anticipate issues, remove roadblocks, and help drive alignment across the LSGA leadership team and key enterprise stakeholders.
Drive Operational Excellence and Transformation
- Lead the continuous assessment and improvement of LSGA processes, operating mechanisms, governance models, and organizational workflows.
- Conduct process mapping, organizational diagnostics, and operating model reviews to simplify work, eliminate friction, and improve organizational effectiveness.
- Identify opportunities to leverage AI, automation, data, and technology to improve productivity, visibility, and decision-making.
- Build and lead a small, high-impact Strategic Operations team that acts as an internal "SWAT team" for the organization's most critical operational challenges, transformation efforts, and emerging priorities.
- Partner with leaders across LSGA to clarify ownership, streamline processes, improve service delivery, and strengthen execution at scale.
Qualifications
12+ years of experience in strategic operations, business operations, management consulting, program leadership, transformation, or related executive operating roles.- Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide initiatives in complex, matrixed organizations.
- Strong business and financial acumen, including budgeting, planning, and resource management.
- Exceptional program management, organizational leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven ability to influence senior executives, drive alignment, and execute through ambiguity.
- Track record of building scalable operating models, improving organizational effectiveness, and delivering measurable business impact.
What Success Looks Like
- LSGA operates through a clear, disciplined, and scalable operating model.
- Strategic priorities are translated into action, measured, and delivered consistently.
- Leaders have visibility into organizational performance, risks, and resource allocation.
- Processes are streamlined, ownership is clear, and teams spend more time on high-value work.
- The organization is continuously improving, simplifying, and modernizing how work gets done.
For positions in this location, we offer a base pay of $220,300 - $396,500, plus equity (when applicable), variable/incentive compensation and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the base pay shown is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, and work location. We also offer health plans, including flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) Plan with company match, ESPP, matching donations, a flexible time away plan and family leave programs. Compensation is based on the geographic location in which the role is located and is subject to change based on work location.
Additional Information
Work Personas
We approach our distributed world of work with flexibility and trust. Work personas (flexible, remote, or required in office) are categories that are assigned to ServiceNow employees depending on the nature of their work and their assigned work location. Learn more here. To determine eligibility for a work persona, ServiceNow may confirm the distance between your primary residence and the closest ServiceNow office using a third-party service.
Equal Opportunity Employer
ServiceNow is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. In addition, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with legal requirements.
Accommodations
We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are unable to use this online application and need an alternative method to apply, please contact globaltalentss@servicenow.com for assistance.
Export Control Regulations
For positions requiring access to controlled technology subject to export control regulations, including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), ServiceNow may be required to obtain export control approval from government authorities for certain individuals. All employment is contingent upon ServiceNow obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by relevant export control authorities.
From Fortune. ©2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.
See All 494+ 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
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals19
- Technology & Software17
- Healthcare & Medical Services12
- Education9
- Electronics & Hardware9
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 ABM Industries, Revolution Medicines, and California State University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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 47% of operations director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 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 494+ Operations Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Operations Director Jobs