Operations Leader Jobs in California

Operations Leader jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand across logistics, manufacturing, technology, and healthcare operations at every level from front-line team lead through senior director. The largest concentrations of openings are in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where employers like Amazon, Kaiser Permanente, and Apple maintain major operations. The most sought-after specializations in California are supply chain operations, production management, and cross-functional process improvement. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles73+
Top employerAmerican Eagle Outfitters
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Cities hiring45
Work type82% On-site
Top industryRetail

Showing 5 of 73+ Operations Leader jobs

Amazon Web Services
Sales Operations Leader
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Amazon Web Services
Added 1mo ago
Sales Operations Leader
Amazon Web Services
San Francisco, California
Business Operations
Project & Program Management
Partnerships & Business Development
Sales
Business Development
Revenue Operations & Enablement
$193k - $261k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Harley Ellis Devereaux
Sector Operations Leader
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Harley Ellis Devereaux
Added 1mo ago
Sector Operations Leader
Harley Ellis Devereaux
Los Angeles, California
Project & Program Management
Business Operations
Human Resources
Consulting & Professional Services
Project Management
$180k - $230k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
201-500

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PepsiCo
Manufacturing Process Operations Leader
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PepsiCo
Added 5d ago
Manufacturing Process Operations Leader
PepsiCo
Bakersfield, California
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
Project & Program Management
Human Resources
$74k - $123k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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California State University
Leadership Operations Coordinator
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California State University
Added 1w ago
Leadership Operations Coordinator
California State University
Pomona, California
Human Resources
Recruiting & Talent Acquisition
Administrative & Office Support
Customer Service & Support
Customer Service
$5,540 - $5,707/mo
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Leadership Operations Coordinator
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California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Added 2w ago
Leadership Operations Coordinator
California State Polytechnic University Pomona
Pomona, California
Human Resources
Administrative & Office Support
Customer Service & Support
Customer Service
$5,540 - $7,893/mo
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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See All 73 Operations Leader Jobs in California

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Operations Leader Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Francisco
11 jobs
Los Angeles
6 jobs
Pomona
4 jobs
Sacramento
3 jobs
Bakersfield
2 jobs
Lemoore
2 jobs
Marina
2 jobs
San Bernardino
2 jobs
San Jose
2 jobs

Operations Leader Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • American Eagle Outfitters
    American Eagle Outfitters8
  • California State University
    California State University3
  • Providence
    Providence3
  • Adobe
    Adobe2
  • Altruist
    Altruist2

Top Industries Hiring

  • Retail13
  • Technology & Software12
  • Education8
  • Food & Beverage5
  • Healthcare & Medical Services5

What California Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in operations leader jobs across California.

  • Bachelor's degree in business, operations management, or a related field required
  • Five or more years of progressive operations or team leadership experience preferred
  • Demonstrated experience managing large teams across multiple California locations or sites
  • Proficiency with operational systems such as ERP platforms, Lean, or Six Sigma methodologies
  • Strong knowledge of California labor law and wage and hour compliance requirements
  • Proven ability to build cross-functional partnerships and drive continuous process improvement

Operations Leader Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a operations leader in California?

Most operations leader roles in California require a bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, supply chain, or a related discipline, though many employers value demonstrated leadership experience equally. There is no state-issued license required for the role itself, but California employers frequently expect familiarity with state-specific labor regulations. Candidates who earn a Lean Six Sigma certification or a Project Management Professional credential often have a clear edge in competitive California markets.

How much do operations leaders make in California?

Operations leaders in California earn a median of about $124,390 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $60,370 for the lowest 10% to over $293,810 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.

Which companies hire operations leaders in California?

Employers hiring operations leaders in California right now include American Eagle Outfitters, California State University, and Providence, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's density of large logistics networks, technology headquarters, and integrated health systems means operations leader openings appear consistently across both established corporations and rapidly scaling regional employers.

Which California cities have the most operations leader jobs?

San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Pomona have the most operations leader openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its port logistics, entertainment production, and healthcare systems, while San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area concentrate demand in technology company operations, and San Diego's defense contracting and life sciences sector creates steady need for senior operations oversight.

Are there remote operations leader jobs in California?

Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields because operations leadership typically involves direct oversight of facilities, teams, and physical workflows. About 18% of operations leader openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with the remote-eligible positions concentrated in strategy, analytics, and vendor management functions rather than site-level or production roles.

How can I get hired as a operations leader in California with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is moving into an associate or team lead role within a large California employer's operations function, then building toward a full operations leader title. Companies like Amazon, Kaiser Permanente, and Target run structured leadership development and associate manager programs at California facilities that accept candidates without prior management experience. Adjacent roles such as operations coordinator, shift supervisor, or supply chain analyst are the most common stepping stones, and completing a Lean or Six Sigma green belt course significantly strengthens early applications.

Where can I find and apply to operations leader jobs in California?

You can find and apply to operations leader jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Find a role that fits and apply directly from the listing.

See All 73 Operations Leader Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Operations Leader Jobs