Ward previously held the role after succeeding Michael Edwards in 2022, although his initial spell lasted only around a year. He revealed his decision to leave midway through the 2022/23 campaign before subsequently joining Liverpool's ownership group, Fenway Sports Group, as a technical director in 2024.
During his first stint at Anfield, Ward played a key role in several notable transfers, including the acquisitions of Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister.
His return comes after Hughes resigned from his position and subsequently secured a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The former Scotland international's departure was connected to his impending switch to the Saudi club.
Ward now resumes his previous responsibilities at Liverpool, returning to the sporting director post after spending time working within FSG.
Following his appointment, Ward said: "I am incredibly excited to take on this role and it goes without saying that I am hugely grateful for the trust that has been placed in me by ownership.
"Having been part of Liverpool's football operation for more than a decade, I have a full appreciation and first-hand knowledge of the challenge that comes with the position, as well as a clear understanding of the demands and ambitions of this great club.
"This is an exciting period for Liverpool - on and off the pitch - in which change and opportunity go hand in hand, but at the same time the culture, values and principles that have underpinned the club for so long remain as strong as ever.
"As a football club, we will continue to create an environment that maximises performance while promoting the continued development of our players and our people.
"In Andoni (Iraola), together with the wider team of staff across the AXA Training Centre, the Academy and AXA Melwood, we have the expertise, talent and conditions required to keep driving the club forward.
"Building on these strong foundations and the work overseen by our football operations in recent seasons is both a huge responsibility and a privilege."
Norway have withdrawn Erling Haaland from Saturday's scheduled press conference ahead of Sunday's Nations League clash with Portugal in Oslo, following reports surrounding Manchester City's financial case.
Rodri has backed Manchester City to prove their innocence and insisted nothing can take away the success he enjoyed at the club.
Manchester City have reportedly been found guilty of 114 of the 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations, with the independent panel having reached its long-awaited decision.
Erling Haaland made history with a two-goal display as Norway beat Denmark 3-2 in the Nations League, taking him past Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the highest-scoring Nordic men's international player.
