Discover Director of Operational Excellence opportunities on Ladders, where professionals can explore vetted jobs paying $100,000 or more. These senior leaders help organizations improve performance, streamline processes, and build a culture of continuous improvement. Roles span industries and may focus on enterprise transformation, quality, supply chain, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, or business operations.
A Director of Operational Excellence develops and leads initiatives that make an organization more effective, resilient, and customer-focused. Responsibilities often include identifying process gaps, setting improvement priorities, establishing performance measures, and partnering with executives and operational teams to deliver sustainable results. Depending on the employer, the role may oversee Lean, Six Sigma, change management, process design, or operational transformation programs.
Employers commonly look for strategic leadership, analytical problem-solving, change management, and the ability to influence across departments. Experience with continuous improvement methods such as Lean or Six Sigma, along with data analysis, project portfolio management, and KPI development, can be valuable. Many positions require a bachelor’s degree and substantial relevant experience; some prefer an advanced degree or professional certification.
Director of Operational Excellence roles are available in sectors where reliable, efficient processes are critical, including manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, logistics, retail, and technology. The scope varies: some directors lead improvement teams at a single site, while others shape operating models and transformation efforts across multiple business units or global organizations. Career paths may lead to vice president of operations, chief operating officer, or enterprise transformation leadership.
Use Ladders to explore vetted senior-level opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more. Compare roles by industry, location, and scope, and look for positions that match your experience in operational strategy, process improvement, and executive leadership.
Director of Business Process Excellence
$155K - $205K *
Champion process excellence by optimizing workflows and driving cross-functional improvements. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate service quality throu...
2 weeks ago
Operational Excellence Manager
$110K - $130K *
Drive operational excellence by leading continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing processes, and enhancing safety, quality, and customer satisfaction across multiple business units to achieve mea...
4 weeks ago
Operational Excellence Specialist
$100K - $120K *
Create transformative operational excellence initiatives that enhance safety, quality, and efficiency across the organization while mentoring cross-functional teams to foster a culture of continuous i...
3 weeks ago
Director, Commercial Planning & Excellence
$170K - $180K *
Lead the strategic execution of commercial planning and sales coverage, aligning cross-functional teams to drive profitable growth. Oversee territory design, customer segmentation, and annual planning...
2 weeks ago
Senior Operations Excellence Consultant
$86K - $130K *
Drive operational excellence by leading readiness initiatives for new products and services. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamless execution while continuously improving operational practi...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Director, Marketing Operations
$160K - $200K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of strategy and operations, driving high-performance marketing systems and data governance. You'll partner closely with executive leadership to optimize revenue...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Operational Excellence Manager
$112K - $135K *
Unlock potential by driving continuous improvement initiatives across global operations. Lead and mentor teams to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency while managing large-scale projects and foster...
2 weeks ago
Director, Continuous Improvement
$170K - $220K *
Lead continuous improvement initiatives across QSR operations, driving cultural transformation and operational excellence. Manage CI strategies, develop leaders, and ensure alignment with enterprise g...
1 week ago
$175K - $225K *
Lead the charge in shaping strategic program management across a diverse client portfolio. Oversee a team of professionals to ensure excellence in execution, governance, and client engagement while dr...
Yesterday
$170K - $180K *
Transform the sales landscape by leading strategic initiatives that enhance performance management, forecasting, and accountability across the commercial organization, driving profitable growth and ac...
2 weeks ago
Director, Operations PMO & Manufacturing Network Optimization
$154K - $232K *
Shape the future of operations by leading enterprise-wide transformation and optimizing manufacturing networks. Drive cross-functional initiatives, establish governance, and ensure effective change ma...
Reposted 1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Elevate clinical operations by leading teams in scheduling, coordination, and workforce planning. Drive performance through data insights while ensuring efficient processes and resource management as...
Yesterday
Director, Distribution Strategy
$172K - $203K *
Empower the distribution strategy by designing and managing rate content across channels, ensuring accurate delivery and partner trust. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build scalable progra...
2 days ago
$182K - $198K *
Build and lead a robust Service Management Office to enhance IT operations, ensuring effective governance, accountability, and continuous improvement across a complex 24x7 environment, while fostering...
6 days ago
Director, Process & Operations Management, Medical and Scientific Affairs (MSA)
$150K - $258K *
Elevate your career by leading strategic initiatives in Medical and Scientific Affairs. Drive portfolio governance, enhance operational excellence, and foster cross-functional collaboration to deliver...
1 week ago
Director, Ops Support (Quality and Customer Care)
$140K - $150K *
Join us to lead strategic operations and enhance customer experience across the Last Mile network. Drive performance improvements, manage claims, and implement scalable solutions while collaborating w...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in engineering excellence by managing complex projects, mentoring teams, and driving innovative technology implementations. Ensure sustainable operations while aligning with business o...
Reposted 3 days ago
Senior Manager, Engineering Continuous Improvement
$110K - $130K *
Reimagine solutions engineering by leading a team focused on enhancing operational efficiency across OmniChannel Retail and Ecommerce. Drive effective implementation strategies and continuous improvem...
Reposted 3 days ago
Director, Enterprise Portfolio Enablement
$110K - $130K *
Drive your career with a strategic role focused on enhancing project management standards and integrating enterprise initiatives. Collaborate with leaders to improve clarity, prioritization, and execu...
3 weeks ago
Managing Consultant - Operations & Optimization
$125K - $150K *
Engage in high-impact consulting, leading digital transformation in terminal operations. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize workflows, enhance automation, and drive strategic initiat...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Elevate operational excellence and quality management by leading process improvements, ensuring compliance, and fostering a patient-first culture. Oversee a dedicated team to enhance quality systems a...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Develop and implement quality management processes, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence. Collaborate with teams to enhance training, project management, and system enhancements...
1 week ago
Director, Digital Systems & Strategic Growth
$140K - $180K *
Transform the digital manufacturing landscape by driving sales growth and market expansion. Collaborate across teams to develop strategies, support federal opportunities, and enhance customer value th...
6 days ago
Director, Global Value Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Champion the evolution of Business Value Engineering by leading a global team, optimizing practices, and driving strategic initiatives across sales and customer engagement to enhance operational succe...
2 days ago
Senior Operational Strategy Director
$203K - $304K *
Champion innovative operational strategies in clinical research, driving excellence in bid defense meetings and proposal development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance study execution...
1 week ago
What does a Director of Operational Excellence do?
A Director of Operational Excellence leads initiatives to improve organizational performance, processes, quality, and efficiency. The role often includes setting improvement strategy, tracking KPIs, guiding transformation projects, and helping teams adopt sustainable ways of working.
What qualifications are commonly required for Director of Operational Excellence jobs?
Employers often seek a bachelor’s degree, extensive experience in operations or continuous improvement, and a record of leading cross-functional change. Lean or Six Sigma expertise, data analysis skills, and an advanced degree or relevant certification may be preferred.
How much do Director of Operational Excellence jobs pay?
Compensation varies by industry, location, company size, and role scope. Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including senior operational excellence opportunities.
Which industries hire Directors of Operational Excellence?
Manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, financial services, retail, technology, and other industries hire these leaders to improve processes, manage transformation, and strengthen operational performance.
What career paths can follow this role?
Experienced Directors of Operational Excellence may advance to vice president of operations, chief operating officer, enterprise transformation executive, or other senior leadership positions.