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, Business Improvement
$150K - $180K *
Drive strategic initiatives and operational excellence across a global portfolio, partnering with leadership to enhance business performance and deliver measurable outcomes in oncology and rare diseas...
2 days ago
Director / Senior Director, Quality
$200K - $270K *
Lead the development and execution of GxP quality systems, ensuring compliance and oversight for clinical and CMC quality. Drive vendor qualification, audits, and training while fostering a culture of...
1 week ago
Director, Incentive Compensation Operations
$207K - $310K *
Transform incentive compensation operations by leading a global team to ensure accurate payouts, drive process improvements, and enhance seller experiences while collaborating across multiple function...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Manager, Support Operations
$125K - $140K *
Help us scale and enhance support operations in telehealth by leading managers, optimizing workflows, and integrating technology to improve customer experience while maintaining quality and compliance...
4 weeks ago
Manager, Logistics - Distribution Planning & Execution
$108K - $148K *
Drive efficient distribution planning by managing warehouse operations to align materials with project schedules. Collaborate across teams to ensure timely execution and optimize logistics for success...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Sr Manager, Digital Product Strategy
$123K - $181K *
Unlock growth by leading digital product strategy across divisions, driving innovation through IoT and AI. Collaborate with teams to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations while managi...
2 days ago
$80K - $155K *
Join a team that's driving operational excellence through innovative process improvements. Lead cross-functional initiatives to enhance efficiency, manage projects, and foster a culture of continuous...
1 week ago
$160K - $185K *
Unlock your potential by leading a dynamic team to drive channel partnerships, transforming opportunities into revenue-generating relationships across diverse verticals in a fast-growing ecosystem...
Yesterday
Principal, AI Transformation Lead
$154K - $193K *
Drive AI transformation by building client relationships, leading engagements, and delivering results. Own the sales process from prospecting to execution, ensuring successful integration of AI soluti...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal, AI Transformation Lead
$132K - $165K *
Lead the charge in AI transformation by building client trust, driving business development, and delivering impactful solutions. Own the entire engagement process from sales to execution, guiding team...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive demand and pipeline growth for SaaS solutions in the laundry sector. Lead marketing campaigns, enhance customer experience, and optimize strategies to boost revenue and retention while collabora...
1 week ago
Director, Process Optimization Lead
$171K - $231K *
Champion operational excellence and innovation within the P&SM function, driving strategic planning, resource management, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance efficiency in clinical study exe...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr. Finance Program Management Manager
$135K - $244K *
Lead cross-functional finance initiatives to enhance operational performance, ensuring projects meet objectives, budgets, and timelines while managing risks and stakeholder engagement effectively...
2 days ago
Onboarding Project Manager (OD)
$80K - $95K *
Drive successful onboarding for new customers by managing projects from kickoff to go-live. Collaborate with clients and internal teams to deliver tailored solutions, ensuring a smooth transition and...
2 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Elevate clinical operations by leading daily workflows, managing teams, and spearheading impactful projects. Drive improvement and efficiency in healthcare delivery while fostering collaboration acros...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Elevate your career by leading the strategy and execution of analytics products that drive measurable value in healthcare. Collaborate across teams to transform complex data into actionable insights t...
Yesterday
Sales Director, Data Solutions
$150K - $180K *
Champion the development of a high-growth data solutions business, driving revenue, client engagement, and team leadership, while shaping product direction in a dynamic, fast-paced environment focused...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of AI integration by leading complex projects, bridging technical teams and leadership. Drive Agile methodologies, manage risks, and ensure timely deliverables in a dynamic environmen...
3 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Empower quality through engineering excellence and automation. Drive innovation by integrating automated testing into CI/CD pipelines, collaborating with teams to elevate software standards and preven...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Program Dev/QC
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by managing diverse EV projects, ensuring successful delivery through collaboration, strategic planning, and effective stakeholder engagement. Drive project excellence while naviga...
2 weeks ago
Operations Manager, Strategy & Integration
$80K - $95K *
Transform strategic initiatives by coordinating and executing projects that enhance organizational effectiveness, support leadership communication, and drive process excellence across departments, ens...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Join us to empower senior leaders by managing complex projects, client contracts, and travel arrangements. Your proactive support will enhance team efficiency in a fully virtual environment, fostering...
2 weeks ago
Technology Operations Director
$180K - $210K *
Transform technology operations by leading strategic initiatives, enhancing cybersecurity, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to support mission-driven projects and a remote-first workforce...
4 days ago
Director Planning & Procurement Domestic Operations
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of procurement and planning by leading fiber sourcing, production planning, and inventory strategy across multiple facilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize cost...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $155K *
Oversee complex project delivery, ensuring alignment with client goals and financial control. Lead cross-functional teams, manage risks, and drive proactive actions for successful outcomes using estab...
3 days 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.