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.
User Experience Operations Lead
$177K - $290K *
Transform UX operations by unifying decision-making and enhancing workflows across disciplines. Drive continuous improvement through automation and strategic partnerships, ensuring a cohesive UX organ...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Take ownership of strategic finance for the GTM organization, providing forecasting, planning, and data-driven insights to optimize revenue growth, enhance decision-making, and support high-impact ini...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Product Director, Institutional Solutions
$126K - $168K *
Lead the charge in shaping and executing product strategy for B2B learning solutions, driving innovation and market impact while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality produ...
1 week ago
$180K - $212K *
Drive growth through innovative demand generation strategies, leveraging data and analytics to enhance pipeline performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize marketing efforts and l...
Today
$120K - $145K *
Drive product strategy and modernization for merchant onboarding solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance risk management capabilities and ensure market-leading standards in a d...
1 week ago
Managing Director, Head of Business Development
$180K - $220K *
Transform business development by leading organic growth strategies, building relationships with UHNW families, and enhancing systems for scalable success across the firm. Collaborate with leadership...
2 weeks ago
Principal Business Technology Product Manager
$131K - $176K *
Shape the future of sales excellence by owning end-to-end seller experiences. You’ll optimize workflows, create impactful solutions, and directly influence our revenue systems through innovative produ...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Unlock potential by originating and managing commercial mortgage and equity investments across Southern California and Las Vegas. Collaborate with a dynamic team to evaluate opportunities and drive st...
1 week ago
Vice President, Engineering, EPM
$212K - $265K *
Drive transformative software engineering across EPM products, lead modernization, build innovative SaaS capabilities, and enhance operational excellence in a high-impact role overseeing global teams...
3 weeks ago
$155K - $170K *
Join a dynamic team to drive OEM integrations, ensuring technical excellence and partner success. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver scalable solutions and enhance product alignment, while mana...
4 days ago
Chief of Staff, Digital & Product
$161K - $242K *
Join a team that's driving strategic initiatives and digital transformation. Collaborate with senior leaders to tackle complex challenges, influence decision-making, and ensure successful execution of...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive quality assurance excellence by leading the development of scalable processes that enhance student recruitment and enrollment, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement across all interacti...
4 days ago
$80K - $100K *
Manage and execute complex LIMS implementations for public health and environmental labs. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success, stakeholder alignment, and high-quality out...
2 weeks ago
$127K - $212K *
Champion financial strategy and analysis for Enterprise Applications, driving planning, reporting, and decision support. Collaborate with Technology and Finance leaders to enhance performance and opti...
1 week ago
Associate Director, Business Improvement
$130K - $160K *
Reimagine business improvement strategies as a senior contributor, leading high-impact initiatives across functions. Drive alignment, governance, and measurable outcomes while influencing stakeholders...
1 week ago
Director, Business Applications
$120K - $145K *
Transform the future of business applications by leading strategy, delivery, and operations. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to enhance core processes and drive value through effective system...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Integrated Risk Management
$126K - $191K *
Lead the charge in implementing an integrated risk framework across the enterprise, enhancing resilience and oversight while guiding teams in risk management, business continuity, and crisis response...
Yesterday
Lead Project Manager, Workplace Operations
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in managing workplace design and construction projects, ensuring operational readiness and accountability across multiple sites while optimizing budgets and vendor performance for succ...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Technical Solutions - Quantum
$240K - $310K *
Elevate your career as you lead a team of technical experts to develop innovative strategies that drive customer engagement and support business growth across diverse sectors...
3 weeks ago
$108K - $162K *
Deliver exceptional customer service by managing maintenance operations and support activities. Collaborate with teams to ensure timely resolution of issues while leading talent development and execut...
Today
Associate Director Continuous Improvement
$121K - $176K *
Transform operational excellence by leading a team to implement Lean strategies, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and enhance safety, quality, and cost performance across multiple sites while...
2 weeks ago
Manager, Operations Enablement & Capabilities - FuzeRx
$102K - $128K *
Drive operational excellence by leading cross-functional teams to enhance digital pharmacy solutions, optimize processes, and improve customer engagement while fostering a high-performance culture roo...
2 weeks ago
Supervisor, Software Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in software innovation while mentoring a high-performing engineering team. Drive technical solutions and ensure project success through hands-on involvement, fostering a culture of con...
3 weeks ago
$111K - $159K *
Lead clinical operations in review of medical certifications for leave requests. Build and manage a dedicated team, standardize workflows, and ensure compliance while driving continuous improvements i...
Reposted yesterday
Project Manager, Delivery Lead
$95K - $115K *
Elevate project delivery by leading cross-functional teams in Interactive Response Technology, ensuring client satisfaction and timely execution while managing risks and fostering continuous improveme...
2 weeks 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.