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.
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Accelerate healthcare innovation by leading product marketing strategies for pharmacy, PBM, and health plan solutions. Drive customer engagement and product adoption through market insights and compel...
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Advance your career by spearheading global packaging strategies, optimizing supplier networks, and achieving cost efficiencies while leading a dynamic team. Foster innovation and sustainability within...
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Champion partner growth by leading a high-performing team focused on pre-sales excellence, solution strategy, and AI adoption. Drive business development and co-innovation while ensuring technical dis...
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Join a team that's redefining engineering leadership across diverse portfolios. You'll drive operational excellence, foster high-performing teams, and enhance technical consistency while ensuring sust...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Portfolio Naming
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Lead the charge in shaping a strategic portfolio naming ecosystem that enhances clarity and coherence across a rapidly evolving product landscape, driving executive alignment and operational excellenc...
1 week ago
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Elevate project delivery by leading cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives. Transform complex requirements into actionable plans while ensuring alignment across stakeholders and enhan...
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$80K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team to empower strategic sales initiatives within the QSR sector. Drive performance analytics, cross-functional execution, and customer partnership to enhance operational excellence an...
4 weeks ago
Senior Director, Delivery Excellence
$207K - $277K *
Lead the charge in enhancing global ERP delivery excellence, driving governance, quality, and continuous improvement across teams. Foster collaboration and optimize resource utilization to ensure pred...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $150K *
Join a team that's driving customer success by managing strategic accounts, enhancing retention, and leading a dedicated team. Shape best practices and leverage automation to optimize account manageme...
3 weeks ago
$130K - $160K *
Lead quality operations to ensure data accuracy and compliance in healthcare. Drive improvements through audits, data analysis, and technology integration, fostering a culture of excellence across tea...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Client Growth & Strategy, HHS
$200K - $250K *
Champion growth strategies across HHS, leveraging deep market knowledge and relationships to drive business development, capture, and delivery in a dynamic federal health environment...
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Sr. Manager, HRIS & Operations
$120K - $150K *
Drive HRIS excellence by optimizing technologies and core processes, enhancing compliance, and delivering impactful solutions that elevate operational efficiency and employee experience across the org...
3 weeks ago
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Engage in strategic finance management by leading financial modeling, budgeting, and analysis processes. Collaborate with leadership to drive data-driven decisions and enhance financial infrastructure...
4 weeks ago
Director, Business Operations - Products & Platforms
$160K - $195K *
Drive operational excellence and lead a high-performing team to deliver complex digital products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define strategies, manage resources, and ensure profitable...
1 week ago
Sr. Executive Briefing Strategist
$133K - $200K *
Elevate client relationships by leading strategic executive engagements, transforming account priorities into impactful conversations that drive growth and strengthen partnerships. Collaborate with sa...
4 days ago
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Unlock potential by leading HRIS strategy and optimization, overseeing a team to enhance Workday and UKG systems. Drive transformation and collaboration across HR, Finance, and Operations for impactfu...
3 days ago
Senior Product Manager, Document Management
$135K - $160K *
Empower customers by automating document management and compliance workflows. As a Senior Product Manager, you'll lead cross-functional teams to enhance security programs, streamline processes, and de...
3 weeks ago
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Innovate with us as you lead technical delivery for enterprise data integration and migration projects, focusing on Higher Education and Salesforce ecosystems. Drive solution architecture, manage team...
1 week ago
Director, Technical Account Management
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Transform customer success by leading a technical account management team, driving subscription growth, and enhancing service delivery through innovative AI solutions and strategic partnerships...
1 week ago
Director of Workday Consulting
$210K - $240K *
Elevate your career by leading and optimizing Workday HCM practices, ensuring excellence in project delivery, client satisfaction, and team performance while managing complex client needs and driving...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Software Engineering - AI
$190K - $215K *
Transform cloud-based engineering strategies as you lead teams in creating innovative AI-powered automation solutions, ensuring quality and scalability while promoting a dynamic and collaborative cult...
Reposted 5 days ago
Senior Director, Technology Risk & Compliance Business Partners - GSC & OT
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Drive a culture of cyber risk accountability by leading Technology Risk & Compliance initiatives across Global Supply Chain and Operational Technology, ensuring alignment with business needs and regul...
Yesterday
$100K - $120K *
Champion project success by leading data center construction initiatives. Oversee scope, schedule, and budget while managing a collaborative team to ensure quality and client satisfaction on complex p...
Yesterday
$125K - $175K *
Lead and optimize project management efforts, ensuring safety and efficiency while fostering strong relationships with clients and teams. Drive strategic improvements and mentor diverse teams to achie...
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.