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.
$150K - $180K *
Accelerate your career by leading a dynamic sales team to drive IT security solutions. Collaborate with clients and partners to enhance sales strategies, mentor talent, and achieve regional objectives...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Transform enterprise strategies by leading discovery and building account plans that align marketing goals with AI investments, driving growth and success for senior marketing leaders...
2 weeks ago
$215K - $225K *
Lead the charge in optimizing logistics engineering strategies to enhance operational performance, drive efficiency, and support scalable growth across transportation and warehousing operations...
Today
Risk Operations Transformation Lead
$110K - $130K *
Champion innovations in Risk Operations by optimizing processes and integrating automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and drive measurable improvements in operation...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Software Engineering
$180K - $240K *
Empower teams to innovate in residential construction software by leading high-performing engineering groups, fostering Agile practices, and enhancing project management for builders and homeowners al...
2 weeks ago
$126K - $176K *
Contribute to project success by managing costs, overseeing bids, and fostering strong client relationships. Engage with diverse teams to ensure transparency and effective communication throughout the...
1 week ago
$126K - $176K *
Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team that fosters collaboration and growth. Engage in cost management, support project success, and build lasting relationships while advancing your career in a v...
1 week ago
$126K - $160K *
Lead cost management efforts for diverse pharmaceutical projects, ensuring clear communication and robust documentation while nurturing trusted relationships with clients and teams for successful proj...
4 weeks ago
Director, Business Process Ownership
$127K - $243K *
Lead a team to enhance business processes, ensuring compliance and performance metrics while collaborating with enterprise partners to drive continuous improvement and risk mitigation in a dynamic env...
Yesterday
$250K - $300K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of global Oracle consulting services. Lead a $300M+ organization, driving strategy, operational excellence, and innovative delivery models across diverse geograph...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Agent Platform & Growth
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's redefining the onboarding experience for human and AI agents by leading innovative UX and engineering teams. Drive growth through strategic roadmap ownership, hands-on leadership, a...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director, Business Development
$110K - $130K *
Drive growth by shaping strategic partnerships and optimizing processes in a dynamic business development role. Collaborate with teams to enhance e-commerce performance, create lead generation strateg...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal, Global CPQ & Deal Process
$130K - $160K *
Unlock the potential of global quoting processes by owning the end-to-end CPQ workflow. Drive innovation and efficiency through Salesforce integrations, leading implementation projects while enhancing...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Strategic Project & Program Manager
$110K - $130K *
Transform strategic vision into actionable plans by leading complex projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and client leaders to ensure alignment and deliver measurable business impact thro...
1 week ago
$159K - $211K *
Join us in transforming quality operations by leading a robust PACE quality program, ensuring compliance and care excellence while collaborating cross-functionally to enhance participant outcomes and...
2 weeks ago
$144K - $160K *
Champion operational excellence by leading teams to enhance efficiency and care delivery. Drive AI integration, manage P&L, and collaborate cross-functionally to support growth and sustainability in h...
2 days ago
Assistant Manager of performance, training, and implementation
$89K *
Lead training and performance initiatives for franchisees, ensuring operational excellence and compliance. Collaborate with teams to implement best practices and enhance learning outcomes across Canad...
Today
$135K - $150K *
Elevate your career by leading product operations, enhancing processes, and driving AI adoption. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize product delivery and analytics, ensuring seamless c...
Yesterday
Chief Engineer Principal - Software
$118K - $204K *
Empower innovation as you lead software architecture for a cloud-native connected vehicle platform, driving engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration to deliver impactful solutions for...
2 days ago
Senior Global Product Manager, Enabling Technologies
$120K - $145K *
Lead strategic product initiatives in advanced surgical technologies, driving development and commercialization efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance orthopedic outcomes and proc...
1 week ago
Director, Strategic Initiatives
$149K - $205K *
Elevate innovation at the forefront of foodtech, agritech, and infrastructure. Lead strategic initiatives, build ecosystems, and drive new ventures to shape the future landscape of Mitsubishi Electric...
Today
Solution Engineering Manager (Specialty Sales)
$120K - $165K *
Pioneer in leading a dynamic team of Solution Engineers, optimizing multi-discipline datacenter solutions across data protection, storage, compute, and networking. Drive collaboration to shape industr...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Help us lead complex capital projects by overseeing technical and operational management, ensuring timely delivery, and mentoring a talented team for excellence in bulk material handling and construct...
3 weeks ago
Senior Director, IT/Tech Procurement
$151K - $215K *
Innovate global technology procurement strategies, optimizing spend and supplier relationships. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance value creation and drive efficiency across technology...
2 days ago
$125K - $169K *
Lead the charge in enhancing customer success initiatives by driving engagement, optimizing processes, and fostering strong relationships. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure exceptional...
Reposted 3 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.