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.
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in optimizing project management processes for a VHA client team. Utilize your expertise to enhance strategic planning, decision-making, and execution while collaborating with senior s...
2 weeks ago
Director, Business Operations & Account Management
$125K - $150K *
Shape and elevate business operations and account management, driving resource optimization and client satisfaction. Collaborate with leadership to enhance project delivery and expand client relations...
Today
Program Manager, Enterprise Growth & Capital Programs
$100K - $180K *
Lead the charge in delivering enterprise-level growth programs by ensuring alignment across all functions, driving planning and execution adherence, and managing complex initiatives for timely product...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director, Data Quality & Integrity (Provider Network Operations)
$156K - $215K *
Drive data quality and integrity initiatives by leading cross-functional teams to enhance provider data management practices, ensuring compliance and operational excellence across the organization...
2 days ago
Customer Journey Operations Manager
$120K - $150K *
Accelerate customer journey operations by driving scalable processes and systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance customer success, technical support, and partner engagement, ensuring effici...
Yesterday
Global Product Manager - Aftermarket Parts
$110K - $130K *
Drive strategic growth in the Aftermarket Parts product family, leading development, market differentiation, and sustainable strategies within the Flow Control Division while collaborating with global...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Elevate your career by leading technology-driven manufacturing projects. Drive complex initiatives from concept to delivery, ensuring quality and profitability while collaborating with cross-functiona...
3 days ago
Sr. Procurement Operations Manager
$178K - $237K *
Drive operational excellence in procurement by leading AI-enhanced processes, managing a high-performing team, and ensuring compliance across vendor management and purchase workflows to optimize effic...
Today
Senior Product Operations Manager
$110K - $130K *
Drive the development and execution of a robust product metrics program, leveraging statistical methods to inform product decisions and enhance business outcomes while fostering data-driven insights a...
3 weeks ago
Senior Project Manager, Isotopes
$120K - $195K *
Drive the development and execution of strategic projects for radioisotope production facilities. You will lead cross-functional teams to ensure operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and succe...
Reposted 2 days ago
Manager, Strategy & Operations
$120K - $180K *
Drive operational excellence by managing the leadership team's cadence, metrics, and contract operations. This hands-on role blends business judgment with execution, ensuring alignment and efficiency...
1 week ago
Product Operations Manager, Launch Readiness & Tooling
$136K - $160K *
Advance the software delivery process by managing launches and releases, ensuring accuracy and efficiency through automation and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Design workflows and tools t...
1 week ago
$99K - $258K *
Elevate service product solutions by defining strategies and market opportunities in healthcare. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate offerings, enhance value propositions, and ensure c...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Information Security & IT
$160K - $180K *
Lead the charge in enhancing cybersecurity and IT programs across compliance, cloud, and application security. Collaborate with teams to implement secure practices in a hands-on role while driving ini...
3 weeks ago
Director, Consumer Digital Product Operations
$168K - $231K *
Drive transformation by partnering with cross-functional teams to design and implement effective product operations, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and enhancing organizational effectiveness...
2 days ago
Executive Director, Total Rewards
$168K - $240K *
Lead total rewards strategy for a complex global healthcare tech firm. Drive compensation and benefits governance, align workforce investment with business goals, and ensure compliance while fostering...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director, Marketing Operations
$125K - $150K *
Drive your career with a leadership role overseeing marketing operations, guiding teams to enhance sales processes, optimize technology strategies, and deliver impactful data analysis for informed dec...
Reposted today
Senior Director - Security Posture & Exposure Management
$159K - $257K *
Transform security posture by leading enterprise vulnerability management, prioritizing risks, and driving remediation efforts across diverse technology environments. Collaborate with teams to enhance...
3 days ago
Business Project Manager - Global Client Services
$105K - $150K *
Lead the charge in executive support and strategic sales initiatives, managing schedules, communications, and events for the EVP of Global Client Services. Drive efficiency and stakeholder engagement...
Today
Director, Global Knowledge Management
$183K - $293K *
Champion a global Knowledge Management strategy to enhance customer experience, operational excellence, and digital transformation. Lead cross-functional teams to drive adoption of best practices and...
Today
$155K - $210K *
Lead complex programs and strategic client engagements, driving technology transformation and sustainable business value. Act as a trusted adviser to C-level stakeholders, shaping program vision and e...
1 week ago
(Managed Transportation) Director of Client Success
$100K - $140K *
Lead the charge in driving revenue growth and client retention by managing strategic relationships and optimizing transportation solutions for a diverse portfolio of enterprise clients. Your expertise...
Today
Group Director, Omnichannel & Media Strategy
$175K - $200K *
Lead and evolve omnichannel strategy across diverse clients and brands, driving integrated customer experiences that align with business objectives while enhancing strategic capabilities in a dynamic...
2 days ago
$140K - $165K *
Elevate project management excellence by leading complex pharmaceutical marketing campaigns, mentoring teams, and ensuring strategic alignment with client objectives while driving operational success...
1 week ago
Director- Model Audit, Build and Transaction Advisory
$150K - $180K *
Partner with us to lead a dynamic model audit team, enhancing financial modelling processes while driving strategic growth and innovation across projects, all while fostering a collaborative and high...
Reposted yesterday
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.