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.
$220K - $260K *
Elevate the buying experience by leading product strategy, enhancing catalog quality, and optimizing marketplace economics. Drive measurable outcomes through collaboration with operations and engineer...
2 weeks ago
Director of Marketing - Practice Growth
$110K - $130K *
Champion growth by developing and executing innovative marketing strategies that enhance patient acquisition and practice performance across a network of orthodontic and pediatric practices...
3 days ago
Sr. Category Manager – Professional Services
$115K - $150K *
Champion procurement excellence by leading indirect category strategies, enhancing supplier value, and delivering impactful cost savings while fostering stakeholder collaborations and team development...
3 weeks ago
$140K - $170K *
Shape the success of enterprise health systems by leading full implementations. Collaborate cross-functionally to manage project lifecycles, mitigate risks, and ensure smooth transitions to customer s...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing commercial execution through optimized sales processes and CRM strategies. Lead cross-functional initiatives to drive efficiency, improve forecasting, and fos...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Empower strategic financial decisions by analyzing investments, market opportunities, and capital allocation. Collaborate with C-suite executives to drive growth and optimize resource allocation while...
1 week ago
$75K - $95K *
Shape the future of clinical research data integrity by leading a dedicated team. Drive operational excellence, ensure compliance, and foster cross-functional partnerships to enhance data quality and...
Today
Director, Automation Operations
$144K - $191K *
Unlock potential by leading the Automated Operations capability within Member Services. Oversee AI support experiences, enhance team productivity, and drive continuous improvement to elevate member in...
1 week ago
Director - Business Develop (Labels)
$129K - $207K *
Champion growth in our labels business by leading a dynamic team, driving revenue through strategic client partnerships, and identifying new market opportunities to maximize profit and capacity...
Yesterday
Program Management Office Lead
$110K - $130K *
Join us to lead the enterprise Program Management Office, driving strategic initiatives and ensuring alignment across divisions. You'll mentor project managers, oversee governance, and enhance project...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Quality Engineering
$140K - $190K *
Join our team to lead quality engineering transformations across multiple platform portfolios, championing automation and innovation while developing exceptional engineering talent to elevate quality...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr Principal Program Mgr, PIC Data Eng
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in developing next-gen data platforms, driving strategic insights and AI solutions. Oversee data architecture, governance, and quality, while mentoring a high-performing team to foster...
1 week ago
Director, Biologics Process Development
$223K - $233K *
Deliver strategic leadership in biologics process development, overseeing outsourced manufacturing and ensuring alignment with corporate goals while driving technical excellence in late-stage developm...
3 weeks ago
$85K - $102K *
Lead strategic oversight of operations across multiple dental practices, ensuring financial success and growth. Mentor teams, manage budgets, and implement performance metrics while fostering a cultur...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to lead operational excellence and financial growth across a portfolio of dental practices, driving strategic initiatives and enhancing patient experiences through collaboration and ef...
3 weeks ago
$250K - $280K *
Lead a dynamic product management team to shape innovative solutions in mental health care. Drive strategy, foster collaboration, and empower your team to deliver impactful products that enhance the t...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $176K *
Lead the charge in managing a high-performing PMO team, driving project success through strategic financial oversight, talent development, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance operational eff...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Project Manager, Enterprise Transformation
$120K - $158K *
Unlock potential by leading complex, cross-functional technology projects. Manage project planning, execution, and stakeholder collaboration to drive successful outcomes in a fast-paced environment fo...
1 week ago
$95K - $149K *
Lead the charge in delivering complex product development projects by managing cross-functional teams, ensuring customer satisfaction, and driving operational excellence from initiation to delivery in...
2 weeks ago
Strategic Implementation Consultant
$100K - $153K *
Lead the successful deployment of IoT solutions for enterprise customers, ensuring they maximize the value of our technology throughout their lifecycle while collaborating with cross-functional teams...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director of Business Operations
$125K - $150K *
Transform business operations by leading systems and technology initiatives that enhance efficiency, drive AI enablement, and streamline processes across the organization, ensuring a robust foundation...
1 week ago
Director Global Category Management - Mechanical
$180K - $225K *
Tackle the procurement lifecycle for mission-critical cooling equipment in data centers. Lead strategic initiatives, supplier performance, and operational excellence, while managing risks and driving...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$298K - $377K *
Champion the future of connectivity by leading a high-impact Solutions Engineering team. Drive strategic initiatives, mentor talent, and bridge technology with business goals for Service Provider cust...
3 days ago
People Ops Process Transformation Lead
$101K - $204K *
Unlock potential by leading the redesign of People Operations processes. Drive operational excellence through strategic assessments, workflow mapping, and implementation of innovative solutions that e...
1 week ago
$154K - $181K *
Lead and optimize enterprise data platforms and Salesforce AMS, ensuring scalability, reliability, and security. Collaborate with stakeholders to align systems with organizational goals while managing...
2 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.