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.
$135K - $160K *
Join us in providing strategic financial leadership to enhance planning, forecasting, and performance management. Collaborate with executives to translate business strategies into actionable financial...
Today
$188K - $245K *
Empower innovation by leading a UX design team focused on clinical workflows. Collaborate across functions, drive strategic direction, and enhance AI integration while advancing design quality in heal...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Elevate organizational impact by driving strategic initiatives and fostering cross-functional alignment. Collaborate with global teams to ensure seamless execution of key projects while enhancing comp...
Yesterday
$186K - $250K *
Unlock potential by leading a high-performing HEOR team to drive payer engagement and market access strategies, translating complex data into actionable insights that enhance patient access to innovat...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Strategic Alliance Manager
$150K - $225K *
Engage with us to drive strategic alliances, enhance partnerships, and execute joint initiatives that foster revenue growth and market presence. Collaborate across teams to position solutions effectiv...
1 week ago
Senior Analyst, Process Improvement
$70K - $130K *
Transform operational efficiency by leading process improvement initiatives, analyzing performance metrics, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement sustainable solutions that align...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Corporate Operations
$160K - $200K *
Champion enterprise-wide operational excellence by leading Central Operations, integrating reliability, training, and innovation to enhance performance, reduce risk, and drive measurable results acros...
2 weeks ago
$104K - $130K *
Join a team that's driving project success in mission-critical environments. As a Project Manager, you'll oversee design and construction phases, manage stakeholder relations, and ensure project profi...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $150K *
Unlock your potential by leading high-stakes proposals for public agencies in the rail and transit sector. Drive strategy, mentor teams, and craft compelling narratives to elevate project pursuits and...
2 weeks ago
Account Director, Promotional Medical Education
$100K - $120K *
Partner with us to drive strategic healthcare marketing initiatives. Lead client relationships, oversee peer-to-peer programs, and mentor team members to ensure compliance and achieve results while fo...
Reposted 1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Transform healthcare project management by leading complex construction initiatives. Collaborate with clients to ensure project success from planning to completion, while managing resources, budgets...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Product Operations Manager
$110K - $160K *
Drive your career with a strategic role in Product Operations, partnering with leaders to transform complex challenges into actionable insights, while enhancing cross-functional collaboration and leve...
3 days ago
Lead Director - Digital Engineering
$144K - $288K *
Lead the charge in transforming customer identity platforms, driving modernization and operational excellence while overseeing a multi-team engineering organization to enhance security and customer en...
Yesterday
Director of Information Technology
$160K - $200K *
Transform internal technology strategy and oversight, leading a remote team in governance, AI adoption, and service management to enhance infrastructure and employee experience while ensuring complian...
1 month ago
$75K - $109K *
Advance the future of Building Information Modeling by leading BIM strategies, ensuring model quality, and mentoring teams. Drive innovation through technology initiatives and enhance project delivery...
Today
Director of Customer Success, DSO
$120K - $150K *
Pioneer customer success as you lead a dedicated team to maximize retention, drive customer engagement, and tailor strategies for SMB dental practices while collaborating cross-functionally to achieve...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Director, Product Management - Enterprise Data Platform
$107K - $150K *
Shape the future of our enterprise data platform by leading product strategy, defining capabilities, and ensuring alignment across business and technology teams to deliver scalable, secure, and truste...
1 week ago
Procurement Project Initiatives Manager
$125K - $172K *
Champion procurement excellence by leading strategic initiatives, optimizing processes, and collaborating across functions to drive operational success in a fast-paced, regulated environment. Make a s...
3 weeks ago
Director, Healthcare Consulting Services
$149K - $224K *
Lead the charge in transforming healthcare solutions by overseeing the entire implementation lifecycle, ensuring quality standards, and driving customer adoption through effective education and suppor...
3 weeks ago
$157K - $283K *
Take ownership of the design and management of high-profile ADA upgrade projects, ensuring effective execution, budget adherence, and client satisfaction while leading cross-functional teams in a dyna...
3 weeks ago
$147K - $220K *
Drive the success of clinical study projects by managing timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Collaborate with teams and clients to ensure project objectives are met while fostering a culture of...
2 weeks ago
$147K - $220K *
Optimize project delivery by leading clinical study initiatives, ensuring quality, budget, and timelines are met. Collaborate with teams and clients to drive success in complex global trials while man...
2 weeks ago
Assistant Director, Student Experience and Operations
$90K *
Advance student success by leading strategic initiatives across the student lifecycle. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational efficiency, optimize technology, and improve student satisfaction t...
2 days ago
Director, Technology Innovation COE
$119K - $186K *
Transform the future of supply chain technology by leading innovation initiatives, managing a structured evaluation process, and engaging stakeholders to drive measurable value and strategic alignment...
1 week ago
Associate Director, Enterprise Architecture
$170K - $190K *
Shape the enterprise architecture landscape by aligning technology across core platforms, establishing standards, and driving strategic initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance...
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.