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.
Director, Executive Compensation
$156K - $227K *
Champion executive compensation strategies that align with business objectives. Lead the design and execution of Total Rewards programs, provide expert consultations, and drive cross-functional collab...
4 weeks ago
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Unlock potential by leading global client strategies, driving growth and retention through trusted relationships and innovative solutions. Leverage your expertise to enhance client value and execute a...
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Lead the strategy execution for key global clients, driving client value, retention, and new business growth while cultivating trust-based relationships with senior leaders and maximizing account pote...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$104K - $163K *
Shape the future of IT project management by leading cross-functional teams to deliver impactful technology solutions on time and within scope, while enhancing processes and ensuring effective stakeho...
Reposted today
$95K - $115K *
Partner with us to drive sales operations excellence, ensuring effective workflows, data integrity, and actionable insights in a dynamic environment while supporting strategic initiatives and enhancin...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $125K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing the customer experience through strategic vendor management and operational excellence. Lead initiatives that drive performance, compliance, and continuous im...
4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion operational excellence in digital platforms, ensuring stability and scalability while driving customer success through effective program management and cross-functional collaboration...
4 days ago
Associate Director, Field Launch & Change Surge
$145K - $270K *
Drive stability by providing surge support for product launches and critical changes, ensuring effective execution and alignment across operations. Collaborate with teams to enhance readiness and swif...
Reposted 1 week ago
Vice President of Operations and Risk Management
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your career by providing strategic leadership in operations and risk management, ensuring effective integration of finance, technology, and human resources to support organizational goals and...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in transforming partner data operations and integrations, ensuring efficient case resolution and proactive partner enablement. Drive automation, establish standards, and foster a produ...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing our hiring processes by creating robust systems, ensuring data integrity, and enhancing the overall talent acquisition experience while driving consistent re...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead growth strategies for self-serve revenue generation, driving developer engagement through targeted media, optimization, and enterprise collaboration. Harness your expertise to manage a $5M budget...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$94K - $130K *
Drive operational excellence by coordinating cross-functional processes, ensuring governance, and optimizing workflows to enhance efficiency and stakeholder experience across the enterprise...
2 days ago
$108K - $130K *
Lead the charge in optimizing IT operations and security across multiple business units. Oversee service management, endpoint security, and compliance, ensuring seamless integration and support for a...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a dynamic team driving strategic project initiatives with cross-functional collaboration, managing complex programs to achieve company goals while optimizing efficiency and enhancing organization...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Director, Market Growth Strategy, Molecule to Market (CMC)
$185K - $256K *
Join a team that's redefining CMC strategies in life sciences. You'll engage with industry leaders, drive software adoption, and shape market narratives to enhance product lifecycle management and ope...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in delivering impactful customer experience consulting by analyzing complex data, mentoring junior consultants, and driving projects to successful, measurable results, all while ensuri...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead and transform large-scale retrofit and modernization projects, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and high customer satisfaction while coordinating cross-functional teams and managing st...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Manage IT projects to implement M365 solutions for diverse clients, ensuring successful execution of project goals and fostering collaboration between teams...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager, Smart Utility
$88K - $105K *
Drive successful AMI deployment projects by coordinating smart meter installations, software integration, and vendor partnerships. Ensure utility modernization through effective project management and...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, Managed Programs
$120K - $145K *
Pioneer cross-functional programs, managing teams to deliver crucial initiatives. Drive alignment across departments, enhance operational excellence, and elevate program delivery practices while track...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Revenue Operations Program Manager
$145K - $160K *
Drive strategic initiatives by leading complex, cross-functional projects that align stakeholders and transform business priorities into actionable plans, ensuring successful execution across Revenue...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team driving Operational Excellence by transforming data into actionable insights that enhance decision-making, track financial benefits, and foster collaboration across business units...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$145K - $155K *
Accelerate the evolution of data analytics by leading modernization efforts, optimizing reporting capabilities, and fostering strategic partnerships across functions to drive data-driven decision-maki...
Today
Principal, R&D Learning Products & Enablement
$122K - $218K *
Transform R&D Enablement by defining strategies and creating scalable learning products that enhance team capabilities, drive performance, and leverage emerging technologies to support technical teams...
3 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.