Director of Operational Excellence Jobs

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.

What Does a Director of Operational Excellence Do?

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.

Skills and Qualifications Employers Seek

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.

Industries and Career Opportunities

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.

Find Director of Operational Excellence Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$171K - $245K *

Empower program delivery by leveraging AI-driven tools and automation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage complex projects, ensuring high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment wh...

San Jose, CARemote

4 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$86K - $137K *

Optimize project outcomes as you manage small to medium-sized initiatives. Collaborate across teams, navigate risks, and ensure timely delivery of quality solutions while enhancing communication and s...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$149K - $173K *

Lead quality and food safety initiatives across North America, ensuring compliance and audit readiness. Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence through technical expertise and collabor...

United StatesRemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$152K - $283K *

Lead the development of high-quality, compliant data engineering practices that enhance enterprise data governance and accelerate data-driven decision-making for improved patient outcomes across the o...

East Hanover, NJRemote

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$117K - $177K *

Lead a dynamic Managed Services Engineering team to enhance cloud operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery, compliance, and continuous improvement while driving team development and operation...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$122K - $203K *

Empower teams by leading data governance initiatives, enhancing data quality, and fostering collaboration across business domains. Drive operational excellence and ensure compliance while developing a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Unlock growth by leading RevOps initiatives that enhance acquisition, strengthen pipelines, and optimize seller performance through data-driven strategies and robust analytics, ensuring alignment with...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$125K - $150K *

Advance revenue operations initiatives to drive growth, enhance pipeline quality, and optimize sales processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to harness data insights and streamline strategi...

CanadaRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Lead the charge in optimizing systems for student academic planning, ensuring reliability during peak loads while pioneering innovative, career-oriented pathways and registration experiences for highe...

San Mateo, CARemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$95K - $125K *

Advance your career by coordinating healthcare technology integration across multiple VA sites. Leverage your project management skills to support the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization pr...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$141K - $194K *

Transform commercial operations by leading cross-functional initiatives, driving clarity, execution, and impactful outcomes. Collaborate with diverse teams to continuously enhance processes and integr...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$115K - $135K *

Join us to build and scale a high-performing PMO, leading project management initiatives while developing talent and establishing processes that enhance client delivery and satisfaction in the public...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $160K *

Oversee the operational planning and execution of clinical trials, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while managing cross-functional teams to meet project timelines, budgets, and quality o...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$107K - $199K *

Transform the healthcare landscape by leading digital quality measurement initiatives. Drive process improvement efforts and enhance clinical data reporting strategies while collaborating with cross-f...

Missouri, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$143K - $194K *

Pioneer innovative strategies for a Virtual First work stream, enhancing employee effectiveness through technology and research. Lead cross-functional initiatives, manage complex programs, and drive m...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$128K - $173K *

Drive employee effectiveness by managing a strategic Virtual First work stream. Focus on tool optimization, AI enablement, and cross-functional collaboration to create scalable organizational change a...

CanadaRemote

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$100K - $120K *

Accelerate bioprocessing market growth by defining strategies, customer insights, and alliances. Collaborate across functions to ensure market performance and adoption, driving impactful solutions in...

San Diego, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in optimizing implementation operations for high-volume customer segments. Drive efficiency, scalability, and quality while managing diverse teams to onboard and implement WFM and payr...

Austin, TXRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$95K - $158K *

Drive process optimization and technology integration in event operations. Lead data-driven improvements to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency while managing cross-functional tea...

Lake Forest, ILRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Drive strategic insights by analyzing cross-functional data to enhance decision-making. Collaborate with teams to build a trusted business intelligence framework, delivering actionable recommendations...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$160K - $236K *

Analyze and drive commercial analytics strategy, establishing strong insights that empower senior leadership's strategic decisions and enhance business performance across a complex, multi-functional e...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$220K - $260K *

Transform your career by leading product strategy and execution for payment solutions. Drive innovation in payment workflows, enhance reliability, and optimize operational efficiency while collaborati...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$165K - $180K *

Oversee and optimize US regional clinical trials, ensuring execution and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage vendor relationships while driving process improvements in a fas...

Houston, TXRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$82K - $128K *

Shape data-driven strategies by developing and automating analytics solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance reporting capabilities and optimize operational performance in a dynam...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $150K *

Champion integrated project management for complex pharmaceutical advertising, leading cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery within scope and budget while mentoring junior staff and enhanci...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Director of Operational Excellence do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Experienced Directors of Operational Excellence may advance to vice president of operations, chief operating officer, enterprise transformation executive, or other senior leadership positions.