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.
$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...
4 days ago
$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...
Reposted today
$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...
4 days ago
Associate Director, Data Engineering Lead
$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...
Reposted 3 days ago
Manager – Engineering, Managed Services
$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...
3 days ago
$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...
1 week ago
$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...
Reposted yesterday
$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...
Reposted yesterday
$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...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Project Manager, FEHRM Healthcare Technology Management - Interoperability
$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...
3 weeks ago
Director, Commercial Business Operations
$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...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Sr. Manager, Project Management Office
$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...
2 days ago
Associate Director, Clinical Operations
$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...
1 week ago
Director, Quality Improvement, Digital Quality Measurement
$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...
3 weeks ago
Senior Program Manager, Employee Experience
$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...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Program Manager, Employee Experience
$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...
Reposted 2 days ago
$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...
3 weeks ago
Director of Implementation, SMB & Mid-Market
$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...
2 weeks ago
Manager, Event Operations & Technology
$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...
2 days ago
Senior GTM Intelligence Analyst
$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...
Yesterday
Senior Director, Business Analytics
$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...
3 weeks ago
$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...
2 weeks ago
Principal Manager, Clinical Operations Lead
$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...
Reposted 4 days ago
Clinical Operations and Analytics Consultant
$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...
1 week ago
Group Project Manager, Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Advertising
$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...
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.