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.
Senior Professional Services Operations Analyst
$127K - $160K *
Shape your career by driving operational excellence as a key administrator for PSA systems. Collaborate across teams to enhance project delivery, financial accuracy, and data integrity, ensuring effec...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Drive the planning and execution of complex therapeutic programs from discovery to clinic. Serve as a senior program management partner, ensuring successful execution and alignment across cross-functi...
Today
Director of Quality - Advanced Manufacturing (CAM)
$140K - $260K *
Join as a key leader to develop and optimize a comprehensive Quality Management Program across complex manufacturing projects, ensuring top-tier quality standards and fostering relationships with clie...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that leads enterprise-wide financial planning and analysis. Collaborate with senior leaders to improve business performance and drive strategic financial outcomes, while managing a dedicat...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $150K *
Champion growth by driving new business and enhancing customer relationships. Collaborate with internal teams to deliver tailored packaging solutions while executing effective sales strategies to capt...
3 days ago
Senior Engineering Manager, Clients Team
$242K - $275K *
Lead the charge in developing and deploying robust containerized software, manage CI/CD workflows, and grow a cohesive engineering team to enhance customer security operations and software delivery ac...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Operations Director, Biomarker Programs
$175K - $200K *
Lead the charge in optimizing biomarker program operations, ensuring seamless sample processing from collection to storage. Collaborate across teams to uphold quality and compliance while driving grow...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive innovative solutions by leveraging data analytics and strategic counsel to enhance client performance. Collaborate with high-performing teams to deliver tailored insights for transformational ev...
3 days ago
$120K - $150K *
Take ownership of an AI-driven product, shaping strategy, roadmap, and execution for enterprise content insights. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance adoption and value in regulated sec...
3 weeks ago
Director of Product & Data Strategy
$150K - $180K *
Lead the strategy and execution of enterprise applications and data management. Own product roadmaps, ensure system efficiency, and build a high-performing team while driving innovation through AI and...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Medical Director, Medical Affairs - Rheumatology (US)
$175K - $348K *
Transform clinical research through expert medical management and support. Collaborate with teams to ensure protocol integrity, provide training, and contribute to business development while maintaini...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Director, Software Engineering
$145K - $190K *
Lead the charge in designing and optimizing scalable data pipelines using Azure, PySpark, and Airflow. Collaborate with teams to ensure data quality and performance while mentoring engineers and drivi...
1 week ago
$165K - $205K *
Drive the future of food access and benefits by leading product strategy and execution. Own the roadmap for innovative services that enhance member experiences and streamline operations across diverse...
2 weeks ago
$121K - $170K *
Advance client success by overseeing professional services engagements, collaborating with sales and technology teams to deliver tailored solutions that meet business objectives and drive positive out...
Reposted 3 days ago
Head of IT DX Strategy & Management Services
$244K - $335K *
Optimize IT strategy and governance to drive innovation and transformation. Lead a global team, align IT initiatives with business goals, and ensure operational excellence while managing budgets and f...
6 days ago
Director of Embedded Systems Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of embedded systems engineering by leading a high-performance team, defining technical roadmaps, and integrating AI-driven workflows to deliver innovative, reliable solutions across d...
1 week ago
$217K - $271K *
Optimize cross-functional program management for a global initiative, ensuring alignment across multiple teams and geographies. Drive execution, manage dependencies, and communicate effectively to del...
Yesterday
$80K - $110K *
Lead the charge in managing multiple deployment projects, ensuring customer satisfaction and timely delivery. Collaborate with teams to define goals, mitigate risks, and leverage Fortra products for o...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering high-quality ServiceNow projects. As a Project Manager, you'll oversee project performance, manage client relationships, and ensure adherence to best practic...
2 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer, Dev Ops
$120K - $145K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of cloud technology by architecting scalable infrastructures, automating CI/CD processes, and enhancing operational excellence through collaboration and innovation...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Workday Consulting Senior Manager - SCM
$165K - $190K *
Empower client success by leading project management and engagement strategies, mentoring teams, and delivering impactful solutions through data analysis and operational expertise in contract manageme...
1 week ago
Associate Director, Quality (Clinical)
$175K - $210K *
Drive quality excellence in clinical programs by overseeing compliance, risk management, and vendor oversight. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure adherence to GCP regulations and lead inspection...
2 weeks ago
AVP, Strategy and Executive Operations (Chief of Staff
$135K - $160K *
Lead the charge in enhancing executive effectiveness and strategic planning. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, coordinating cross-functional priorities and driving organizational alignm...
4 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in managing projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver results on time while effectively co...
2 weeks ago
$178K - $319K *
Explore the potential of AI/ML to revolutionize supply chain efficiency. Collaborate across departments to optimize logistics and inventory management. Drive impactful solutions using cutting-edge mod...
Reposted 3 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.