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.
Process Improvement Manager Ops
$95K - $115K *
Transform operational efficiency by leading cross-functional process improvement initiatives. Utilize Lean Six Sigma and project management methodologies to analyze performance metrics, drive strategi...
1 week ago
Director, Software Engineering
$150K - $180K *
Innovate by leading software engineering excellence and AI adoption; manage cross-functional teams to develop impactful tech solutions while maintaining hands-on involvement with proof-of-concept proj...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Sales Operations
$115K - $120K *
Lead the charge in driving operational excellence and strategic enablement across global Inside Sales teams, enhancing commercial effectiveness and delivering exceptional client value through innovati...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's committed to fostering a total quality culture while driving compliance and continuous improvement initiatives. Lead quality management efforts to enhance product standards and oper...
Yesterday
SR Manager Industrial Engineering
$104K - $146K *
Lead strategic industrial engineering initiatives to enhance safety, efficiency, and standardization across multi-site logistics operations while managing a team and influencing cross-functional resul...
Reposted 1 month ago
Director, Portfolio Management & Project Delivery
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of technology project delivery by leading a high-performing team, managing strategic initiatives, and ensuring alignment with business objectives to maximize value and drive organizat...
1 week ago
Operations Development Program
$87K - $119K *
Launch your career in operations leadership through an 18-month rotational program, gaining hands-on experience across core functions, building expertise in automation and customer operations to drive...
3 weeks ago
Global Manager of HSEQ (Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality)
$100K - $135K *
Champion a global HSEQ strategy, fostering compliance and quality across operational regions while developing a proactive safety culture and optimizing customer service delivery in the solar and stora...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Workforce Transformation
$225K - $270K *
Lead the charge in Workforce Transformation by measuring AI’s impact, redesigning roles, and shaping skills for the future. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to anticipate workforce needs and...
3 weeks ago
Office Manager, Multi-Site Operations
$135K - $155K *
Manage multi-site office operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and a positive environment. Lead staff, oversee vendor relationships, and implement workplace improvements while supporting a collabor...
4 weeks ago
Director, Strategy & Transformation
$155K - $312K *
Drive strategic transformation initiatives by leading teams in defining and executing operational models, ensuring alignment with client goals, and optimizing processes through innovative solutions an...
Reposted yesterday
Sr. Mngr/Associate Director, Process Design & Deployment
$110K - $130K *
Join our team to enhance patient access and streamline operational processes, driving meaningful improvements through data analysis, project management, and collaboration across departments while fost...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Lead strategic business growth in the USA, focusing on market entry, key relationships, and executive negotiations. Build and manage a high-performance team while driving revenue and enhancing overall...
Reposted today
$200K - $230K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing supply chain processes and enhancing materials management. Lead strategic initiatives to improve efficiency, manage supplier relationships, and drive cross-f...
2 weeks ago
Manager, Procurement Compliance, Governance and Data & Analytics
$110K - $172K *
Shape global procurement governance and compliance by leading analytics, training, and process excellence initiatives. Drive transformation and data management in a collaborative environment to enhanc...
2 days ago
$157K - $262K *
Drive enterprise vendor management strategy by overseeing vendor relationships, governance, and performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, optimize costs, and enhance o...
1 week ago
Senior Manager - Technical Implementation & Value Realization
$135K - $150K *
Advance your career by leading complex enterprise implementations, driving customer adoption, and ensuring measurable value realization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to operationalize solut...
2 weeks ago
Director, Information Security
$150K - $175K *
Lead the charge in managing client-facing security operations, overseeing a high-performing team, and acting as a trusted advisor. Drive incident response, tool management, and process improvement to...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's redefining People Operations by leading strategic initiatives in benefits, payroll, and automation. Drive impactful change while managing a high-performing team and collaborating ac...
6 days ago
Strategy & Operations Supply Chain Senior Consultant
$110K - $130K *
Engage with us to drive innovative solutions in the healthcare supply chain. Collaborate closely with diverse teams, tackle complex challenges, and enhance patient care through strategic insights and...
Reposted 1 week ago
$109K - $183K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in product operations. You'll manage program initiatives, streamline processes, and enhance portfolio reporting while collaborating with cross-functional teams to...
6 days ago
Director, Marketing Transformation & PMO
$160K - $200K *
Lead the charge in establishing a robust marketing PMO, driving integrated campaigns, and implementing AI transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and execution across a fast-scali...
2 weeks ago
Program Manager, HUB Operations
$88K - $105K *
Lead the management of pharmaceutical programs, ensuring client satisfaction and operational excellence. Oversee daily activities, supervise staff, and drive strategic planning while maintaining stron...
1 week ago
Senior Analyst, Service Excellence
$74K - $99K *
Accelerate progress at our Service Excellence Team by supporting Incident, Problem, and Change Management processes. This role offers hands-on experience and growth opportunities in IT Service Managem...
2 days ago
$120K - $150K *
Transform the supply chain landscape by leading procurement and subcontracting efforts, ensuring compliance with federal regulations while driving efficiency and innovation in support of critical defe...
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.