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.
Manager, Product Operations & UX
$135K - $202K *
Drive product operations excellence by leading cross-functional teams, enhancing AI integration, and optimizing UX design to ensure a seamless product development lifecycle that empowers rapid, high-q...
2 weeks ago
Director, Product Management (Digital Experiences)
$220K - $250K *
Shape the future of digital lending by leading product management teams to enhance acquisition and servicing experiences. Drive strategic vision, optimize user journeys, and foster cross-functional co...
Today
Director, Consultant Relations
$130K - $170K *
Partner with us to enhance consultant relationships in healthcare. Drive business growth by cultivating partnerships, optimizing engagement strategies, and aligning internal teams to effectively posit...
3 weeks ago
Director, Technical Products and Operations
$200K - $235K *
Drive product excellence by owning the lifecycle and security of high-performance client SaaS platforms hosted on AWS. Lead a dedicated team to optimize operations, ensure compliance, and deliver seam...
Reposted 6 days ago
Operations & Client Delivery Manager
$85K - $120K *
Shape the future of healthcare operations by driving efficiency, enhancing client delivery, and refining processes in an innovative, AI-driven company, where your leadership will transform operational...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Executive Director, Enterprise Experience Planning & Integration
$236K - $439K *
Transform customer experiences by uniting diverse functions and stakeholders across the organization to enhance patient journeys and drive strategic initiatives. Leverage influence and collaboration t...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$187K - $210K *
Champion operational excellence by leading Product Operations, driving innovation, and optimizing workflows. Manage a dedicated team to enhance product delivery, streamline processes, and ensure align...
3 days ago
Construction Project Management Director
$140K - $160K *
Lead our initiatives in designing and constructing innovative water and carbon capture facilities globally. Collaborate across teams to ensure project success within budget and timeline while promotin...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director of Customer Experience Operations
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to transform customer experience operations into a seamless, data-driven journey. Your leadership will unify departments for consistency, enabling effective strategies that enhance cus...
Reposted 1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Build high-performing software teams that drive critical project success while managing technical architecture and mentorship. Collaborate with leadership to align solutions with business needs and en...
3 weeks ago
Start-Up Operations Manager, DTC Launch
$110K - $130K *
Optimize operations in high-volume e-commerce fulfillment centers by leading teams, validating system capabilities, and establishing efficient workflows to drive scalable and successful launch initiat...
Reposted 1 week ago
Sr Manager, Operational Finance
$135K - $160K *
Advance financial operations by managing project finance teams, enhancing reporting processes, and supporting month-end close activities. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure accurate revenue recog...
2 weeks ago
Sr Manager, Operational Finance
$135K - $160K *
Advance your career by managing financial operations for project teams, enhancing reporting accuracy, and leading financial analysis to support clinical trials and strategic decision-making...
2 weeks ago
Director Analyst - MES & Ops Tech
$148K - $175K *
Lead the development of innovative research in manufacturing operations technology, focusing on AI-driven solutions, to empower clients in overcoming challenges and enhancing operational efficiency ac...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$101K - $126K *
Join a dynamic team to lead complex projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic goals. Collaborate across departments, manage risks, and mentor others while leveraging best practic...
1 week ago
Director, Marketing Operations
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in optimizing marketing operations to drive developer adoption, pipeline growth, and revenue. Oversee systems, processes, and insights while collaborating with cross-functional teams t...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of enterprise-scale cybersecurity by leading vulnerability management initiatives. Drive program strategy, enhance client relationships, and mentor teams to achieve measurable risk re...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Champion enterprise-scale delivery by leading vulnerability management initiatives, driving program strategy, and fostering client relationships to achieve measurable risk reduction across diverse tec...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Digital Manufacturing Solutions & Solution Architecture
$138K - $173K *
Join a team that's transforming manufacturing through digital solutions. Lead cross-functional initiatives, drive process improvements, and ensure seamless integration of technology to enhance operati...
Today
Sr. Manager, Continuous Improvement
$145K - $175K *
Accelerate progress at our Operations by leading efficiency initiatives that drive cost savings, enhance service, and improve overall operational excellence. Partner cross-functionally to deliver impa...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Director, Operational Strategy - Oncology
$160K - $200K *
Lead the charge in developing competitive oncology strategies, ensuring client needs are met through collaboration and expertise. Drive business development and enhance client relations while overseei...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower project success by managing financial coordination, stakeholder relationships, and full-lifecycle oversight. Drive effective communication and risk management while adapting to changing priori...
2 weeks ago
Director, Training Development
$160K - $175K *
Unlock your potential as a leader in training development, overseeing curriculum design and delivery. Drive continuous improvement and ensure high-quality training programs that align with operational...
2 weeks ago
$90K - $140K *
Join a team that's driving project success by leading technical initiatives, resolving complex challenges, and aligning outcomes with client objectives. Your expertise will enhance profitability and o...
3 days ago
Program Manager, Product Data Operations
$120K - $145K *
Oversee and manage AI data operations programs, ensuring high-quality data for model training. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve challenges and implement scalable solutions that align...
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.