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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$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Dallas, TXRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

Los Angeles, CARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

Austin, TXRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

California, USRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$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...

Overland Park, KSRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

Michigan, USRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$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...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

New York, NYRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$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...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$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...

Raleigh, NCRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$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...

St. Louis, MORemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$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...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$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...

Menlo Park, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

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.