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.
Principal Product Manager - UGC
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of user-generated content by leading product strategy and execution. Drive improvements in quality, trust, and customer activation while collaborating across teams to enhance the cont...
3 weeks ago
$116K - $175K *
Join our team to oversee and enhance logistics operations for Dental products, ensuring efficient order fulfillment and distribution. Lead a dedicated team while collaborating with various departments...
4 days ago
Manager, Client Strategy & Operations
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's focused on enhancing client delivery and relationship growth. Drive data-driven strategies and cross-functional collaboration to optimize post-sale operations, ensuring exceptional...
Reposted 1 week ago
$85K - $110K *
Engage top talent as a full-cycle Talent Acquisition Partner, managing recruitment across diverse functions and levels. Collaborate with hiring managers to attract and hire skilled professionals, ensu...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Optimize procurement processes to enhance efficiency and vendor relationships. Lead negotiations and create a comprehensive view of vendor spend while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensu...
1 week ago
Business Lead, Lifecycle Services
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in driving growth for Lifecycle Services by managing performance, developing seller competencies, and executing strategic business plans across assigned regions. Collaborate with teams...
4 days ago
Director, FP&A Business Partner
$135K - $160K *
Unlock your potential as you own the financial performance of a dynamic business unit, driving strategic decisions and enhancing visibility to shape impactful processes and outcomes. Join a hands-on l...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Sr Manager Software Engineering
$175K - $204K *
Champion innovative software solutions by leading engineering teams, driving strategic initiatives, and fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. Oversee technical execution and ensure alignmen...
1 week ago
$185K - $275K *
Join a team that's driving revenue growth through strategic marketing initiatives. You'll lead regional marketing efforts, develop account-based strategies, and collaborate with sales to optimize pipe...
1 week ago
$170K - $180K *
Transform quality management across renewable energy projects by leading initiatives that enhance processes, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional team...
Today
$95K - $115K *
Drive sourcing strategies and supplier relationships across diverse supply chains, ensuring alignment with business needs and operational excellence while leading cross-functional teams to achieve str...
Yesterday
$120K - $145K *
Drive your career with a pivotal role in shaping product strategy and delivery, enhancing member experiences in healthcare. Collaborate across teams to define problems, prioritize outcomes, and levera...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $120K *
Reimagine product marketing as you lead strategies that connect innovation to customer success, driving market adoption and value. Collaborate across teams to craft compelling messaging and shape the...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Champion social strategy and community engagement, driving impactful growth across multiple channels. Lead a dynamic team to create culturally relevant content, leveraging AI for efficiency and innova...
1 week ago
Senior Manager Tax Technology and Process Transformation
$126K - $150K *
Pioneer the transformation of tax technology and processes, driving strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and user experience through automation and data-driven solution...
2 weeks ago
Staff Product Marketing Manager (PMM), Patient Growth
$190K - $238K *
Lead the transformation of patient experiences in mental health care by shaping marketing strategies that drive acquisition, activation, and retention. Collaborate across teams to enhance messaging an...
Yesterday
Product Manager - Foundation Engineering
$158K - $248K *
Champion the development of the product roadmap for Observability and Compute/Network teams, ensuring alignment with reliability goals, system health monitoring, and infrastructure management strategi...
3 weeks ago
Project & Program Management III
$80K - $134K *
Lead the charge in managing large-scale Data Center projects, coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery and adherence to budget. Drive innovative AI implementations while overseein...
2 days ago
1740 - Director, Strategic Sourcing Facilities- Healthcare
$125K - $185K *
Transform the future of healthcare sourcing by leading strategic initiatives, managing a dedicated team, and driving cost-saving projects across Facilities categories to ensure high-quality service de...
1 week ago
Director, Onboard Core Software
$240K - $330K *
Champion the development of onboard software for autonomous vehicles, leading cross-functional teams to ensure a robust software foundation. Drive strategic vision, quality, and operational excellence...
1 week ago
Technical Program Manager - Mobile Platform Design System
$112K - $135K *
Elevate your career by driving delivery across mobile platform teams, ensuring alignment and timely releases. Collaborate with engineering leads to enhance app architecture and improve CI/CD processes...
Yesterday
Senior Business Development Leader - Logistics and Mobility Solutions
$160K - $200K *
Join a team that's driving growth in defense logistics and mobility solutions. Leverage your expertise to develop strategies for USTRANSCOM and AMC, fostering relationships and guiding cross-functiona...
2 weeks ago
Senior Business Development Leader - Logistics and Mobility Solutions
$125K - $150K *
Transform defense logistics by leading growth initiatives for USTRANSCOM and AMC. Engage with senior leaders to develop strategies that align logistics solutions with mission-critical operations acros...
2 weeks ago
$160K - $190K *
Elevate our talent acquisition by architecting AI-driven recruiting workflows. Lead the design, deployment, and optimization of innovative solutions that enhance hiring efficiency and candidate experi...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Project Manager - Business Transformation Office
$120K - $145K *
Transform operational pursuits by leading due diligence evaluations, assessing feasibility, risks, and benefits. Collaborate with executive leadership and stakeholders to ensure informed decision-maki...
Reposted 1 week 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.