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.
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Senior Business Development Leader - Logistics and Mobility Solutions
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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...
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Senior Business Development Leader - Logistics and Mobility Solutions
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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...
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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...
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Transform operational pursuits by leading due diligence evaluations, assessing feasibility, risks, and benefits. Collaborate with executive leadership and stakeholders to ensure informed decision-maki...
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Shape and lead client implementations for a cutting-edge trading platform, guiding asset and wealth managers through system configuration and go-live processes while ensuring client satisfaction and p...
3 weeks ago
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Join a team that's driving the execution of complex data center construction projects. Lead planning, manage resources, and optimize client service while ensuring quality and financial performance acr...
Today
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Champion the financial strategy behind a global sports platform by developing an advanced financial model that bridges multiple businesses, guiding management and investor decisions as the company sca...
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Engagement Manager - LE Diversified Industries
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Lead and manage mid to large Workday deployments, resolving complex issues while enhancing methodologies. Guide teams, ensure project success, and support executive expectations through effective comm...
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Senior Manager of Customer Success (Enterprise)
$160K - $175K *
Lead strategic initiatives to enhance customer success for high-value enterprise accounts, fostering long-lasting partnerships, driving engagement, and optimizing retention while managing a high-perfo...
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Senior Principal, Distribution Optimization
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Lead the charge in optimizing distribution networks to enhance efficiency, service performance, and cost-effectiveness. Drive strategic initiatives, evaluate operating models, and implement transforma...
1 week ago
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Engage with clients to transform complex Enterprise Architecture needs into actionable solutions. Manage implementation workstreams, ensuring effective onboarding and training while fostering strong r...
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Chief Architect, Product Engineering
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Elevate the technical architecture vision and execution across a product portfolio, driving the transition to a scalable, cloud-native SaaS environment while integrating AI, data, and security. Collab...
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Technical Program Manager, Network
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Lead complex, multi-workstream technology programs, ensuring alignment across teams and delivering customer outcomes through strategic planning, execution, and governance. Drive program success by man...
3 days ago
Director, Provider Network Operations
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Transform the future of healthcare provider networks by leading operational excellence, strategic initiatives, and cross-departmental collaboration to enhance provider relations and data management ac...
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Senior Manager, Corporate Strategy
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Empower strategic decision-making by driving data analysis and recommendations. Collaborate with senior leadership to shape initiatives, build financial models, and leverage AI tools, ensuring impactf...
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Group Product Manager, Transformation and Product Ops
$148K - $281K *
Drive the transformation of product operations, empowering teams to deliver value quickly while ensuring leadership visibility and data-driven insights. This leadership role requires strategic directi...
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Director, Global HR Operations
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Shape the future of global HR operations by enhancing systems and processes for a seamless employee lifecycle. Collaborate cross-functionally to improve workflows, compliance, and service effectivenes...
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$83K - $155K *
Contribute to the success of hygienic sensors by owning product strategy, collaborating with engineering, and driving market insights into actionable requirements. Lead product launches and manage lif...
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Lead the charge in regional operations management, driving customer satisfaction and inspiring teams across multiple locations in the fire and life safety industry. Take ownership of operational excel...
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Engineering Manager, Data & Clinical Integration Teams
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Drive Navy revenue growth as you partner with executives to innovate and execute forward-thinking GTM strategies, transforming opportunities into impactful contracts while navigating complex defense e...
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Senior Business Development Manager
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Take ownership of driving rapid account growth and establishing partnerships. Leverage your extensive freight brokerage experience to execute strategies, negotiate deals, and optimize operations, ensu...
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Drive integrated, compliant media strategies for pharmaceutical brands, leading channel planning, investment decisions, and client engagement to achieve impactful business outcomes throughout launch a...
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Strategy & Operations - Coding Optimization and Automation Consultant
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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.