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.
$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...
Yesterday
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...
4 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
Product Manager, Growth Strategy
$120K - $150K *
Empower growth by leading market intelligence and analytics initiatives, driving strategic partnerships, and translating trends into actionable business strategies. Collaborate cross-functionally to i...
Yesterday
Engineering Manager - Servicing & Fulfillment
$166K - $193K *
Lead and mentor a team of engineers while overseeing technical excellence and driving AI innovation in operational systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver impactful features for post-purcha...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Sr. Engineer, Project Engineering
$100K - $130K *
Partner with us to design and implement secure, scalable network solutions. Leverage your expertise in networking technologies to enhance performance and reliability while collaborating with cross-fun...
1 week ago
Associate Director, Planning & Scheduling
$168K - $200K *
Champion client relationships and lead diverse teams in life sciences, driving project success through strategic planning and scheduling expertise. Empower your career with mentorship and a focus on q...
3 weeks ago
Clinical Operations Manager - Regulatory
$110K - $130K *
Manage clinical trial operations, ensuring compliance and performance across protocols. Oversee submissions, budgets, and team coordination while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders...
4 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Elevate our logistics operations by managing transportation networks across business units, optimizing costs, and improving service delivery while fostering strategic partnerships and driving performa...
4 weeks ago
Director of Marketing Excellence & Commercial Performance
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's transforming strategic priorities into actionable plans that drive revenue growth and enhance commercial performance across multiple functions. Collaborate with cross-functional lea...
1 week ago
Associate Director - Technology Practice
$90K - $100K *
Champion excellence in executive search by leading market mapping, building strong candidate pipelines, and conducting first-round interviews in a collaborative team environment. Your contributions dr...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Director, Revenue Operations
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of revenue operations by leading cross-functional teams, optimizing processes, and driving strategic initiatives to enhance pipeline efficiency and forecasting accuracy in a dynamic e...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Principal Technical Program Manager
$164K - $295K *
Optimize the delivery of advanced server rack solutions by leading cross-functional teams, managing complex hardware programs, and ensuring alignment with hyperscale data center requirements for next...
Yesterday
$120K - $150K *
Lead the development and execution of innovative procurement strategies, managing the full source-to-pay process while driving cost savings and vendor performance across the organization. Collaborate...
2 weeks ago
Director- Design Systems, Operations and Bank Design
$195K - $264K *
Shape the future of design systems and operations by leading a dynamic team to enhance digital experiences. Drive innovation, establish standards, and integrate AI practices to elevate design quality...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Empower growth by leading a dynamic sales organization, driving strategy, and optimizing performance. Oversee teams to achieve revenue goals, enhance productivity, and foster a high-performance cultur...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, People Operations
$110K - $130K *
Lead and enhance People Operations by driving scalable service delivery, managing complex programs, and fostering a high-performing team to improve employee experience while ensuring compliance and op...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Process Redesign Lead
$150K - $235K *
Join a team that's redefining business processes through digital transformation. Lead cross-functional initiatives, ensuring scalable and standardized practices that align with strategic goals while f...
Today
Manufacturing Solutions Engineer
$80K - $95K *
Support manufacturers by implementing solutions that enhance operational performance. Collaborate with teams to drive adoption and deliver measurable improvements, ensuring lasting value from the plat...
2 days ago
Engineering Project/Process Manager (Print, Packaging and Prepress Technologies)
$99K - $158K *
Join a team that's leading innovation in print and packaging processes. Drive complex projects, enhance workflows, and ensure top-tier color management across multiple business units while collaborati...
2 days 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.