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.
Director - Partner Sales, Data & Cloud Alliances
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in driving partner-sourced revenue growth and market expansion through strategic alliances in Data, AI, and Cloud. Collaborate with top technology partners to convert relationships int...
5 days ago
Associate Director, Strategic Sourcing
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Drive procurement excellence by optimizing vendor strategies, leveraging AI, and enhancing technology sourcing. Collaborate with leadership to shape a strategic roadmap that maximizes value and effici...
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Champion innovative solutions in feed mill operations by defining and prioritizing software capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product performance and customer satisfacti...
1 week ago
Project Manager (Data Projects)
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Transform data analytics initiatives by leading multiple projects, engaging stakeholders, and driving solutions from inception to delivery. Collaborate with technical teams to ensure alignment with mi...
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Senior Digital Program Manager
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Help us drive customer success by owning and optimizing digital engagement programs. You'll lead strategy, build automated journeys, and analyze performance to enhance customer experiences and ensure...
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$175K - $215K *
Pioneer your career by leading financial planning and analysis, driving strategic initiatives, and guiding cross-functional collaboration to impact organizational success at a high level of decision-m...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Shape the future of financial strategy by overseeing capital budgeting and investment analysis. Collaborate with leadership to ensure compliance and optimize financial performance across major project...
Today
$131K - $237K *
Lead the charge in managing complex IT programs, ensuring product development and lifecycle management while coordinating multiple vendors and teams to meet customer needs and deliver on strategic obj...
2 days ago
Associate Director, MLOps Engineering
$181K - $278K *
Empower high-impact MLOps initiatives by leading a team in designing scalable ML infrastructures and optimizing cloud operations. Drive collaboration across disciplines to enhance AI training and infe...
4 weeks ago
$135K - $160K *
Transform our growth marketing strategy by driving demand generation and managing a high-performing team. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to optimize pipeline performance and leverage automa...
4 days ago
$69K - $101K *
Champion the reliability of automated systems by providing expert technical support, troubleshooting complex issues, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure operational excellence and seamless...
2 days ago
$141K - $177K *
Drive strategic initiatives and operational excellence by leading technology solutions, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring project success through effective management and innovative proble...
Yesterday
$125K - $150K *
Elevate partner relationships in a strategic leadership role responsible for guiding a team and enhancing partner success through AI-driven workflows and high-touch service...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Customer Success Manager
$90K - $110K *
Lead strategic customer relationships in Bankruptcy Risk, ensuring retention and growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver tailored solutions, drive customer success, and enhance valu...
1 week ago
$154K - $260K *
Transform edge AI solutions by leading a talented engineering team. Drive the strategy for embedded systems and machine learning, ensuring impactful deployment of intelligent safety features for real...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Product Manager, Global, Oil-Flooded Compressors
$110K - $130K *
Develop and execute innovative product strategies for a global Oil-Flooded compressor portfolio, driving profitable growth through customer insights and cross-functional collaboration to enhance marke...
Reposted 2 days ago
Product Owner, P&C Policy & Commercial Underwriting
$110K - $170K *
Pioneer innovative solutions in P&C insurance by owning the product roadmap for policy administration and commercial underwriting, integrating AI capabilities to enhance decision-making and streamline...
1 week ago
Vice President, Revenue Operations
$150K - $175K *
Transform revenue operations by leading systems, data, and processes that unify Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success into a streamlined revenue engine, driving growth and efficiency across the organ...
2 weeks ago
Manager/ Senior Manager (Power System Planning)
$120K - $160K *
Shape your career by leading projects in power system planning. Collaborate with clients to navigate regulatory challenges and enhance energy strategies, while managing teams and driving innovative so...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Principal Architect, Healthcare
$165K - $243K *
Deliver innovative disaster recovery solutions for healthcare systems, ensuring compliance and resilience for clinical workloads. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address complex challenges...
4 days ago
Director, Product Management | Applied AI
$160K - $190K *
Lead and develop a team of Product Managers to drive AI-powered product strategy, governance, and investment decisions. Shape the organization's AI capabilities while ensuring responsible AI practices...
4 days ago
Director, Product Management | Applied AI
$160K - $190K *
Champion a dynamic team of Product Managers to drive AI-powered product strategy, governance, and investment decisions. Elevate organizational AI capabilities while ensuring responsible practices and...
4 days ago
Director, Product Management | Applied AI
$160K - $190K *
Lead the charge in shaping AI-powered product strategy and governance. Develop and mentor a team of Product Managers while owning P&L and driving innovation across a diverse portfolio. Elevate organiz...
4 days ago
$98K - $147K *
Empower success by leading strategic programs that enhance clinical, financial, and operational outcomes. Collaborate with teams to optimize processes and ensure alignment with organizational goals, d...
1 week ago
$95K - $135K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering complex automation projects, overseeing all phases from planning to closeout. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure projects meet safety, budget...
Today
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.