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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$125K - $150K *

Shape the future of higher education by leading strategic initiatives and government affairs. Collaborate across teams to drive revenue opportunities and influence policy, ensuring impactful solutions...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$120K - $150K *

Lead cross-functional efforts to drive execution in a fast-paced remote environment, overseeing key product initiatives and customer issues in our Privileged Access Management portfolio, while ensurin...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $115K *

Empower IT operations by building and managing internal systems, ensuring productivity and security. As the first hire, you'll shape the IT function, streamline processes, and support the team while c...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$120K - $145K *

Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary engineering team to deliver innovative design solutions for power utility projects across North America, ensuring quality, compliance, and continuous improvement w...

RemoteRemote

Today

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$85K - $117K *

Champion software quality by analyzing healthcare data, developing test cases, and executing both manual and automated tests. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with clinical...

Connecticut, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$133K - $204K *

Join a team that's redefining security operations by leading a dynamic Cyber Defense unit. You'll manage SOC performance, drive AI integration, and ensure effective incident response while mentoring e...

RemoteRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$106K - $153K *

Lead the charge in developing innovative Medicare Advantage offerings across multiple states, driving benefit design, managing partnerships, and ensuring strategic market alignment to deliver high-per...

Long Beach, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Elevate your career by leading a team to analyze and enhance Auto product performance, leveraging AI insights to drive growth and profitability while collaborating with key stakeholders to shape futur...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$125K - $150K *

Drive high-value B2B paid media strategies and growth across multiple channels while leading a team of media professionals, ensuring client success and operational excellence in performance marketing...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Champion sales operations by enhancing pipeline reliability, boosting team productivity, and driving operational efficiency. Collaborate across departments to optimize HubSpot Sales Hub and streamline...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$164K - $246K *

Lead the charge in defining and executing a global research strategy for patient care solutions, driving innovation and evidence generation across diverse healthcare domains while collaborating with c...

Waukesha, WIRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Empower enterprise initiatives by leading complex projects that drive strategic outcomes, enhance governance, and align cross-functional teams. Utilize your expertise to manage risks, ensure accountab...

Indiana, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$290K - $320K *

Analyze and enhance reporting mechanisms to empower restaurant operations, collaborating with AI and engineering teams. Define scalable data infrastructures, foster customer insights, and drive impact...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of AI initiatives, driving strategic development and implementation across the Health Systems and Government Services unit to enhance operational excellence and cu...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $115K *

Shape the future of healthcare marketing by bridging market needs and product innovation. Collaborate across teams to develop compelling messaging and drive successful product launches, ensuring our s...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$229K - $267K *

Innovate the consumer digital experience by leading a cross-functional team to enhance our website, mobile app, and web portal. Define a multi-year vision, prioritize initiatives, and drive engagement...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$119K - $186K *

Lead the charge in shaping a skills-powered talent ecosystem, driving strategy and governance for enterprise skills and talent marketplace initiatives that enhance workforce planning and career growth...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$120K - $145K *

Deliver a visionary roadmap that integrates cloud analytics with smart traffic solutions, boosting emergency response efficiency and transit performance. Lead products that redefine smart-city signal...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$229K - $258K *

Empower a dynamic engineering team to deliver innovative security tools. Own product development from roadmap to rollout, fostering collaboration and driving results in a fast-paced environment focuse...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform automation capabilities by leading innovative engineering projects and collaborating across teams. Drive continuous improvement in operations and ensure regulatory compliance throughout proj...

United StatesRemote

1 month ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$110K - $120K *

Drive impactful business application initiatives by leading cross-functional projects that enhance efficiency and performance. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of Microsoft...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$78K - $143K *

Champion operational excellence by managing projects, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance processes and tools. Drive solutions that support business objectives whi...

Sunnyvale, CARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$110K - $130K *

Reimagine the landscape of regulatory compliance by guiding the development and implementation of extended producer responsibility programs, ensuring adherence to statutory requirements while collabor...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Staffing

$88K - $154K *

Optimize document management processes for a large-scale industrial project, ensuring accurate, secure, and accessible records throughout all project phases. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams t...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

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

$112K - $150K *

Transform the future of program management by leading strategic initiatives, overseeing budgets, and fostering strong client relationships. Drive operational excellence and ensure program outcomes ali...

Richmond, VARemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information 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.