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.
Senior Clinical Project Manager
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's advancing oncology solutions by managing global clinical trials. Lead project execution from protocol development to study closeout, ensuring quality and compliance while fostering...
2 weeks ago
$130K - $175K *
Transform IT operations by establishing automated, self-service systems while ensuring ISO compliance. As a crucial partner across functions, you'll enhance security protocols, streamline workflows, a...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Exposure & Vulnerability Management
$180K - $240K *
Shape the future of enterprise security by leading vulnerability management initiatives. Drive strategy, execution, and collaboration across teams to enhance risk reduction and improve security outcom...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a forward-thinking team to define and execute design strategy for AI-driven risk management tools, guiding designers and partners to deliver exceptional user experiences that prioritize risk unde...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Sr. Director, Additive Manufacturing Technology & Applications
$250K - $300K *
Join a team that's redefining additive manufacturing by driving automated CAD-to-print workflows. Lead a multidisciplinary group to enhance production systems, ensuring quality and efficiency in aeros...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in engineering excellence, overseeing a team of 60 while driving AI initiatives and enhancing operational strategies. Collaborate with product leadership to elevate engineering practic...
1 week ago
IBP & Demand Planning Assoc Director
$145K - $182K *
Drive demand planning excellence by leading the Americas team, collaborating across functions to enhance forecasting accuracy and integrated business planning. Transform scenario planning capabilities...
3 days ago
R0481361 Director, Strategic Growth & Business Development
$98K - $155K *
Shape the future of healthcare by driving strategic growth initiatives, forging partnerships, and executing acquisitions across a diverse regional portfolio. Collaborate with leaders to enhance market...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director, Total Rewards & Payroll (REQ921)
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in operationalizing a comprehensive compensation philosophy across a multi-site organization, ensuring effective execution of annual cycles, internal equity, and payroll oversight whil...
1 week ago
$165K - $185K *
Unlock your potential by leading integrated facilities management for a pharmaceutical portfolio. Drive operational excellence, manage budgets, and foster strong client relationships while overseeing...
6 days ago
Implementation Manager - Data Solutions
$91K - $145K *
Shape the future of data solutions by leading complex pharmacy claims and physician-level data integrations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions that me...
2 weeks ago
Program Manager, Global Markets
$100K - $120K *
Lead market-shaping initiatives to enhance access to diagnostics, negotiate with industry stakeholders, and collaborate on strategic product strategies for low- and middle-income countries, thereby im...
1 month ago
$174K - $273K *
Lead the charge in a high-impact Growth team, managing and mentoring engineers, optimizing delivery, and driving product strategy to enhance customer acquisition and engagement efficiently...
3 weeks ago
Director, Practice Development
$125K - $150K *
Drive strategic growth by managing client accounts and expanding market share. Collaborate with internal teams to deliver tailored solutions and ensure client satisfaction while mentoring team members...
Yesterday
Senior Director, Business Development
$169K - $255K *
Shape the future of personalized consumer products by driving strategic partnerships and revenue growth. Lead business development efforts, cultivate relationships, and expand market reach to position...
Today
Senior Director, Business Development
$169K - $255K *
Join a team that's driving growth through strategic partnerships in personalized consumer products. Lead initiatives to expand market reach and revenue streams while collaborating across functions to...
Yesterday
Customer Onboarding Operations Manager
$100K - $120K *
Transform customer activation by leading operational readiness and training coordination. Manage a team to streamline onboarding processes and enhance productivity, ensuring customers reach their init...
Reposted yesterday
$85K - $90K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of our Advisory platform. As a Product Manager, you'll drive product strategy, prioritize customer needs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure su...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Champion a high-performing engineering team, guiding their growth while actively contributing to software development. Collaborate across functions to align goals and foster an inclusive culture, driv...
Reposted today
$144K - $189K *
Unlock potential by leading product innovation in clinical genomics. Shape tools for case management and data workflows, ensuring efficiency and quality while collaborating with lab directors and engi...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, CS Upgrade Technical Delivery Lead
$100K - $157K *
Lead the charge in enhancing digital presence and customer engagement. Drive technical delivery for software upgrades while managing project teams, resolving issues, and ensuring cross-functional coor...
Reposted 1 week ago
Core Enterprise Account Executive TOLA
$222K - $278K *
Drive impactful change by consolidating technologies and digitizing workflows for enterprise customers, while fostering executive relationships and managing complex sales processes that promote safety...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in owning and optimizing the financial operations and forecasting that drive success across the organization, breaking new ground through cross-functional partnerships and innovative F...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Manager, Home Center Analytics Enablement
$100K - $120K *
Transform data into actionable insights by leading analytics solutions that drive decision-making and improve performance. Collaborate across functions to establish trusted metrics and promote self-se...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Revenue Operations
$155K - $175K *
Drive operational excellence in revenue generation by leveraging AI insights to optimize processes, enhance reporting, and support collaboration across GTM, Finance, and tech teams for scalable growth...
3 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.