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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Lead the IT workstream in executing complex business separations and transformations, managing cross-functional teams, and coordinating critical activities to ensure successful outcomes in a dynamic e...
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Lead operational excellence by managing complex training programs and enhancing processes for a statewide initiative, ensuring effective communication and client engagement while fostering a high-perf...
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Champion transformative IT projects by leading integrations during business separations, ensuring smooth transitions, and managing complex dependencies in fast-paced environments...
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Drive impactful GTM systems strategy by optimizing processes and technology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance customer engineering workflows, ensuring alignment and continuous improv...
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Transform healthcare solutions by leading the design and development of scalable, high-performance systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior engineers to drive innovation and...
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Director Maintenance & Facilities
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Transform facilities management by leading maintenance teams to ensure peak operational efficiency, compliance with regulations, and optimal wash quality across multiple locations. Drive strategic ini...
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Senior Director, Digital Product Management
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Drive the evolution of product management across digital platforms, shaping vision, standards, and governance. Lead cross-functional teams to enhance customer-centric digital product delivery and ensu...
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Corporate Strategy Senior Manager
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Transform client relationships by managing the transaction lifecycle, ensuring customer satisfaction, and collaborating with internal teams to drive profitability and service excellence. Leverage your...
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Director, Software Engineering - Remote
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Join a team that's redefining product marketing strategy for AI and payments. Drive market success through collaboration, strategic insights, and compelling narratives that connect innovation to custo...
3 weeks ago
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Director, Corporate Communications and Brand
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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.