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.
$135K - $165K *
Innovate compliance practices at the intersection of consumer branding and regulatory excellence, ensuring fast, customer-friendly experiences within a highly regulated life and annuity landscape...
3 weeks ago
Director, Supply Chain Business Operations
$250K - $300K *
Lead strategic supply chain initiatives, aligning current operations with future transformation to enhance procurement efficiency and drive organizational excellence across cross-functional teams...
Reposted 4 days ago
Director of Provider Analytics
$138K - $201K *
Transform provider analytics by leading data-driven insights for contracting, performance, and network strategy. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance network adequacy and drive strategic...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate client relationships by leading Client Success teams to ensure operational excellence, proactive issue resolution, and strategic growth, while fostering collaboration across departments to enh...
1 week ago
$110K - $120K *
Lead the charge in quality engineering for critical assessment platforms, driving testing excellence and automation maturity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and scalabil...
1 week ago
Director of Operations - Critical Infrastructure
$141K - $172K *
Tackle operational challenges by leading large-scale project management initiatives, driving efficiency, and fostering client relationships to optimize growth and sustainability in critical infrastruc...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$109K - $140K *
Elevate your career by leading project estimation efforts, coordinating with teams, and analyzing complex solutions. Drive project success through meticulous planning and risk analysis while maintaini...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Global Credit & Collections
$140K - $160K *
Innovate by leading global Credit & Collections operations, driving cash performance, and managing customer credit risk. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance processes, ensure compliance...
Reposted 1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Innovate solutions as a Sr. Solutions Architect, leveraging expertise in warehouse automation and mobile robotics to design tailored systems, engage clients, and collaborate with cross-functional team...
3 weeks ago
Director, Program Management (Exhibit Curation and Digital Experience- Walmart Museum)
$90K - $180K *
Innovate the visitor experience by leading curatorial strategies that blend digital and physical storytelling, ensuring world-class exhibitions and accessibility while inspiring future generations thr...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Switchgear Product Line
$150K - $200K *
Lead a dynamic team to drive product strategy and growth for switchgear, ensuring market competitiveness and profitability while collaborating with cross-functional partners to achieve long-term busin...
2 weeks ago
Sr Execution Business Partner Practitioner – EBP Center of Excellence
$160K - $170K *
Drive excellence in program execution by mentoring leaders, optimizing performance, and ensuring compliance. Transform data into insights for proactive decision-making, enhancing customer satisfaction...
4 days ago
$120K - $175K *
Pioneer project success by leading the design and implementation of electrical systems. Collaborate with teams to ensure timely delivery, budget adherence, and client satisfaction while providing tech...
3 weeks ago
$115K - $207K *
Drive supplier selection and part validation processes across design, NPI, and risk reduction initiatives, ensuring alignment with Jabil's supply chain strategies while optimizing quality and cost-eff...
Reposted yesterday
$80K - $155K *
Join a team that's redefining energy solutions by designing innovative fluid and power systems. As a Process Engineer, you'll drive the development and optimization of cutting-edge technologies in a f...
1 week ago
Principal Product Marketing Manager, Atlas
$180K - $210K *
Drive innovation in product marketing by crafting strategies for a new AI-native offering. Lead market efforts, establish positioning, and engage deeply with buyers. Collaborate across teams to create...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Director, Global Total Rewards
$180K - $210K *
Drive the evolution of Total Rewards by integrating compensation, benefits, and technology to enhance employee experience and support organizational growth through strategic leadership and operational...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Unlock financial insights as a strategic partner in real estate and facilities, driving planning, forecasting, and reporting. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance operational efficiency and suppo...
2 weeks ago
Sales Director - Life Sciences
$150K - $180K *
Accelerate growth in the Life Sciences sector by leading sales teams, strategizing market approaches, and fostering strong client relationships to achieve ambitious sales goals and drive overall busin...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Drive the global strategy and execution of technology partnerships, enhancing revenue through active ecosystem engagement. You'll lead initiatives with top partners to boost joint go-to-market efforts...
3 weeks ago
Associate Director, Local Delivery Lead/Local Trial Manager
$129K - $216K *
Pioneer clinical excellence in this remote role, leading US oncology study delivery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet recruitment, quality, and compliance objectives while fostering inn...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Technical Product Manager, AI & Analytics
$116K - $193K *
Lead the charge in defining and executing the product strategy for AI and analytics, driving innovation across pharmacy management platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalabl...
3 weeks ago
Director, External Quality Control & Stability
$117K - $259K *
Innovate in quality control and stability oversight, leading analytical testing and compliance efforts across multiple programs to support clinical and commercial development in a dynamic, remote envi...
Today
Manufacturing Business Consultant - Batch & Process Manufacturing
$95K - $115K *
Contribute to operational excellence by assessing and optimizing manufacturing processes, advising on improvements, and implementing tailored ERP solutions for clients in batch and process industries...
Today
Project Manager II, Facilities Management
$106K - $160K *
Innovate project management strategies for design and construction initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance facility development and maintai...
1 week 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.