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 *

Join a dynamic team to drive operational excellence across multiple manufacturing sites, fostering continuous improvement strategies and Lean practices to enhance safety, quality, delivery, and produc...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $160K *

Drive operational excellence by implementing a unified continuous improvement system across sites, enhancing productivity, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation while collaborating...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead operational excellence initiatives by collaborating with site leadership to enhance performance, drive continuous improvement, and ensure compliance. Foster a culture of safety and quality while...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$125K - $150K *

Join an innovative team as you lead operational excellence initiatives to enhance production efficiency, drive continuous improvement, and foster a culture of accountability. Collaborate across depart...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$90K - $110K *

Lead the charge in enhancing quality and optimizing processes in supply chain and production operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance while supp...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$135K - $160K *

Transform operational excellence by leading enterprise-wide initiatives that enhance safety, quality, and productivity. Drive continuous improvement and digital transformation while fostering a people...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$155K - $205K *

Champion process excellence by optimizing workflows and driving cross-functional improvements. Collaborate with teams to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate service quality throu...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Empower a Lean culture transformation in the plant, engaging leadership and employees to enhance productivity and minimize waste. Lead initiatives to achieve measurable results with strong influence a...

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$177K - $234K *

Drive project governance excellence across diverse environmental projects. Lead a regional PMO, enhance project management capabilities, and foster collaboration to ensure successful delivery and impr...

Vancouver, BCIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Join us to lead enterprise-wide Continuous Improvement initiatives, enhancing safety, quality, and operational excellence. Collaborate with leadership to drive transformational change and coach teams...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $190K *

Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational excellence, safety, and productivity in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive measurable...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $110K *

Innovate your career by leading operational excellence initiatives that drive safety, quality, and productivity. Collaborate with plant leadership to implement sustainable continuous improvement progr...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $145K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing operational excellence through strategic initiatives and data-driven analysis, enhancing performance across manufacturing sites by managing multiple projects...

1 month ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$164K - $246K *

Lead the charge in optimizing operational processes and training within Development, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement through standardized practices and effective stakeholde...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$200K - $220K *

Transform global manufacturing excellence as you lead industrial engineering initiatives while driving operational efficiency, optimizing processes, and collaborating across diverse, multi-cultural te...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$85K - $102K *

Drive operational excellence by optimizing processes, enhancing efficiency, and reducing costs. Collaborate across teams to implement strategies that align with business goals, ensuring sustainable im...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $110K *

Advance operational excellence by leading transformative initiatives that enhance efficiency and scalability, fostering alignment and a culture of continuous improvement across the organization...

Concord, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $115K *

Help us enhance operational performance through scalable standards and data-driven improvements. Collaborate cross-functionally to simplify processes, build problem-solving capabilities, and align exe...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Drive operational excellence by leading continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing processes, and enhancing safety, quality, and customer satisfaction across multiple business units to achieve mea...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Elevate operational excellence by driving initiatives that enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify barriers and implement strategies that streamline p...

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Lead strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and product quality. Drive lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies while fostering a culture of continuous improvement across cross...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $105K *

Lead the charge in implementing an Operational Excellence system to enhance site performance, drive quality initiatives, and foster a culture of continuous improvement through effective coaching and c...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$150K - $180K *

Transform operations by leading a cross-functional team to enhance delivery performance, drive strategic initiatives, and ensure customer satisfaction while supporting overall financial goals and oper...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$100K - $120K *

Transform operational excellence by leading initiatives that enhance safety, quality, and productivity. Collaborate with teams to drive continuous improvement and optimize processes, ensuring effectiv...

Montreal, QCIn-Person

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$120K - $170K *

Advance operational excellence by optimizing processes, enhancing efficiency, and driving strategic initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement tools and systems that improve per...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

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.