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.
$80K - $95K *
Accelerate progress at our manufacturing facility by leading operational excellence initiatives that refine processes, foster continuous improvement, and cultivate a Lean mindset across cross-function...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Elevate operational excellence and quality management by leading process improvements, ensuring compliance, and fostering a patient-first culture. Oversee a dedicated team to enhance quality systems a...
2 weeks ago
Continuous Improvement Manager
$88K - $105K *
Analyze and enhance the GXO Operating System by driving Lean methodologies. Collaborate with teams to implement process improvements, mentor staff, and track progress across supply chain sites, foster...
Reposted 2 days ago
Senior Director, Distribution Center Operations
$151K - $201K *
Lead large-scale distribution center operations, driving excellence in safety, quality, and financial performance while fostering a high-engagement workforce and implementing continuous improvement in...
1 week ago
Director, Continuous Improvement
$120K - $145K *
Champion enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives, driving operational excellence across multiple functions. Lead transformation projects, enhance processes, and cultivate a Lean culture to...
4 days ago
Senior Project Manager, Global Operations - Operations Portfolio Management Office
$100K - $120K *
Join a team that's driving strategic initiatives to enhance operational resilience and business growth. Lead cross-functional projects, manage stakeholder expectations, and ensure seamless execution a...
1 week ago
Sr Director, Enterprise OCM Strategy & Adoption - S/4HANA
$175K - $210K *
Engage your expertise to lead organizational change for a global S/4HANA transformation. Drive strategy, stakeholder engagement, and measurable outcomes while collaborating with cross-functional teams...
6 days ago
Senior Director, Strategy and Growth, EDS
$204K - $256K *
Lead the charge in developing and executing a global growth strategy across defense and aerospace sectors, driving new business opportunities and strategic partnerships to achieve sustainable revenue...
Today
Senior Director, Strategy and Growth, EDS
$178K - $256K *
Drive enterprise growth by developing strategies across defense and aerospace markets. Lead initiatives to capture new business opportunities, enhance customer relationships, and execute long-term str...
Today
Senior Director, Strategy and Growth, EDS
$204K - $256K *
Lead the charge in developing and executing a global growth strategy, identifying new business opportunities, and expanding strategic customer relationships across defense and commercial aerospace mar...
Today
Senior Director, Strategy and Growth, EDS
$204K - $256K *
Accelerate growth by developing and executing global strategies in defense and aerospace markets. Lead cross-functional teams to capture new business opportunities and expand customer relationships, d...
Today
Senior Director, Strategy and Growth, EDS
$178K - $256K *
Accelerate progress at a leading aerospace firm by driving global growth strategies, capturing new business opportunities, and expanding strategic partnerships across defense and commercial markets to...
Today
Senior Director, Strategy and Growth, EDS
$178K - $256K *
Unlock potential by driving enterprise growth strategies across defense and aerospace sectors. Lead market development initiatives, capture new business opportunities, and foster strategic partnership...
Today
Senior Director, Strategy and Growth, EDS
$204K - $256K *
Lead the charge in developing and executing a global growth strategy across defense and commercial aerospace sectors, driving market expansion and strategic partnerships to achieve sustainable revenue...
Today
$90K - $110K *
Develop and implement quality management processes, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence. Collaborate with teams to enhance training, project management, and system enhancements...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Lead daily operations in production and maintenance, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulations while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork...
1 week ago
Manager – Continuous Improvement
$107K - $137K *
Lead the charge in continuous improvement initiatives, driving operational growth through standardized processes and innovative methodologies across global manufacturing functions. Foster a culture of...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $200K *
Champion complex global programs across functions, driving M&A, entity formation, and operational changes. Ensure a seamless employee experience while coordinating communications and risk management f...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Project Manager, Operations, Strategies & Solutions
$100K - $120K *
Accelerate operational excellence by leading transformation initiatives across U.S. manufacturing sites. Collaborate with leaders to identify improvement opportunities and drive complex projects from...
2 weeks ago
Director Organizational Change Management - SAP S/4 HANA Transformation
$140K - $233K *
Transform organizational change management by leading enterprise-wide strategies for a large-scale SAP S/4HANA transformation, ensuring stakeholder engagement and successful adoption across all levels...
Yesterday
Operational Excellence Leader (Installed Base)
$77K - $116K *
Accelerate progress at driving operational excellence by coaching teams, facilitating workshops, and implementing sustainable improvements. Collaborate globally to enhance processes and leverage digit...
1 week ago
Director, Manufacturing Engineering
$125K - $150K *
Champion manufacturing excellence by leading engineering strategies, driving automation, and enhancing asset reliability across multiple U.S. facilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to imp...
Yesterday
Continuous Improvement Director
$120K - $145K *
Empower operational excellence by leading continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing facilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance safety, quality, and productivity while...
1 week ago
Director, Digital Systems & Strategic Growth
$140K - $180K *
Transform the digital manufacturing landscape by driving sales growth and market expansion. Collaborate across teams to develop strategies, support federal opportunities, and enhance customer value th...
6 days ago
Manager, Operating Model & Organizational Design (OM&OD)
$90K - $175K *
Shape the future of organizational design by leading consulting teams to develop and implement innovative solutions across diverse industries, leveraging analytics and client insights to drive transfo...
2 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.