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.
Divisional Director, Supply Chain Transformation
$190K - $225K *
Launch a transformative approach to supply chain management, driving alignment and continuous improvement across multiple business units to achieve measurable efficiency and cost savings. Collaborate...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director, Enterprise Transformation
$140K - $160K *
Shape enterprise transformation by driving high-priority initiatives, collaborating with business leaders to develop integrated plans and measurable outcomes, while ensuring sustainable practices and...
6 days ago
Director, Enterprise Transformation
$140K - $160K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive high-priority initiatives, transforming ambiguous challenges into actionable plans and measurable outcomes, while ensuring alignment and accountability...
6 days ago
Operations Management Program Director
$80K - $95K *
Drive impactful ABA services through effective management and relationship-building. Collaborate on operations, ensure compliance, enhance individual satisfaction, and implement growth strategies to s...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team to drive operational excellence across Business Units, ensuring accurate forecasting, insightful reporting, and effective execution. Collaborate closely with GMs to enhance perform...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$89K - $123K *
Advance your career by leading operations to enhance efficiency and productivity. Drive logistics management, implement strategies, and ensure seamless coordination to meet customer needs while foster...
5 days ago
$90K - $110K *
Drive operational excellence by leading the setup of new data center locations, overseeing workforce deployment, and ensuring project success through effective collaboration and management of resource...
1 week ago
Senior Manager, HR Process Excellence
$180K - $271K *
Lead the charge in designing scalable HR processes that enhance employee experience. Own the global operating model, ensuring seamless integration of AI capabilities while driving continuous improveme...
2 days ago
Senior Manager, Commercial Excellence
$120K - $145K *
Champion global sales excellence by driving standardization, processes, and capabilities across teams. Elevate performance through strategic planning and execution, acting as a trusted partner to sale...
2 weeks ago
$146K - $215K *
Join a team that's dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative quality management. Lead initiatives in digitization and AI analytics to achieve zero-defect performance and drive co...
2 weeks ago
Continuous Improvement Engineer / OPEX
$71K - $105K *
Transform manufacturing operations with your expertise! Drive continuous improvement, coordinate complex engineering projects, and enhance processes in a collaborative environment. Join us in creating...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate quality standards by leading the Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and driving continuous improvement across engineering, manufacturing, and certification act...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager, Quality, Operations
$90K - $100K *
Champion project success by managing key initiatives, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring deliverables meet quality standards, timelines, and budgets while driving efficiencies and best prac...
Today
Project Manager, Quality, Operations
$90K - $100K *
Lead impactful projects within our Quality Management team, driving collaboration and ensuring deliverables meet quality standards. Utilize your expertise to manage resources, budgets, and timelines w...
Today
Project Manager, Quality, Operations
$90K - $100K *
Accelerate progress at our Quality Management team as a Project Manager, driving key projects through collaboration, resource planning, and risk management to ensure successful outcomes while maintain...
Today
Project Manager, Quality, Operations
$90K - $100K *
Optimize project outcomes by leading cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and ensuring timely delivery. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive quality and efficiency while adhering to project sco...
Today
Project Manager, Quality, Operations
$90K - $100K *
Manage key projects within the Quality Management team, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and stakeholder engagement while driving innovative solutions and best practices for quality and cli...
Today
Project Manager, Quality, Operations
$90K - $100K *
Transform project management by driving collaboration, ensuring quality, and delivering results on time and within budget. Leverage your expertise to manage stakeholder relations and implement effecti...
Today
$197K - $241K *
Lead the project management function in a medical device environment, overseeing cross-functional initiatives and a team of project managers to ensure strategic alignment, risk management, and complia...
2 weeks ago
$197K - $241K *
Drive the project management function in a medical device environment, overseeing cross-functional initiatives, managing a team, and ensuring strategic alignment and execution of business objectives w...
2 weeks ago
$105K - $135K *
Shape the future of our creative operations by streamlining processes, managing resources, and enhancing collaboration across teams. Your expertise will drive efficiency and elevate project delivery i...
2 weeks ago
$105K - $135K *
Lead the charge in optimizing creative operations by managing workflows, resources, and budgets. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely project delivery while enhancing team efficien...
2 weeks ago
$105K - $135K *
Empower our creative team by streamlining operations, managing workflows, and enhancing project delivery. Collaborate across departments to ensure timely execution of integrated campaigns while mainta...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Sustainment Data Solutions
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's redefining sustainment data solutions, leading a diverse organization of 150 professionals. Drive analytics, forecasting, and digital services to support global aircraft fleets and...
2 days ago
$178K - $245K *
Empower transformation by leading complex digital programs, managing cross-functional teams, and fostering executive relationships to deliver exceptional business value and drive profitability across...
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.