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.
$178K - $245K *
Elevate your career by leading end-to-end digital transformation programs, managing client relationships, and driving strategic value in complex enterprise environments. Join our mission to deliver ex...
3 weeks ago
$178K - $245K *
Drive end-to-end digital transformation for enterprise supply chains, managing high-stake programs while leading cross-functional teams. Ensure delivery excellence, foster client relationships, and op...
3 weeks ago
Group Vice President Innovation
$210K - $250K *
Unlock potential by leading global innovation strategies and new business ecosystems. Drive technology road mapping and open innovation initiatives to identify and accelerate growth opportunities in a...
3 weeks ago
$122K - $179K *
Transform engineering operations by developing digital tools and standardizing processes to enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making across multiple engineering disciplines and functions...
2 weeks ago
Director of Continuous Improvement
$160K - $185K *
Drive operational excellence by leading comprehensive Continuous Improvement initiatives, aligning strategies with business objectives, and fostering a culture of innovation across manufacturing envir...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Implementation Project Lead, Supply Chain Transformation
$110K - $130K *
Champion supply chain transformation by leading client projects from design to implementation. Leverage expertise in Anaplan and broader planning processes to deliver scalable solutions, enhance clien...
2 weeks ago
Director, Commercial Transformation
$125K - $150K *
Lead the design and execution of commercial transformation initiatives across multiple channels. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish measurable outcomes and drive continuous improveme...
3 weeks ago
Director, Digital Transformation
$125K - $150K *
Join us in transforming manufacturing operations across a multi-site network. Lead the modernization of processes and technology, ensuring effective adoption and measurable improvements while collabor...
1 week ago
Director, Digital Transformation
$135K - $160K *
Drive transformation across a multi-site manufacturing network by modernizing operations and implementing enterprise technology. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to standardize processes and en...
1 week ago
Director, Digital Transformation
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in transforming and standardizing manufacturing operations across a multi-site network, driving efficiency and technology adoption while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ac...
1 week ago
Director, Commercial Enablement
$155K - $185K *
Unlock your potential as you design and operationalize strategic processes for commercial success, guiding sales and account management teams to enhance skills and boost effectiveness in a dynamic B2B...
3 weeks ago
Director of IT | Service Reliability & Operations Governance
$163K - $277K *
Lead the charge in enhancing cloud reliability and operational excellence. Establish performance standards, analyze service data, and drive cross-functional collaboration to improve stability and cust...
Reposted today
Director of IT | Service Reliability & Operations Governance
$163K - $277K *
Accelerate the future of cloud reliability by leading service performance insights, improving operational health, and enhancing customer experience through collaboration across various teams to drive...
Reposted today
Director of IT | Service Reliability & Operations Governance
$163K - $277K *
Drive operational excellence in cloud services by establishing performance metrics, analyzing incident data, and leading cross-functional teams to enhance reliability and customer experience. Collabor...
Reposted today
Director of IT | Service Reliability & Operations Governance
$163K - $277K *
Lead operational excellence and service reliability improvement initiatives across cloud services. Collaborate cross-functionally to analyze performance metrics, enhance customer experiences, and redu...
Reposted today
$88K - $105K *
Lead the charge in quality management, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement in manufacturing processes while overseeing a dedicated QC team and optimizing operational efficiency...
1 week ago
Director, Organizational Change Management
$160K - $170K *
Lead organizational change management initiatives across multiple business functions, ensuring effective adoption of new processes and technologies. Collaborate with executives and stakeholders to dri...
1 week ago
Director, Organizational Change Management
$160K - $170K *
Unlock the potential of organizational change management by leading transformative initiatives across functions. Drive adoption, assess impact, and ensure readiness while partnering with leaders to fo...
1 week ago
Director, Executive Development
$210K - $250K *
Oversee and innovate executive development initiatives, enhancing leadership capabilities for Meta's senior leaders. Anticipate needs and design impactful programs to facilitate growth amidst organiza...
3 weeks ago
Director of Engineering, Product
$250K - $290K *
Elevate your career by leading a high-performing engineering team, driving strategy and innovation in web3 technologies. Shape the future of decentralized systems while ensuring top-tier security and...
4 weeks ago
Director, Executive Development
$210K - $250K *
Lead the charge in shaping executive development for senior leaders. Design innovative programs that enhance leadership skills, facilitate deep engagements, and integrate cutting-edge research to ensu...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Process Optimization (FP&A)
$95K - $158K *
Lead data-driven process improvements to enhance financial reporting systems, optimizing operational effectiveness and delivering exceptional business insights while collaborating across teams to supp...
Reposted 3 days ago
Project Manager Senior - Operational Effectiveness
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's driving operational excellence by managing production projects, aligning strategic business goals, and enhancing manufacturing performance through effective collaboration and contin...
2 weeks ago
$98K - $102K *
Manage high-impact projects by driving efficiency, overseeing budgets, and resolving operational challenges. Collaborate across teams to ensure timely deliverables and maintain strong client relations...
2 weeks ago
Supervisor, Manufacturing Operations Management
$86K - $129K *
Transform production operations by leading teams to achieve efficiency, quality, and safety. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance processes while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and...
Yesterday
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.