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.
$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
$95K - $115K *
Transform program management practices by developing governance frameworks, establishing policies, and coaching leaders. Drive efficiency and best practices across the portfolio while enhancing skills...
2 weeks ago
Director of GTM Data, Processes, and AI Enablement
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of GTM operations by leading data governance, CRM processes, and AI initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and drive impactful integration strategi...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $175K *
Drive program success by managing project planning, budgeting, and stakeholder communication. Oversee risk management and ensure alignment with program goals while fostering strong team collaboration...
6 days ago
Director of GTM Data, Processes, and AI Enablement
$125K - $150K *
Empower a dynamic team by leading GTM data, processes, and AI initiatives. Drive CRM data quality, optimize workflows, and integrate MaintainX into Autodesk systems, ensuring efficiency and productivi...
2 weeks ago
Director of GTM Data, Processes, and AI Enablement
$160K - $190K *
Drive the integration and optimization of GTM data, processes, and AI initiatives to enhance efficiency and productivity across teams. Lead a small team while collaborating with senior stakeholders to...
2 weeks ago
Director of GTM Data, Processes, and AI Enablement
$150K - $180K *
Lead the strategy and execution of GTM data, processes, and AI initiatives, ensuring data quality and governance while optimizing CRM workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive effici...
2 weeks ago
Director of GTM Data, Processes, and AI Enablement
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in optimizing GTM data, processes, and AI enablement, driving efficiency and integration across teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance CRM workflows and ensure data quality, w...
2 weeks ago
Director of GTM Data, Processes, and AI Enablement
$150K - $180K *
Transform GTM operations by owning data quality, CRM processes, and AI initiatives. Lead integration efforts and collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and drive revenue growth...
2 weeks ago
Director of GTM Data, Processes, and AI Enablement
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of GTM operations by leading data governance, CRM processes, and AI initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and drive integration efforts, ensuring...
2 weeks ago
$140K - $150K *
Transform campus operations by leading safety, facilities, and sustainability initiatives. Drive strategic planning and budget management while fostering a collaborative environment for staff developm...
1 week ago
Associate Director, Strategy & Operations
$179K - $248K *
Lead the charge in operationalizing strategy and driving cross-division initiatives. Collaborate with senior stakeholders to enhance efficiency and client satisfaction in a fast-paced corporate travel...
2 weeks ago
Director of Global Commercial Operations
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's driving global commercial operations, managing pipeline visibility, contract governance, and market intelligence. This senior-level role influences cross-functional initiatives, ens...
2 weeks ago
Director of Global Commercial Operations
$125K - $150K *
Champion global commercial operations by leading pipeline management, RFQ visibility, and market intelligence. Drive cross-functional initiatives and ensure data integrity to support long-term revenue...
2 weeks ago
Global Operational Quality Specialist
$100K - $120K *
Contribute to global quality excellence by overseeing QA/QC processes, ensuring compliance, and driving harmonization across sites while collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize performan...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$162K - $243K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical trials through strategic oversight and collaboration. Lead project management efforts globally, ensuring quality, cost, and timeline objectives are m...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Contribute to high-quality module delivery by managing quality systems, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring customer satisfaction through effective leadership and data-driven decision-making...
1 week ago
$80K - $100K *
Champion cross-functional projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with business goals. Drive operational improvements, manage resources, and enhance stakeholder communication for su...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Tackle enterprise IT operations by leading teams, driving improvements, and ensuring technology reliability to support growth initiatives. Leverage expertise to enhance IT services and foster collabor...
4 weeks ago
Operational Excellence Coach (Spanish Speaking)
$125K - $150K *
Drive major Lean transformations by coaching clients in manufacturing sectors. Collaborate with teams to implement QAD Redzone software, enhance productivity, and foster continuous improvement through...
1 week ago
Operational Excellence Coach (Spanish Speaking)
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in driving operational excellence through Lean transformations, coaching diverse teams in the Food & Beverage and manufacturing sectors. Collaborate with clients to enhance productivit...
1 week ago
Manager, Continuous Improvement
$120K - $155K *
Shape the future of operational excellence by leading continuous improvement initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive sustainable enhancements, embed lean principles, and foster a...
1 week ago
Director, Continuous Improvement
$144K - $214K *
Champion continuous improvement initiatives across multiple plants, driving operational excellence and efficiency. Collaborate with leadership to develop strategies that enhance productivity and foste...
1 week ago
Regional Sr. Manager, Continuous Improvement
$130K - $160K *
Drive operational excellence by leading Continuous Improvement initiatives across multiple warehouse and distribution facilities. Collaborate with frontline teams to enhance safety, quality, and effic...
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.