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.
Principal Transactional Excellence Leader- Black Belt
$165K - $242K *
Drive enterprise-wide process improvements by leading initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality, and user experience across transactional functions. Collaborate with stakeholders to redesign workfl...
2 weeks ago
Principal Transactional Excellence Leader- Black Belt
$165K - $242K *
Drive enterprise-level process excellence initiatives, enhancing transactional workflows through Lean methodologies and AI integration. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify inefficiencies and del...
2 weeks ago
Principal Transactional Excellence Leader- Black Belt
$165K - $242K *
Lead enterprise-level process improvement initiatives, driving measurable results across transactional functions. Collaborate with stakeholders to redesign workflows, leveraging Lean methodologies and...
2 weeks ago
Principal Transactional Excellence Leader- Black Belt
$165K - $242K *
Transform enterprise processes by leading initiatives that enhance efficiency and drive measurable results. Collaborate with stakeholders to redesign workflows, implement Lean methodologies, and lever...
2 weeks ago
Principal Transactional Excellence Leader- Black Belt
$165K - $242K *
Lead the charge in transforming transactional processes through excellence and AI-driven solutions. Drive enterprise-wide improvements, establish standards, and enhance user experience across multiple...
2 weeks ago
Principal Transactional Excellence Leader- Black Belt
$165K - $242K *
Join a team that's driving enterprise-level transformation through process excellence and AI-enabled workflows. Lead initiatives to enhance efficiency across transactional functions, ensuring measurab...
2 weeks ago
Principal Transactional Excellence Leader- Black Belt
$165K - $242K *
Join a team that's driving enterprise-level transformation through process excellence and AI-enabled workflows. Lead initiatives to enhance efficiency across transactional functions, ensuring measurab...
2 weeks ago
Manager, Operating Model & Org Design, Business Agility
$90K - $175K *
Transform client organizations by leading business agility initiatives and enhancing operational processes across various functions. Leverage strategic thinking to deliver impactful solutions that dri...
Reposted 1 week ago
$90K - $140K *
Join a dynamic team to drive process improvements and enhance operational excellence. Lead cross-functional initiatives, mentor lean leaders, and foster a culture of continuous improvement to support...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Grow IT operations by leading high-performing teams and developing strategies to enhance technology services, ensuring reliability and responsiveness to meet business challenges and support organizati...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead enterprise IT operations and develop high-performing teams to enhance technology services. Collaborate with business leaders to ensure reliable IT support, analyze trends, and drive operational i...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform the landscape of IT operations by leading high-performing teams, driving improvements, and ensuring reliable technology services to support the growth of the organization across North Americ...
4 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Lead IT operations excellence. Drive technology improvements and foster team collaboration to enhance service delivery, ensuring operational resilience and supporting organizational growth across mult...
4 weeks ago
Vice President, Process Excellence & Standardization
$221K - $353K *
Optimize legal processes by leading transformation initiatives, establishing standards, and driving efficiency across global teams. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance workflows, implement techno...
Reposted 4 days ago
Vice President, Process Excellence & Standardization
$221K - $353K *
Drive process excellence and standardization across legal operations, enhancing efficiency and consistency. Collaborate with stakeholders to implement scalable models and optimize workflows, ensuring...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Director IT Business Operations
$210K - $272K *
Lead the transformation of operational efficiency by overseeing analytics, performance metrics, and cross-functional collaboration to drive strategic business solutions and enhance healthcare technolo...
2 days ago
Senior Project and Program Manager, Marketing Brand Operations
$110K - $130K *
Optimize the Brand Design team's workflow by managing project intake, ensuring clear briefs, and maintaining organized processes. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance efficiency and track delivera...
Yesterday
Senior Project and Program Manager, Marketing Brand Operations
$100K - $120K *
Manage the Brand Design team's workflow, ensuring efficient project intake, prioritization, and delivery. Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize processes and track team capacity, enabling designer...
Yesterday
Senior Project and Program Manager, Marketing Brand Operations
$110K - $130K *
Drive the operational success of the Brand Design team by managing project intake, optimizing workflows, and ensuring timely delivery of creative assets. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance proce...
Yesterday
Senior Project and Program Manager, Marketing Brand Operations
$120K - $145K *
Transform the Brand Design team's workflow by owning project intake, optimizing processes, and ensuring timely delivery of creative work. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance efficiency and track...
Yesterday
Director Continuous Value Improvement
$143K - $258K *
Lead the charge in enhancing operational performance through strategic analysis, risk assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with enterprise goals and fostering a cultu...
3 days ago
Director Continuous Value Improvement
$143K - $258K *
Pioneer continuous value improvement by establishing performance frameworks, identifying risks, and guiding leadership decisions through data-driven insights and scenario analysis, ensuring operationa...
3 days ago
Director Continuous Value Improvement
$143K - $258K *
Lead the development of an integrated performance framework to enhance operational efficiency. Drive scenario analysis and risk assessment, translating complex data into actionable insights for leader...
3 days ago
Director Continuous Value Improvement
$143K - $258K *
Accelerate progress at a leading organization by enhancing operational performance through strategic analysis, risk assessment, and effective decision-making. Drive continuous improvement initiatives...
3 days ago
Director Continuous Value Improvement
$143K - $258K *
Shape operational excellence by leading continuous value improvement initiatives. Drive performance management, risk assessment, and strategic decision-making to enhance organizational outcomes and fo...
3 days 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.