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.
Associate Director, Operational Excellence
$130K - $155K *
Engage with cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence and compliance across a multi-site data center portfolio, ensuring optimal asset performance and readiness from construction to stead...
2 days ago
Vice President of Operational Excellence
$175K - $210K *
Unlock potential by leading enterprise-wide operational excellence initiatives. Drive program management, quality assurance, and risk management improvements across multiple business units to enhance...
1 week ago
Directeur Excellence Opérationnelle/ Head of Operational Excellence
$110K - $130K *
Champion operational excellence by driving cultural transformation and sustainable improvements across manufacturing and supply chain, utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodologies for top-quartile performan...
3 weeks ago
Operational Excellence & PMO Leader
$93K - $137K *
Elevate operational standards by driving Lean Six Sigma initiatives and leading project management across multiple teams to advance continuous improvement and digital transformation in a manufacturing...
Reposted 6 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Transform quality management across the organization by leading compliance initiatives, enhancing continuous improvement, and fostering a culture of excellence in health services. Drive strategic plan...
6 days ago
Director, Danaher Business Systems (Continuous Improvement, Lean, Operations)
$120K - $145K *
Drive the deployment and maturation of the Danaher Business System, enhancing operational excellence and continuous improvement across the site. Collaborate with leadership to elevate daily management...
Today
Group Director, Operational Excellence
$138K - $160K *
Innovate operational excellence by leading strategic initiatives, enhancing performance, and driving technology integration within Client Care. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure scalable soluti...
Today
Operational Excellence Manager
$95K - $115K *
Empower teams to drive operational excellence in production by fostering leadership development, enhancing employee engagement, and implementing continuous improvement methodologies for quality and pr...
Reposted 6 days ago
HRS Operational Excellence Manager, Americas
$113K - $165K *
Lead operational excellence initiatives across HR Services in the Americas, enhancing processes and employee experience. Collaborate with global teams to drive continuous improvement and digital trans...
6 days ago
Operational Excellence & Transformation Lead, Site Operations
$110K - $130K *
Join us to lead operational excellence and transformation initiatives in vegetable seed processing, driving improvements in delivery, cost, reliability, and employee engagement while fostering a cultu...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Manager, Operations Excellence
$133K - $235K *
Transform the Quote to Cash journey by leading operational excellence initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system performance, drive process improvements, and leverage AI fo...
1 week ago
Operational Excellence (OPEX) Manager
$90K - $110K *
Unlock your potential as you lead OPEX initiatives, enhance productivity, and foster a culture of continuous improvement at your production plant. Collaborate with leadership to drive operational exce...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion operational excellence by driving continuous improvement initiatives and standardizing processes, while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve outstanding results in...
Reposted 1 week ago
Operational Excellence Specialist
$100K - $120K *
Create transformative operational excellence initiatives that enhance safety, quality, and efficiency across the organization while mentoring cross-functional teams to foster a culture of continuous i...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Operational Excellence
$105K - $132K *
Drive operational excellence by leading cross-functional initiatives, utilizing Lean principles to enhance performance, reduce waste, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across multiple sit...
2 weeks ago
Operational Excellence Manager
$99K - $157K *
Drive transformative process improvements and foster a culture of operational excellence. Lead strategic initiatives, mentor teams, and implement Lean Six Sigma methodologies to enhance efficiency and...
Reposted 3 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance supply chain efficiency for defense technology. Lead sourcing, planning, and supplier performance initiatives while collaborating across departments to ensure high-rate...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion operational excellence across a multi-site manufacturing network, driving performance improvements and ensuring initiatives yield measurable business results through strategic deployment and...
Reposted 1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Elevate your career by leading the evolution of an Operational Excellence system across a multi-site manufacturing network, driving performance improvements and ensuring initiatives yield measurable b...
Reposted 1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Advance operational excellence across a multi-site manufacturing network, driving performance improvements and ensuring initiatives yield measurable business results through strategic deployment and c...
Reposted 1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Support operations leaders by coaching and mentoring to enhance lean principles and drive team success. Collaborate across functions to foster development and improve performance metrics within the ma...
2 days ago
$146K - $219K *
Drive operational transformation by leading cross-functional teams to implement Lean methodologies and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring best-in-class practices in a regulated manufacturing...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Director, Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
$160K - $190K *
Join us in leading the S&OP process across multiple business segments, driving strategic decision-making and operational excellence. You'll design, implement, and enhance the S&OP cycle, ensuring alig...
Yesterday
Director of Global Continuous Improvement
$125K - $150K *
Drive global continuous improvement initiatives by developing and sustaining a robust operational excellence system. Lead cross-functional teams to enhance safety, quality, and productivity while fost...
2 weeks ago
Director of Global Continuous Improvement
$125K - $150K *
Transform global operations by developing and sustaining a comprehensive continuous improvement system that enhances safety, quality, and productivity while fostering leadership capabilities across mu...
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.