Director of Operational Excellence Jobs

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.

What Does a Director of Operational Excellence Do?

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.

Skills and Qualifications Employers Seek

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.

Industries and Career Opportunities

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.

Find Director of Operational Excellence Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$100K - $120K *

Drive operational excellence by leading dental practices, enhancing financial health, and developing talent through effective coaching and compliance management. Collaborate with teams to ensure optim...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$110K - $172K *

Unlock potential by leading the design and deployment of a global Quality Management System, ensuring compliance and operational excellence across multiple aerospace sites while fostering collaboratio...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$160K - $180K *

Join a dynamic team as you oversee strategic operations across multiple locations, driving client satisfaction and operational excellence while fostering employee engagement and supporting long-term g...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$130K - $150K *

Lead the charge in driving strategic initiatives within the health system portfolio. Collaborate with executives to shape priorities, utilize data for decision-making, and manage complex cross-functio...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$143K - $190K *

Lead a dynamic sourcing team to ensure high-rate production of air vehicles, focusing on supply strategy, supplier negotiations, and cost management while driving efficiency and quality in a fast-pace...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead strategic initiatives and manage program delivery to drive growth and partnerships. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance Ontario's innovation ecosystem while fostering a positive team environ...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$80K - $95K *

Manage and oversee site operations, ensure service excellence, develop staff, and drive process improvements. Lead financial management, foster client relationships, and navigate compliance while insp...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of manufacturing by leading global operational excellence initiatives, driving continuous improvement, and implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhance productivity, quality, and...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$192K - $266K *

Drive best-in-class travel support through strategic leadership and operational excellence. Oversee lodging, flights, and customer advocacy, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and exception...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$119K - $163K *

Empower our factory's transformation by leading continuous improvement initiatives. As a key member of the leadership team, you'll inspire excellence and implement the Mars Supply Excellence Work Syst...

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$125K - $150K *

Drive impactful sustainability initiatives, shaping strategy across commercial, technical, and operational functions while fostering collaboration and stakeholder engagement to position the organizati...

Oliver, BCIn-Person

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$195K - $230K *

Drive growth by leading go-to-market strategies for TMC partnerships, building and executing plans from the ground up. Collaborate cross-functionally to influence product development and represent the...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Drive technical operations excellence by overseeing laboratory safety, resource management, and project execution. Lead a diverse team to enhance biopharmaceutical innovation through collaboration and...

3 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$145K - $165K *

Lead and enhance quality initiatives, ensuring compliance with standards while fostering a culture of excellence. Collaborate with teams to drive continuous improvement and maintain audit readiness ac...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$74K - $129K *

Analyze and enhance Customer Returns and ReCommerce processes by collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive operational efficiencies and improve user experiences through data-driven insights a...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$164K - $225K *

Champion enterprise transformation by leading cross-functional initiatives, ensuring governance and execution quality across value-streams. Collaborate with leaders to drive measurable outcomes and bu...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$137K - $160K *

Lead strategic operations and compliance for a high-containment research facility, enhancing collaboration and sustainability in infectious disease research. Drive initiatives, manage partnerships, an...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$96K - $121K *

Lead the charge in implementing operational excellence practices to enhance performance and build organizational capability, ensuring sustainable adoption across departments and alignment with global...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$120K - $145K *

Innovate digital experiences by leading project execution across technology portfolios. Collaborate with business and tech leaders to drive priorities, enhance capabilities, and deliver exceptional me...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$96K - $121K *

Drive the implementation of operational excellence practices to enhance performance, build capabilities, and ensure sustainable adoption across manufacturing departments, fostering a culture of contin...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$80K - $95K *

Drive operational excellence by overseeing production, ensuring safety, and optimizing efficiency. Lead a team to meet performance metrics while collaborating across functions to enhance productivity...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Lead the charge in optimizing production operations while ensuring safety and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet customer demands and drive continuous improvement initiatives...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$135K - $160K *

Lead and transform client relationships while managing large-scale data and product engineering projects. Drive revenue growth, oversee multidisciplinary teams, and ensure high-quality delivery across...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$138K - $155K *

Unlock your potential by leading maintenance and reliability strategies across a $2B division. Drive continuous improvement, enhance asset performance, and develop talent while partnering with leaders...

Hartsville, SCRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$93K - $124K *

Optimize logistics operations by leading continuous improvement initiatives and enhancing productivity across the network. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure successful business launches and inst...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Director of Operational Excellence do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Experienced Directors of Operational Excellence may advance to vice president of operations, chief operating officer, enterprise transformation executive, or other senior leadership positions.