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.
Change Management Lead, Value Creation Office
$175K - $200K *
Play a key role in driving program management and integration initiatives, ensuring timely delivery of value creation projects and seamless post-close integrations in a dynamic, fast-paced environment...
1 week ago
Director, Sourcing Strategy & Operations
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of sourcing operations by leading a dynamic team to enhance efficiency and profitability across manufacturing verticals, driving strategic initiatives that revolutionize the custom ma...
Yesterday
Director, Sourcing Strategy & Operations
$140K - $175K *
Shape the future of sourcing operations by leading a dynamic team to drive efficiency and profitability across manufacturing verticals. Collaborate cross-functionally to innovate and implement strateg...
Yesterday
Operational Excellence Manager
$88K - $105K *
Optimize operational efficiency as you lead Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives, driving continuous improvement and cost reduction in a dynamic food manufacturing environment. Foster a cult...
Today
$395K - $414K *
Empower team success by leading FIN Engineering to ensure accurate, reliable, and secure payment processes. Drive a high-performance culture while overseeing multi-year engineering roadmaps and techni...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director, Program Management - 1032
$180K - $229K *
Lead the charge in strategic program management, transforming business growth into actionable global facility initiatives. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure successful execution of large-scale...
3 weeks ago
$120K - $140K *
Champion program success by leading technical and administrative functions, managing scope, budget, and team performance while interceding between delivery teams and government clients to meet project...
1 month ago
Senior Supply Chain Operations Engineer
$130K - $165K *
Analyze and optimize supply chain data to enhance inventory management and logistics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy and visibility, driving efficiency and supporting criti...
6 days ago
Director, Operations & Strategy (Human Capital)
$230K - $330K *
Join a team that's driving human capital initiatives across a dynamic private equity portfolio. Lead strategic talent management, enhance organizational effectiveness, and collaborate with senior lead...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Accelerate your career by leading cross-functional projects and building relationships with healthcare professionals. Bring your project management skills to ensure timely completion of initiatives th...
1 month ago
$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
Quality Manager, QMS & Process Excellence
$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...
1 week ago
National Director of Operations
$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
Manager of Strategic Operations - Health System Strategy
$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
Manager, Product Sourcing Engineering
$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
$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...
1 week ago
$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
Global Director of Manufacturing Operational Excellence
$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...
Yesterday
Senior Director, Client Operations
$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...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Director, Web Strategy and Operations
$160K - $200K *
Shape the future of our web strategy by leading a cross-functional team to optimize user experience, drive demand generation, and enhance web performance. Your expertise will transform our website int...
Today
Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)/Supply Excellence (SE) Manager
$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...
2 days ago
Director, Global Sustainability
$125K - $150K *
Drive impactful sustainability initiatives, shaping strategy across commercial, technical, and operational functions while fostering collaboration and stakeholder engagement to position the organizati...
4 weeks ago
$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...
1 week ago
Sr Director, Executive Hospitality & Client Experience
$175K - $185K *
Elevate executive and client experiences by designing luxury hospitality programs across a national portfolio, ensuring exceptional service standards and memorable interactions in corporate environmen...
Reposted today
Technical Operations Director, NIIMBL
$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
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.