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.
Delivery Excellence & Agile Transformation Leader
$180K - $220K *
Lead the charge in delivery excellence and agile transformations across major capital projects, ensuring accountability, structured plans, and risk management strategies to unlock the full potential o...
3 weeks ago
Delivery Excellence & Agile Transformation Leader
$180K - $220K *
Join a team that's driving transformation in infrastructure projects. You'll navigate complex client engagements, ensuring effective governance and quality delivery across diverse sectors. Help shape...
4 weeks ago
Delivery Excellence & Agile Transformation Leader
$180K - $220K *
Transform delivery excellence in large-scale capital projects by establishing governance and processes that enhance stakeholder engagement, expedite delivery, and ensure quality. Drive Agile methodolo...
4 weeks ago
Procurement Engineering Manager
$129K - $240K *
Lead the charge in procurement engineering, ensuring parts meet design, quality, and cost standards while managing a team to resolve supplier issues and drive cost reduction initiatives...
2 days ago
Director - Corporate Accounting and Controls
$110K - $130K *
Take ownership of financial consolidation and corporate accounting, ensuring compliance with GAAP while leading audits and collaborating across departments. Drive efficiency and accuracy in reporting...
Reposted 1 week ago
$71K - $103K *
Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing warehouse operations and leading a high-performing team. You'll oversee safety, efficiency, and inventory management while fostering a culture of excellence...
Today
Manager, Operations Program Management
$125K - $211K *
Join our dynamic team as you lead new product launches in hardware manufacturing. Oversee cross-functional collaborations, manage operational risks, and drive high-quality production strategies that s...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
National Director of Operations
$175K - $180K *
Oversee strategic operations across multiple sites, ensuring operational excellence, client satisfaction, and effective team collaboration. Drive financial performance, innovation, and compliance whil...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $201K *
Lead the charge in shaping and evolving a global web ecosystem, overseeing strategy, operations, and governance to deliver high-performing digital experiences that drive engagement and business growth...
1 week ago
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by leading data strategy and analytics for a multi-site healthcare organization, transforming complex data into actionable insights that drive growth and enhance operational efficienc...
Yesterday
Manager, Strategic Project Execution, Gastroenterology
$100K - $120K *
Unlock your potential by coordinating high-impact Medical Affairs initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive strategic projects in Gastroenterology, ensuring timely execution and co...
6 days ago
Industry Solutions Product Manager
$110K - $130K *
Contribute to the strategy and delivery of manufacturing solutions by translating complex workflows into impactful product requirements, engaging with stakeholders and leveraging AI to enhance product...
Reposted 4 days ago
Process Excellence Manager - GM Protection
$100K - $120K *
Drive continuous improvement initiatives by leveraging Lean Six Sigma methodologies to enhance operational processes. Collaborate across teams to deliver exceptional customer value and ensure complian...
3 days ago
Process Excellence Manager - GM Protection
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of operational excellence by leading continuous improvement initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance processes, drive efficiencies, and deliver exceptional cust...
3 days ago
Sr. Manager, Clinical Process Engineer
$120K - $150K *
Lead the charge in optimizing clinical business processes to drive operational excellence and compliance. Collaborate across functions to translate complex challenges into effective solutions, ensurin...
Today
Sr. Manager, Clinical Process Engineer
$120K - $150K *
Unlock operational excellence by leading clinical process design and optimization. Drive cross-functional alignment, manage complex challenges, and ensure compliance while fostering innovation in Clin...
2 days ago
Director, IBP Process Governance & Performance Management
$130K - $183K *
Join a team that's redefining enterprise Integrated Business Planning. Lead governance, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance decision-making and drive organization...
6 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Join a team that's building and scaling a vital supply chain operation, blending strategic oversight with hands-on management to drive quality and efficiency in everyday processes, ensuring top-notch...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Drive project excellence in data center operations through effective lifecycle management, ensuring safety, quality, and fiscal responsibility while fostering cross-functional collaboration and innova...
Reposted 5 days ago
Director, Regional Product Management
$221K - $387K *
Transform market strategies by adapting global AI product roadmaps to local needs. Drive commercial success through collaboration with sales and marketing, ensuring effective product positioning and c...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Drive operational excellence by leading a dynamic team, enhancing client relationships, and achieving financial goals. Join us to shape the future of service delivery and foster a culture of growth an...
6 days ago
$85K - $105K *
Join our team to lead customer programs through their lifecycle, managing key aspects such as execution, schedules, and relationships across engineering and manufacturing for successful project outcom...
3 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Accelerate product development by collaborating with cross-functional teams to clarify requirements, manage project scope, and ensure successful outcomes. Lead multiple projects while fostering trust...
Today
$84K - $134K *
Take ownership of quality management strategies, driving excellence and compliance across operations. Lead and develop teams to enhance performance, manage audits, and ensure adherence to industry sta...
3 weeks ago
Team Manager, Professional Services
$132K - $160K *
Lead a dynamic team to enhance consulting delivery, drive business growth, and foster customer relationships. Utilize your expertise in project management and service delivery to influence strategic d...
Yesterday
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.