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.
$80K - $95K *
Transform clinical operations by leading teams to enhance patient care, streamline workflows, and ensure compliance. Collaborate with physicians and staff to drive quality improvements and optimize re...
Yesterday
Special Projects Manager, Operations
$80K - $95K *
Manage diverse special projects across operations, infrastructure, and procurement. Drive initiatives from concept to completion, collaborating with multiple teams to enhance efficiency and support a...
1 week ago
Director, Operational Enablement & Experience
$110K - $130K *
Transform the nurse onboarding experience by leading a high-impact operational team. Drive process improvements and enhance employee experience in a fast-paced, scalable environment focused on seamles...
1 month ago
Supply Chain / Materials Manager - Manufacturing Operations
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in optimizing production planning and inventory management across multiple locations, ensuring alignment with customer demand and manufacturing capacity in a dynamic manufacturing envi...
6 days ago
Vice President Engineering Operational Excellence
$170K - $200K *
Shape the future of engineering operations by leading resource planning, process excellence, and cross-functional integration to enhance efficiency and drive strategic initiatives across the organizat...
6 days ago
Senior Director, Accounting Systems & Finance Transformation
$150K - $250K *
Drive finance transformation by leading Oracle EPM implementation and governance. Oversee cross-functional collaboration to enhance financial reporting, internal controls, and scalable growth while bu...
1 week ago
Strategy and Operations, Office of CEO
$120K - $170K *
Play a key role in shaping organizational strategy and operations, partnering with the CEO to enhance talent management, performance processes, and culture. Drive critical initiatives in a rapidly gro...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $145K *
Lead the charge in design management, overseeing projects from concept to construction. Collaborate with clients and teams to ensure timely, compliant delivery while mentoring design professionals and...
2 weeks ago
Manager, System Development, Fulfillment Optimization
$166K - $225K *
Elevate operational excellence by leading a dynamic team of engineers to enhance system reliability, drive automation, and optimize performance across a large organization. Foster growth and innovatio...
2 days ago
Project Manager, Business Improvement
$100K - $120K *
Empower your career by driving impactful business improvement initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage projects, analyze data, and enhance operational efficiency in a dynamic env...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Shape the future of product excellence by leading operational alignment, enhancing team delivery, and driving go-to-market execution. Collaborate with engineering and stakeholders to ensure seamless e...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in optimizing event operations by managing teams, enhancing service quality, and driving strategic goals. Foster a collaborative environment while ensuring compliance and efficiency ac...
3 days ago
Director Franchise Transformation Office
$140K *
Unlock your potential by leading the Franchise Transformation Office, driving cross-functional execution and governance for corporate-to-franchise conversions. Shape strategic plans, manage risks, and...
Today
Director Technology and Innovation
$125K - $150K *
Unlock potential by driving technology and innovation initiatives across all levels. Collaborate with leaders to implement scalable solutions that enhance project delivery, operational performance, an...
Reposted today
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by leading strategic HR initiatives across multiple states, ensuring compliance and efficiency while managing a diverse offshore team to enhance employee experiences and operationa...
3 weeks ago
Director, PMO & Change Management
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in enterprise transformation through effective PMO and change management. Foster collaboration across teams, drive project excellence, and embed change strategies to ensure successful...
Reposted 1 week ago
PMO & Change Management Director
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in overseeing Product Lifecycle Management and New Product Development while ensuring effective governance and execution of key initiatives across the organization. Collaborate cross-f...
1 month ago
Manager - RGM, Operational Excellence
$119K - $164K *
Unlock marketplace potential by driving Revenue Growth Management strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance pricing, promotions, and trade investments, ensuring alignment with fin...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's committed to driving operational excellence in manufacturing. Lead daily operations, champion safety, and foster a culture of continuous improvement while achieving financial and pr...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Champion logistics excellence by overseeing multi-location warehouse operations, managing vendor relationships, and leading a dynamic logistics team to support seamless program execution nationwide. B...
3 weeks ago
$108K - $149K *
Lead the execution of brand campaigns across all consumer touchpoints while ensuring creative excellence, effective project management, and seamless cross-channel delivery to enhance the consumer jour...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director Perioperative Logistics
$108K - $179K *
Accelerate progress at our surgical services by leading operational planning and execution for new and expanding procedural services. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to drive growth initiativ...
Today
$108K - $130K *
Lead the charge in optimizing supply chain operations, managing daily functions, and enhancing collaboration between departments to ensure efficient inventory and vendor management while driving conti...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Advance your career by leading operations in a dynamic OEM manufacturing facility. Drive quality, productivity, and safety while fostering a high-performance culture and mentoring future leaders to ac...
5 days ago
Manager, Engineering Operations
$126K - $154K *
Develop and lead a dynamic engineering operations team, enhancing production efficiency and quality while collaborating across departments and with external partners to deliver strategic initiatives a...
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.