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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$140K - $160K *

Elevate financial strategy by leading FP&A initiatives, enhancing reporting, and driving process improvements. Collaborate with leadership to deliver insights that support strategic decision-making an...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$90K - $95K *

Champion data-driven decision-making by developing complex models and strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze data, drive impactful operational changes, and fulfill business obj...

Virginia, USRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$153K - $230K *

Lead the charge in shaping a modern multi-tenant SaaS communications platform. Drive product strategy, manage a dynamic team, and enhance client communications through innovative solutions and integra...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $145K *

Drive the operational core of People functions, leading a team in Total Rewards, performance management, and employee relations. Be the subject-matter expert while managing day-to-day people services...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $145K *

Lead the charge in People Operations, overseeing Total Rewards, performance management, and employee relations. Manage a skilled team while providing hands-on support and strategic direction across mu...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$83K *

Transform your career by leading operations, enhancing service quality, and fostering relationships in a dynamic human services environment. Drive financial performance and support growth initiatives...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$120K - $145K *

Unlock potential by leading marketing operations to enhance efficiency, drive demand generation, and optimize analytics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build scalable systems that support...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Advance your career by overseeing clinical operations and enhancing practice efficiency. Collaborate with leadership to implement strategic initiatives, mentor managers, and drive high-quality service...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$130K - $160K *

Join a dynamic team to drive integrated marketing strategies that enhance brand visibility and support business growth through innovative campaigns, digital activation, and thought leadership across m...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$80K - $95K *

Optimize operational efficiency across multiple campuses, ensuring compliance and support for high-quality teaching. Lead diverse teams, manage vendor relationships, and drive cost-saving initiatives...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$72K - $108K *

Transform energy management by serving as the technical lead for client portfolios, ensuring optimal performance of solar systems and storage technologies while fostering strong relationships and driv...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$95K - $115K *

Advance your career by managing complex programs within the US DoD market. Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver drone projects on time and budget, all while ensuring compliance and fostering strong...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $200K *

Drive operational excellence by leading process improvement initiatives, analyzing metrics, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance productivity and efficiency across the organization. Collab...

Virginia, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$158K - $215K *

Elevate healthcare quality and performance by driving improvement initiatives, data analytics, and regulatory alignment. Collaborate across teams to foster high reliability and transparency in care de...

Reposted 3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $105K *

Shape operational excellence by leading daily manufacturing operations, ensuring compliance, and driving continuous improvement. Collaborate cross-functionally while fostering a culture of safety, qua...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$95K - $105K *

Lead the charge in optimizing daily manufacturing operations, ensuring strategic direction, operational excellence, safety, and compliance. Drive performance across teams, fostering continuous improve...

Reposted yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in strategic program management, overseeing project delivery and team development. Drive successful outcomes through effective staffing, risk management, and stakeholder collaboration...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Manage a dynamic project management team, ensuring strategic delivery of high-impact programs while fostering team growth and adherence to PMO standards. Drive successful project outcomes through effe...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$112K - $160K *

Drive the success of strategic transformation programs across operations, supply chain, and finance. Lead cross-functional initiatives, enhance S&OP processes, and implement technology solutions to im...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$149K - $214K *

Unlock potential by managing strategic transformation programs across operations and supply chain. Drive process improvements, enhance collaboration, and support technology deployment to optimize busi...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$140K - $160K *

Tackle strategic operations for our Product & Engineering teams, enhancing methodologies, traceability, and executive visibility. Lead process improvements while managing a direct report, ensuring han...

Mississauga, ONIn-Person

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$110K - $130K *

Shape a high-performance culture by leading HR strategies that align with business goals. Collaborate with leaders to enhance employee engagement, resolve conflicts, and drive organizational success t...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of automotive innovation by leading a dynamic Simultaneous Development Team. Drive project success through effective communication, risk management, and customer e...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$176K - $294K *

Join a team that's driving operational excellence in Medical Affairs, enhancing strategic initiatives and project management across multiple stakeholders. Leverage your expertise to optimize processes...

4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$176K - $294K *

Champion operational excellence by leading strategic initiatives across Medical Affairs, enhancing collaboration, and driving efficiency in project execution to support impactful medical plans and sta...

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

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.