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 *
Drive project success by leading and managing client-focused initiatives. Utilize your project management expertise to coordinate stakeholders, control budgets, and ensure timely delivery while foster...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower excellence in quality management by leading a dedicated team to ensure all manufacturing processes consistently meet high standards, driving resolution and continuous improvement in quality as...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Director, Transformation Services
$150K - $180K *
Drive your career with a transformative role that enhances customer success, elevates experiences, and fosters organizational change. Lead cross-functional initiatives to implement strategies that ens...
6 days ago
Program Manager, Business Transformation and Innovation
$110K - $130K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead and enhance partner programs, ensuring effective onboarding, enablement, and communication with technology partners to drive mutual success and streamline processes for...
4 weeks ago
Director of Operations, Powder Coating
$100K - $170K *
Elevate operational excellence by leading production teams, optimizing processes, and driving growth in a dynamic industrial environment. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance capacity and ensure c...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's driving transformation through strategic change initiatives and project portfolio governance, ensuring alignment with long-term tech strategy while enhancing operational workflows a...
4 weeks ago
$100K - $140K *
Accelerate operational excellence by leading non-medical home care services across Arizona. Drive staffing, compliance, and quality assurance to ensure compassionate care for clients, while supporting...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $105K *
Lead the charge in optimizing on-the-job training programs, ensuring effective, standardized training to enhance safety and performance across operations through rigorous evaluation and continuous imp...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in managing custom packaging projects, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence while collaborating with stakeholders to drive operational efficiency and customer satisfaction...
6 days ago
$170K - $210K *
Join a team that's driving operational excellence and transformation in manufacturing. As a leader, you will influence safety, quality, and efficiency while managing high-stakes production environment...
3 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's committed to safety excellence and operational performance. Lead the development of a world-class HSE strategy across manufacturing and construction, driving cultural transformation...
Today
$220K - $240K *
Drive revenue growth by leading a strategic Revenue Operations team, aligning Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success. Create scalable processes and data-driven insights to enhance performance across t...
1 week ago
$225K - $240K *
Lead the charge in global supply chain excellence, overseeing strategic sourcing, materials management, and cross-functional collaboration for multi-site operations to drive efficiency, cost savings...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Strategy & Operations Director, Global Supply Chain Operations
$211K - $274K *
Lead the charge in transforming global supply chain operations by architecting strategic frameworks, influencing executive governance, and driving enterprise-wide alignment to achieve measurable busin...
2 days ago
$172K - $250K *
Lead the evolution of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) into Integrated Business Planning (IBP), ensuring alignment across strategy, demand, supply, and financial outcomes while driving organizationa...
2 weeks ago
$172K - $250K *
Drive the evolution of Sales & Operations Planning into Integrated Business Planning, leading cross-functional teams to align strategy, demand, supply, and financial outcomes while managing complex ma...
2 weeks ago
$172K - $250K *
Unlock potential by leading the evolution of S&OP to Integrated Business Planning, ensuring alignment across strategy, demand, supply, and finance. Drive change management and foster collaboration in...
2 weeks ago
$172K - $250K *
Transform the S&OP process by leading integrated planning initiatives, ensuring alignment across demand, supply, and financial strategies. Drive change management and enhance collaboration in a comple...
2 weeks ago
$172K - $250K *
Join a dynamic team to lead and enhance the S&OP process, driving integrated planning across functions. Collaborate with leadership to align strategy, demand, and supply while managing change in a com...
2 weeks ago
$172K - $250K *
Elevate your career by leading the S&OP process, driving transformation towards Integrated Business Planning. Collaborate across functions to align strategy, demand, and supply, while managing complex...
2 weeks ago
Director of Engineering, Enterprise Products
$200K - $240K *
Provide executive-level technical leadership for a WealthTech platform, shaping engineering vision and strategy. Lead high-performing teams, drive platform modernization, and ensure compliance while c...
Today
$95K - $115K *
Innovate quality management systems by leading continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring compliance, and enhancing operational effectiveness. Collaborate across departments to drive quality outcome...
2 weeks ago
Director, Enterprise Portfolio Architect
$150K - $180K *
Empower your career by leading enterprise architecture for Talent and Culture, focusing on Workday solutions. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance efficiencies, and foster collaboration across teams t...
1 week ago
Global Solutions Director - Front of House
$156K - $250K *
Advance your career by owning the global go-to-market strategy, focusing on high-touch services in an innovative and strategic role that connects hospitality excellence with cutting-edge technology to...
3 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Data Protection & Forensics
$140K - $210K *
Drive data protection and forensic investigations, overseeing DLP platforms and automation. Lead a team to enhance security posture, manage insider risks, and ensure compliance across multi-cloud envi...
Today
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.