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 *
Take ownership of quality processes as a hands-on leader, guiding a team to enhance IATF 16949 compliance and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing quality outcomes while collaborating across...
3 weeks ago
Director, Head of Project Execution, Digital Technologies
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of digital experiences by leading execution across a dynamic technology portfolio. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, enhance member and broker interactions...
1 week ago
Director, Head of Project Execution, Digital Technologies
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of digital experiences by leading execution across a complex technology portfolio, driving innovation, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance member and broker inter...
1 week ago
Director, Head of Project Execution, Digital Technologies
$120K - $145K *
Lead execution across digital initiatives, driving innovation and collaboration to enhance member and broker experiences. Partner with teams to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, en...
1 week ago
Director, Head of Project Execution, Digital Technologies
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in transforming digital experiences by driving execution across a complex technology portfolio, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and leveraging technical expertise to enhance...
1 week ago
Director, Head of Project Execution, Digital Technologies
$120K - $145K *
Elevate digital experiences by leading project execution across a diverse technology portfolio. Collaborate with business and tech leaders to drive innovation, manage delivery, and enhance member and...
1 week ago
Director, Head of Project Execution, Digital Technologies
$120K - $145K *
Drive digital transformation by leading execution across diverse technology portfolios, collaborating with teams to enhance member and broker experiences, and fostering a culture of innovation and acc...
1 week ago
Director, Head of Project Execution, Digital Technologies
$120K - $145K *
Optimize digital experiences by leading project execution across a diverse technology portfolio. Collaborate with business and tech leaders to drive innovation, manage delivery, and enhance member and...
1 week ago
Director, Head of Project Execution, Digital Technologies
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in transforming digital experiences by driving execution across a complex technology portfolio, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and delivering innovative solutions that elev...
1 week ago
Sr. Project Manager - Operations (Project Planning, Risk & Change Mgmt.)
$90K - $105K *
Lead global operations projects, driving efficiency and process improvements. Manage cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery and adherence to governance standards, while effectively utilizing...
1 week ago
Sr. Project Manager - Operations (Project Planning, Risk & Change Mgmt.)
$90K - $105K *
Empower your career by leading strategic global operations projects. Drive process improvements and ensure effective execution across cross-functional teams while delivering on time and within budget...
1 week ago
Sr. Project Manager - Operations (Project Planning, Risk & Change Mgmt.)
$90K - $105K *
Manage and deliver large-scale operations projects, ensuring alignment with enterprise standards. Drive process improvements and coordinate cross-functional teams to achieve business outcomes on time...
1 week ago
Sr. Project Manager - Operations (Project Planning, Risk & Change Mgmt.)
$90K - $105K *
Shape the future of operations by leading strategic projects that enhance efficiency and drive process improvements across multiple functions, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery aligned with...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Transform healthcare operations by leading strategic initiatives, ensuring compliance, and driving quality improvements across multiple clinic sites. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance...
2 weeks ago
$135K - $200K *
Accelerate progress at a leading federal technology firm by strategically guiding a portfolio of cloud and software development programs, ensuring optimal performance and fostering key customer relati...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Project Manager, Executive Office
$79K - $107K *
Drive impactful initiatives as a Project Manager, collaborating with senior leadership to enhance cancer research and partnerships. Lead cross-functional projects, ensuring alignment and successful ex...
1 week ago
Manager, Supply Chain Execution and Systems
$115K - $145K *
Shape the future of supply chain execution by managing end-to-end operations for project material readiness, ensuring data integrity, and leading process transformation initiatives to support scalable...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of Sales & Operations Planning by leading S&OP and IBP processes, aligning demand, supply, and financial plans, and driving cross-functional collaboration to enhance operational effic...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's committed to fostering a total quality culture while driving compliance and continuous improvement initiatives. Lead quality management efforts to enhance product standards and oper...
Yesterday
Manager, Operational Solutions Design
$80K - $95K *
Drive innovative logistics solutions by transforming client data into actionable pricing and network designs. Collaborate with operations to ensure seamless execution and profitability, empowering a f...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Oversee regional supply chain operations, ensuring optimal procurement, logistics, and inventory management while driving cost efficiency and maintaining compliance across North America markets...
3 weeks ago
SR Manager Industrial Engineering
$104K - $146K *
Champion strategic engineering initiatives while driving operational excellence across a multi-site logistics network. Lead teams and projects to enhance safety, efficiency, and standardization in lar...
1 month ago
SR Manager Industrial Engineering
$104K - $146K *
Lead the charge in engineering excellence across multi-site logistics, driving operational improvements and strategic initiatives with a focus on safety, efficiency, and team development. Engage with...
1 month ago
SR Manager Industrial Engineering
$104K - $146K *
Lead strategic industrial engineering initiatives to enhance safety, efficiency, and standardization across multi-site logistics operations while managing a team and influencing cross-functional resul...
Reposted 1 month ago
SR Manager Industrial Engineering
$104K - $146K *
Transform operational efficiency by leading strategic engineering initiatives across multi-site logistics. Drive improvements through a blend of technical expertise and team leadership while ensuring...
1 month 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.