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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$110K - $130K *

Join our team to enhance patient access and streamline operational processes, driving meaningful improvements through data analysis, project management, and collaboration across departments while fost...

North Carolina, USRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Transform organizational performance by leading process excellence initiatives, enhancing governance, knowledge management, and continuous improvement strategies. Collaborate with cross-functional tea...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$92K - $125K *

Join a dynamic team to drive continuous improvement in manufacturing processes, enhancing productivity and quality while collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence and...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$210K - $280K *

Drive your career with strategic leadership in cell therapy program management, overseeing complex R&D initiatives and cross-functional collaboration to achieve key milestones in autoimmune indication...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$145K - $161K *

Shape the future of our Supply Chain by leading continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing processes, and fostering a culture of learning. Your expertise will drive operational excellence and empo...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$160K - $200K *

Lead strategic business growth in the USA, focusing on market entry, key relationships, and executive negotiations. Build and manage a high-performance team while driving revenue and enhancing overall...

Ohio, USRemote

Reposted today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Champion operational excellence by leading site activities, maximizing profitability, and ensuring superior client service. Drive team performance through effective training and management while adher...

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$100K - $120K *

Optimize site operations by leading a dedicated team to exceed client standards, enhance profitability, and ensure effective communication. Drive staffing strategies and financial management to suppor...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$121K - $160K *

Transform your leadership skills by guiding a dynamic software team to create innovative solutions that drive business success and enhance user experience in a fast-paced environment...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$121K - $160K *

Transform software development by leading a dynamic team to create innovative solutions that drive business success. Collaborate with Agile teams to align technical strategies with organizational goal...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$121K - $160K *

Lead and develop a high-performing software team, delivering innovative solutions that align with business goals while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration across Agile team...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$121K - $160K *

Transform the future of software development by leading a dynamic team, driving innovative solutions, and collaborating with cross-functional Agile teams to align technology with business goals...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$121K - $160K *

Drive a high-performing software development team to create innovative solutions, ensuring alignment with business goals and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$170K - $190K *

Unlock your potential by driving operational excellence and process improvement in a high-volume distribution environment. Lead strategic initiatives, enhance efficiency, and partner with cross-functi...

2 weeks ago

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

$200K - $230K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing supply chain processes and enhancing materials management. Lead strategic initiatives to improve efficiency, manage supplier relationships, and drive cross-f...

Downers Grove, ILRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$200K - $230K *

Empower operational excellence in materials management for our global supply chain. Guide cross-functional teams in optimizing processes and supplier relationships, driving efficiency and productivity...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$125K - $150K *

Transform customer engagement by leading innovative events and experiences. Oversee strategic direction, budget management, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance customer relationships and sup...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$95K - $115K *

Advance project success by leading internal teams and vendor partners to deliver high-quality support for complex economic projects, ensuring client satisfaction through effective communication and ex...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K *

Shape the future of quality management by leading plant functions, ensuring compliance with IATF 16949/ISO 9001, and driving continuous improvement across teams to enhance product quality and customer...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K *

Elevate quality standards by leading plant Quality and Laboratory functions, ensuring compliance with IATF 16949 / ISO 9001, and driving continuous improvement across operations, suppliers, and custom...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of geospatial intelligence by managing integrated program operations and enhancing efficiency across contract performance and financial oversight in support of na...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive impactful project management and operations for government services, leading teams and engagements while ensuring quality deliverables and client satisfaction. Collaborate effectively to enhance...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$120K - $145K *

Lead and manage project workstreams, ensuring effective operations and deliverables. Collaborate with teams, mentor junior professionals, and apply expertise to meet client needs in a dynamic environm...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$125K - $150K *

Advance your career by leading project management and operations for government services. Collaborate with teams to deliver impactful solutions while mentoring junior professionals and managing multip...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Business Services

$112K - $188K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing fulfillment operations, ensuring service-level excellence from dock to door. This hands-on role drives performance, educates partners, and leads operational...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

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.