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.
Finance Manager - Operations and Supply Chain (Systems)
$96K - $156K *
Unlock potential by serving as the finance lead for dock equipment manufacturing, driving financial objectives through analysis, budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration to enhance operational ef...
Today
Account Manager Packaging Design
$80K - $90K *
Drive client relationships and manage packaging projects, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality service. Collaborate with internal teams to identify opportunities and resolve issues, enhancing cli...
2 weeks ago
Engineering and Maintenance Manager
$120K - $170K *
Drive operational excellence by leading engineering and maintenance teams, fostering collaboration, and executing innovative projects to enhance asset reliability and support business objectives in a...
4 weeks ago
Sr. Director - GMP Operations Project Management
$180K - $264K *
Lead the charge in GMP project management for non-viral drug manufacturing, coordinating cross-functional teams and external partners to ensure timely delivery of high-quality materials while mitigati...
3 days ago
Senior Director, Global Supply Chain Transformation & Execution
$175K - $250K *
Champion the transformation of global supply chain strategies into actionable initiatives, overseeing portfolio management, execution, and value realization to drive organizational alignment and opera...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Global Supply Chain Transformation & Execution
$175K - $250K *
Lead the charge in transforming global supply chain strategies into actionable outcomes, overseeing a comprehensive portfolio of initiatives to drive efficiency, governance, and value realization acro...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Global Supply Chain Transformation & Execution
$175K - $250K *
Lead global supply chain transformation initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment and execution excellence across programs. Drive value realization and foster collaboration among stakeholders to achie...
1 week ago
Senior Director, Global Supply Chain Transformation & Execution
$175K - $250K *
Bring your expertise to lead global supply chain transformation initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment and execution excellence. Drive value realization and foster cross-functional collaboration to...
1 week ago
IT Project Management Director
$155K - $259K *
Drive your career forward by leading project delivery across teams, ensuring alignment with product priorities and engineering capacity. Foster collaboration, manage risks, and enhance performance met...
Yesterday
Senior Director, Enterprise Applications
$160K - $190K *
Lead the charge in transforming enterprise applications to enhance global distribution efficiency. Drive strategy, modernization, and performance across ERP, CRM, and fulfillment platforms while foste...
Yesterday
Senior Director, Enterprise Applications
$160K - $190K *
Join a dynamic team to lead the strategy and modernization of enterprise applications, enhancing global distribution capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to drive technology investm...
Yesterday
Senior Director, Enterprise Applications
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in modernizing and optimizing enterprise applications, ensuring strategic alignment across global distribution operations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance system cap...
Yesterday
Director of Operations - Engineering
$120K - $145K *
Oversee operational strategy and resource planning, ensuring excellence in multi-discipline project delivery, quality, and compliance in complex industrial automation environments. Drive continuous im...
4 weeks ago
Manager, Engineering (Business Technology)
$239K - $292K *
Lead engineering efforts to enhance internal systems, ensuring seamless employee experiences while driving innovation and efficiency as we scale during hyper-growth...
2 weeks ago
Director Organizational Change Management – SAP S/4 HANA Transformation
$140K - $233K *
Drive enterprise change strategy and execution for a large-scale transformation, overseeing a team of change management professionals to ensure successful adoption of new processes and technologies ac...
Today
$88K - $130K *
Optimize quality assurance processes by leading the development and implementation of a robust Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with industry standards while driving continuous improveme...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $130K *
Lead the Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with ISO standards and enhancing team performance and product quality through effective leadership and continuous improvement initiatives across...
3 weeks ago
Global Manager of HSEQ (Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality)
$100K - $135K *
Champion a global HSEQ strategy, fostering compliance and quality across operational regions while developing a proactive safety culture and optimizing customer service delivery in the solar and stora...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Workforce Transformation
$225K - $270K *
Lead the charge in Workforce Transformation by measuring AI’s impact, redesigning roles, and shaping skills for the future. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to anticipate workforce needs and...
3 weeks ago
Director - Project Management Office & Kantata Owner
$150K - $180K *
Grow your career with a pivotal role leading PMO practices and optimizing Kantata. Drive user-centric delivery processes, enhance data integrity, and ensure seamless engagement lifecycle management ac...
3 days ago
Vice President, Integrated Supply Chain Excellence
$160K - $280K *
Pioneer operational excellence in supply chain design and optimization, ensuring strategic alignment across enterprise initiatives. Lead transformational efforts to enhance decision-making and drive v...
1 month ago
Vice President, Integrated Supply Chain Excellence
$160K - $280K *
Champion excellence in integrated supply chain design and optimization. Lead strategic initiatives, enhance operational capabilities, and drive organizational alignment for a world-class supply chain...
1 month ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering exceptional project management in construction and installation. Oversee schedules, coordinate logistics, and ensure customer satisfaction while thriving in...
4 days ago
Office Manager, Multi-Site Operations
$135K - $155K *
Manage multi-site office operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and a positive environment. Lead staff, oversee vendor relationships, and implement workplace improvements while supporting a collabor...
4 weeks ago
$130K - $250K *
Lead the charge in managing our inside sales team, ensuring optimal performance and rapid onboarding. Shape processes, coach reps, and drive results to maximize contractor success and revenue growth i...
2 days 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.