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.
NAM Operational Excellence Leader
$109K - $163K *
Drive operational excellence by leading LEAN initiatives, fostering continuous improvement, and enhancing business performance while ensuring customer satisfaction and quality standards across all lev...
Reposted 1 week ago
NAM Operational Excellence Leader
$109K - $163K *
Unlock operational excellence by leading Continuous Improvement initiatives, enhancing business performance, and fostering a culture of change management. Collaborate across functions to ensure sustai...
Reposted 1 week ago
NAM Operational Excellence Leader
$109K - $163K *
Drive operational excellence by leading CI initiatives, implementing LEAN practices, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to enhance performance and customer satisfaction while achieving...
Reposted 1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Unlock potential by leading operational excellence initiatives in warehouse systems, data, and technology. Drive process improvements, automation, and collaboration across teams to enhance efficiency...
6 days ago
$164K - $247K *
Drive the evolution of our design function, leading a multidisciplinary team to deliver innovative, client-focused creative solutions that enhance brand identity and support strategic business goals...
1 week ago
Senior Operations Excellence Consultant
$86K - $130K *
Drive operational excellence by leading readiness initiatives for new products and services. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure seamless execution while continuously improving operational practi...
Reposted 3 days ago
Global Director, Manufacturing Excellence
$182K - $266K *
Transform global manufacturing excellence by leading the deployment of innovative production systems. Collaborate with operations leaders to enhance capabilities, drive continuous improvement, and sha...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate healthcare operations in a new market by leading strategic growth, enhancing clinic performance, and building high-performing teams while ensuring regulatory compliance and superior patient ca...
3 weeks ago
Operational Excellence Specialist
$80K - $95K *
Champion operational excellence by leading strategies that drive continuous improvement and business transformation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance performance management and foste...
2 weeks ago
Research Operational Excellence Manager
$73K - $121K *
Transform research administration by leading Lean initiatives, enhancing operational effectiveness, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Collaborate with stakeholders to streamline proce...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering successful projects by managing budgets, timelines, and team dynamics. Lead cross-functional efforts to ensure project objectives are met while promoting saf...
Reposted 5 days ago
Manager, Operational Excellence
$110K - $130K *
Drive operational excellence by leading cross-functional improvement initiatives, analyzing performance gaps, and facilitating the design of future processes. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure e...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Marketing Operations
$160K - $200K *
Accelerate progress at the intersection of strategy and operations, driving high-performance marketing systems and data governance. You'll partner closely with executive leadership to optimize revenue...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$140K - $160K *
Unlock potential by leading client relationships and cross-functional teams to deliver innovative product strategies and solutions. Drive growth and operational excellence while mentoring talent in a...
Today
Operational Excellence Coach (French Speaking)
$125K - $150K *
Partner with us to lead Lean transformations in manufacturing, coaching teams to enhance productivity and drive cultural change. Engage with clients at all levels, utilizing QAD Redzone software to ac...
1 week ago
Operational Excellence Coach (French Speaking)
$125K - $150K *
Champion operational excellence by leading Lean transformations across diverse manufacturing sectors. Collaborate with teams to implement QAD Redzone software, driving productivity and personal growth...
1 week ago
Operational Excellence Coach (French Speaking)
$125K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead Lean transformations in manufacturing, coaching clients to enhance productivity and drive cultural change. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to implement QAD Redzon...
1 week ago
$85K - $100K *
Elevate operational excellence by leading cross-functional projects, driving process improvements, and fostering collaboration to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across the organization...
1 week ago
Operational Excellence Coach (French Speaking)
$125K - $150K *
Transform operations by leading Lean initiatives and coaching teams in manufacturing. Drive significant productivity gains through expert guidance and software implementation, while fostering strong r...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in managing project lifecycles, ensuring timely delivery and budget adherence while fostering strong client relationships and effective communication across teams to drive project succ...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Deliver exceptional project leadership for complex manufacturing programs. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure timely, high-quality product delivery while maintaining customer satisfaction and compl...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Senior Operational Excellence Manager
$112K - $135K *
Optimize operational excellence by leading continuous improvement initiatives across global business units, mentoring teams, and driving impactful process transformations to enhance safety, quality, d...
2 weeks ago
Senior Operational Excellence Manager
$112K - $135K *
Unlock potential by driving continuous improvement initiatives across global operations. Lead and mentor teams to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency while managing large-scale projects and foster...
2 weeks ago
$103K - $115K *
Join a team that's dedicated to driving operational excellence across multiple manufacturing sites. Lead continuous improvement initiatives, manage engineering teams, and implement strategies that enh...
3 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive operational excellence by leading process improvement initiatives, managing change, and ensuring effective SOPs. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance workflows and technology adoption, fost...
2 weeks 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.