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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$90K - $108K *

Champion operational excellence by leading daily logistics functions, optimizing processes, and fostering high-performing teams to ensure exceptional service and efficiency in a dynamic environment...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$165K - $205K *

Join a team that's focused on enhancing operational leadership in corrugate and promotional displays. Drive team development, optimize delivery performance, and ensure commercial responsiveness while...

2 days ago

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

$174K - $213K *

Transform organizational processes by integrating AI-driven strategies and continuous improvement methods. Lead cross-functional teams to enhance operational excellence and drive impactful change in a...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$174K - $213K *

Lead AI-driven business transformation by evolving continuous improvement methods. Collaborate across teams to embed AI into processes, enhancing operational excellence and driving organizational chan...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$109K - $183K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in product operations. You'll manage program initiatives, streamline processes, and enhance portfolio reporting while collaborating with cross-functional teams to...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Elevate enterprise-wide strategic initiatives to optimize portfolio performance and capital allocation across a national industrial real estate platform, ensuring alignment with long-term growth objec...

2 weeks ago

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

$120K - $130K *

Manage complex, cross-functional projects from planning to closeout, ensuring alignment across teams. Foster collaboration with stakeholders to deliver strategic, safe, and cost-effective solutions wh...

3 weeks ago

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

$80K - $95K *

Advance operational excellence by leading Lean initiatives, optimizing processes, and driving continuous improvement across manufacturing operations to enhance safety, quality, and productivity...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$88K - $105K *

Develop and drive innovative route optimization strategies to enhance capacity, improve productivity, and increase profitability, while leading governance and adoption of performance-driven initiative...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Staffing

$125K - $150K *

Tackle the complexities of warehouse and logistics technology. Lead strategy, optimize WMS solutions, and enhance supply chain efficiencies while fostering collaboration with stakeholders to support b...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$160K - $205K *

Elevate project management excellence by leading large-scale data center initiatives. Utilize technical expertise and program management skills to drive impactful transformations while managing cross...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Lead financial planning and analysis to enhance manufacturing operations, driving insights and performance through strategic forecasting, cost management, and KPI reporting while collaborating with di...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$125K - $150K *

Champion initiatives that drive enterprise transformation and operational excellence. Lead the deployment of the Cadre Operating Model, partnering with executives to create actionable roadmaps and mea...

Ottawa, ONIn-Person

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$185K - $296K *

Advance your career by leading strategic initiatives and operational management across multiple sites, driving financial and service objectives while fostering strong customer relationships and team d...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in establishing a robust marketing PMO, driving integrated campaigns, and implementing AI transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and execution across a fast-scali...

Texas, USRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $105K *

Lead the management of pharmaceutical programs, ensuring client satisfaction and operational excellence. Oversee daily activities, supervise staff, and drive strategic planning while maintaining stron...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of engineering project management, overseeing CAPEX investments and NPI portfolios. Lead a dynamic team, ensuring timely project execution and compliance while dri...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Lead and advance the Operations Quality Assurance program, establishing standards and leveraging analytics and AI to drive performance improvements across teams while fostering talent development and...

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Empower organizational growth by translating strategic priorities into actionable plans. Collaborate across divisions to enhance operational efficiency and drive transformation initiatives, ensuring a...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$74K - $99K *

Accelerate progress at our Service Excellence Team by supporting Incident, Problem, and Change Management processes. This role offers hands-on experience and growth opportunities in IT Service Managem...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$138K - $165K *

Lead a dynamic IT Operations team, ensuring seamless service delivery across multiple offices. Drive innovation through AI and automation while managing IT engineers and building a robust IT Service D...

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$160K - $205K *

Lead complex, cross-functional projects driving hyperscale data center growth. Utilize deep technical expertise and program management skills to deliver innovative solutions that enhance operational e...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$113K - $165K *

Inspire quality excellence as you lead continuous improvement initiatives, ensure compliance with quality standards, and manage quality functions to drive operational success in a manufacturing settin...

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$113K - $165K *

Champion quality by leading the quality strategy for a manufacturing facility. Drive compliance with standards and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product excellence while fostering a st...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $95K *

Champion efficient logistics by managing drayage operations and ensuring compliance with regulations while optimizing resource allocation and client satisfaction in a fast-paced, autonomous environmen...

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.