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.
$100K - $120K *
Drive success by building and leading a high-performing BDR team. Own strategy, coaching, and playbook development to ensure pipeline predictability and team growth. Collaborate with Marketing and Sal...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead a high-performing BDR team, driving strategy and accountability to achieve pipeline targets. Develop talent, refine processes, and ensure alignment with Marketing and Sales for predictable outcom...
2 weeks ago
Manager Operational Logistics NORAM
$138K *
Lead the charge in optimizing supply chain operations, managing transportation interfaces, and driving strategic projects to enhance service delivery and performance across logistics and distribution...
2 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Transform IT and data ecosystems by stabilizing operations and driving integration strategies. Lead a multidisciplinary team to enhance business intelligence and optimize processes, ensuring a scalabl...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive efficient supply chain operations by managing purchasing and material planning. Ensure timely delivery of raw materials and packaging components to support production schedules and maintain inve...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing
$158K - $197K *
Elevate your career by leading strategic sourcing initiatives, enhancing vendor performance, and driving procurement excellence. Collaborate with diverse teams to implement sustainable practices and o...
3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Strategic Sourcing
$158K - $197K *
Empower your career by leading strategic sourcing initiatives, enhancing vendor performance, and driving operational excellence. Collaborate with diverse teams to implement sustainable procurement pra...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Contribute to quality control excellence by managing programs that ensure continuous production aligns with customer standards. Drive improvements and compliance across multiple sites while fostering...
4 weeks ago
Director, Manufacturing Engineering
$135K - $160K *
Transform global manufacturing by leading engineering strategy and capital investments. Drive innovation, establish standards, and build high-performing teams to enhance operational excellence across...
Today
Director, Transformation and IT Governance
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in enterprise transformation, driving modernization and governance initiatives. Collaborate with leaders to optimize business processes, ensure strategic alignment, and deliver sustain...
3 weeks ago
$160K - $200K *
Pioneer an innovative engineering culture by leading and scaling high-performing teams while integrating AI tools and practices to enhance delivery and impact aligned with organizational goals...
4 weeks ago
Director, Integrated Solutions Manager
$92K - $137K *
Champion client success by educating and coaching teams on integrated solutions, driving asset growth through strategic engagement and product positioning within the Investment & Advisory Center...
5 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Drive strategic growth by overseeing project excellence and innovation. Lead a dynamic team to enhance operational efficiency, manage risks, and achieve financial targets while fostering a culture of...
Today
$120K - $150K *
Transform the supply chain landscape by leading procurement and subcontracting efforts, ensuring compliance with federal regulations while driving efficiency and innovation in support of critical defe...
2 weeks ago
Director of Defense Logistics & Operations
$125K - $150K *
Manage complex defense logistics programs, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure mission readiness across the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area. Drive efficiency and effectiv...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Optimize operational performance across multiple remote locations. Lead strategic initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and service. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Transform operational excellence across multiple remote locations by leading strategic initiatives, enhancing productivity, and driving continuous improvement in service quality and performance metric...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape operational excellence across multiple remote locations by leading strategic initiatives, optimizing performance, and driving continuous improvement in service, productivity, and quality. Collab...
1 week ago
Director, Market Planning and Competitive Intelligence
$156K - $235K *
Transform strategic decision-making by leveraging market insights and competitive intelligence. Collaborate with leadership and teams to drive actionable recommendations and enhance business strategie...
3 weeks ago
Director, Market Planning and Competitive Intelligence
$156K - $235K *
Analyze market trends and competitive dynamics to drive strategic decisions. Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to deliver actionable insights and recommendations that enhan...
3 weeks ago
Organizational Development Program Manager
$100K - $120K *
Transform organizational effectiveness by leading strategic programs that enhance employee engagement and operational efficiency, collaborating with senior leadership and HR across various departments...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Analyze and develop supply chain strategies for new product launches, ensuring efficiency and excellence in logistics, packaging, and systems support while collaborating across teams to drive operatio...
Reposted 6 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in quality excellence by providing strategic oversight and management in compliance, assurance, and validation within biopharmaceutical manufacturing while fostering collaboration and...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior IT Solutions Manager - Operations
$170K - $180K *
Elevate your career by managing IT solutions that drive operational excellence in Purchasing, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing. Collaborate with leaders to streamline processes and enhance system perfo...
Reposted 4 days ago
Senior Manager, Strategy & Operations
$143K - $169K *
Manage cross-functional operations to enhance corporate planning efficiency and resource allocation, supporting leadership decisions. Drive execution of OKRs and business performance reporting while c...
Reposted 1 week 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.