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.
Supply Chain Manager Strategic Operations
$86K - $124K *
Lead the charge in optimizing supply chain operations, enhancing logistics, and implementing cost-saving initiatives while fostering collaboration across departments to achieve strategic objectives an...
Today
Director, Learning & Organizational Effectiveness
$193K - $265K *
Elevate your career by leading strategic learning and organizational effectiveness initiatives. Collaborate with executives to enhance leadership capabilities and foster a culture of continuous growth...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Lead the strategic direction of Inbound and Outbound operations, ensuring performance targets are met while fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and superior customer service across all levels o...
1 week ago
$127K - $157K *
Bring your expertise to a dynamic role overseeing quality systems in a regulated manufacturing environment. Lead a diverse team to ensure compliance with quality standards, drive continuous improvemen...
2 weeks ago
Director, Organizational Change Management - Strategic Programs
$120K - $145K *
Elevate your career by leading cross-functional teams to drive innovation, optimize processes, and achieve strategic objectives while fostering a collaborative culture and continuous improvement acros...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$150K - $160K *
Drive procurement excellence by leading strategic sourcing, vendor management, and complex negotiations. Collaborate with senior leaders to optimize supplier performance and deliver measurable savings...
2 weeks ago
Director - Product Management, LillyDirect, EMEA
$163K - $297K *
Champion the development and execution of innovative digital product strategies across EMEA, enhancing consumer experiences and driving key performance indicators in a high-growth e-commerce environme...
Today
Director, Enterprise Transformation
$184K - $254K *
Drive transformative initiatives by leading cross-functional teams, managing complex projects, and fostering stakeholder relationships to achieve strategic goals and enhance organizational effectivene...
4 days ago
$166K - $216K *
Shape the future of IT portfolio management by leading strategic initiatives, optimizing resource allocation, and driving value realization in a dynamic, global environment. Collaborate with executive...
3 days ago
Director, Product Management (Digital Experiences)
$220K - $250K *
Optimize digital acquisition and servicing experiences across lending products. Lead a team of PMs while driving technical execution and strategic vision. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance use...
Today
Director, Product Management (Digital Experiences)
$220K - $250K *
Shape the future of digital lending by leading product management teams to enhance acquisition and servicing experiences. Drive strategic vision, optimize user journeys, and foster cross-functional co...
Today
Director, Product Management (Digital Experiences)
$220K - $250K *
Transform digital acquisition and servicing experiences by leading product teams, refining strategic vision, and optimizing user engagement across multiple channels to enhance consumer interactions an...
Today
Director, Product Management (Digital Experiences)
$220K - $250K *
Transform the digital acquisition and servicing landscape by leading product teams, refining strategic visions, and optimizing user experiences across multiple lending products while ensuring seamless...
Today
Senior Manager, Controllership Transformation
$125K - $150K *
Transform the controllership landscape by leading complex initiatives that enhance scalability, governance, and public-company readiness. Collaborate with Finance leadership to establish sustainable p...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive successful industrial real estate projects from entitlement to lease-up. Oversee budgets, schedules, and stakeholder coordination while ensuring alignment with operational standards and local ma...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Support and manage industrial real estate development projects from entitlement to lease-up, ensuring alignment with design and operational standards while coordinating with teams and consultants to d...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Manage and enhance the Quality Management System to ensure compliance, customer satisfaction, and product quality. Lead audits and inspections while driving continuous improvements and liaising with t...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, OneHUB Transformation
$130K - $155K *
Drive transformation initiatives by leading cross-functional workstreams, translating strategic goals into actionable plans, and ensuring successful implementation of systems and processes across the...
3 days ago
$144K - $187K *
Shape the future of global logistics by leading strategy, operations, and compliance efforts. Drive transformation initiatives that enhance supply chain performance and foster strategic partnerships w...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Join our team to lead the internal audit function, ensuring compliance and enhancing operational efficiency through strategic oversight and collaboration with stakeholders...
1 week ago
Director, Consultant Relations
$130K - $170K *
Unlock potential by managing and expanding relationships with consultants in healthcare to drive business growth. Cultivate partnerships, enhance market presence, and collaborate with internal teams t...
3 weeks ago
Director, Consultant Relations
$130K - $170K *
Partner with us to enhance consultant relationships in healthcare. Drive business growth by cultivating partnerships, optimizing engagement strategies, and aligning internal teams to effectively posit...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Operations Security and Compliance
$70K - $105K *
Join a team that's dedicated to securing high-value cargo and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Oversee security protocols, conduct assessments, and collaborate with stakeholders to enhance...
3 days ago
Director of Digital Program Management
$163K - $251K *
Lead global teams in program management to enhance digital operations, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and effective collaboration across functions while driving organizational growth and chan...
4 weeks ago
Associate Director - Workforce Solutions and Redesign
$132K - $193K *
Design solutions that transform HR processes into efficient workflows, leveraging technology and AI. Collaborate with teams to identify needs, iterate on solutions, and empower users to enhance produc...
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.