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.
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 1 month 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...
4 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...
3 weeks ago
Operational Excellence Manager
$100K - $126K *
Join a team that's dedicated to driving operational excellence by identifying and implementing strategic process improvements. Leverage lean methodologies to enhance performance and financial outcomes...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Sr Manager, Process Excellence (Corporate)
$110K - $130K *
Unlock potential by leading operational excellence initiatives that standardize and enhance processes across the homebuilding value chain, driving efficiency and continuous improvement while collabora...
2 weeks ago
Director - Organizational Change Management
$125K - $150K *
Champion organizational change by leading internal communications and engagement strategies for a transformative SAP S/4HANA deployment, ensuring alignment and readiness across all business areas for...
1 week ago
Director, Business Operations - Operational Excellence
$120K - $170K *
Drive operational excellence by enhancing efficiency, managing costs, and implementing strategic tools. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize performance and support business growth thro...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager, Operational Excellence
$95K - $105K *
Drive operational excellence by leading strategic projects that enhance efficiency and foster growth. Collaborate across teams to translate vision into actionable plans, ensuring alignment with busine...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Take ownership of project management initiatives, driving operational excellence and cross-functional collaboration to enhance efficiency and deliver impactful results across diverse teams and project...
1 week ago
$115K - $125K *
Elevate your career by providing strategic leadership for multi-account foodservice operations, ensuring excellence in service delivery, financial performance, and client satisfaction across diverse c...
2 days ago
$130K - $147K *
Join a dynamic team as an Engineering Manager, leading innovative projects that enhance product development, streamline processes, and drive efficiency. Leverage your expertise to resolve challenges a...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Director, Continuous Improvement
$170K - $220K *
Lead continuous improvement initiatives across QSR operations, driving cultural transformation and operational excellence. Manage CI strategies, develop leaders, and ensure alignment with enterprise g...
2 weeks ago
Director of Strategy & Business Operations
$125K - $150K *
Transform business operations by leading high-impact initiatives that drive revenue and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize performance and make strategic decisions for sus...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director, 5S & Workplace Organization
$140K - $180K *
Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive enterprise-wide 5S program. Drive operational excellence across multiple manufacturing facilities, enhancing safety, productivity, quality, and em...
3 weeks ago
$175K - $225K *
Drive strategic program management excellence across a diverse client portfolio, ensuring alignment, governance, and operational execution. Lead a team of professionals to enhance client engagement an...
Yesterday
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.