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.
$108K - $130K *
Lead the charge in change management delivery for complex initiatives, partnering with stakeholders to develop strategies that enhance readiness, adoption, and business outcomes while coaching practit...
1 week ago
$95K - $115K *
Develop and implement innovative quality systems that meet customer and regulatory standards. Lead quality initiatives, ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 14001, and drive continuous improvemen...
1 month ago
$110K - $130K *
Oversee and enhance materials management processes to boost efficiency and quality. Collaborate with teams to implement strategic initiatives, manage budgets, and develop talent, ensuring compliance a...
Yesterday
Director, Technical Products and Operations
$200K - $235K *
Drive the management, operation, and security of client-facing SaaS products hosted on AWS. Be a hands-on leader, ensuring platform performance, compliance, and continuous product improvement while su...
Reposted 1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Shape the future of enterprise project management by leading cross-functional initiatives, driving operational improvements, and ensuring successful project execution from initiation to closeout while...
Reposted yesterday
$100K - $120K *
Lead complex, strategic enterprise programs across multiple departments, ensuring projects align with organizational priorities. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive execution and process improvemen...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director, Engineering Business Operations
$205K - $307K *
Join a team that's redefining engineering operations by driving performance, accountability, and strategic alignment across engineering, finance, and product. Leverage insights to enhance organization...
3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to lead and manage complex projects in Oil & Gas metering technologies, ensuring successful execution from planning to closure while adhering to budget and specifications. Drive cr...
2 weeks ago
Director - Learning & Organizational Development
$110K - $130K *
Partner with us to drive strategic learning initiatives, enhance leadership capabilities, and foster a culture of continuous improvement across the organization. Lead program design and implementation...
3 weeks ago
Operations & Client Delivery Manager
$85K - $120K *
Lead and improve operations for prior authorization management, ensuring effective workflows and client satisfaction while managing a remote team and collaborating with product teams for seamless serv...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Operations & Client Delivery Manager
$85K - $120K *
Shape the future of healthcare operations by driving efficiency, enhancing client delivery, and refining processes in an innovative, AI-driven company, where your leadership will transform operational...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Executive Director, Enterprise Experience Planning & Integration
$236K - $439K *
Transform customer experiences by uniting diverse functions and stakeholders across the organization to enhance patient journeys and drive strategic initiatives. Leverage influence and collaboration t...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Manage and oversee all production operations, ensuring schedules are met and quality standards are upheld. Lead inspection activities, resolve bottlenecks, and engage with customers to provide timely...
Today
$80K - $120K *
Oversee and manage all production operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and timely delivery. Lead inspection activities, engage with customers, and foster a culture of continuous improvement withi...
Today
$80K - $95K *
Manage production operations, ensuring efficiency and quality. Lead inspection activities, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and engage with customers to provide timely updates. Foster a culture...
Yesterday
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in overseeing production operations, ensuring timely execution and quality standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and engage with customers to drive efficiency and continuo...
Yesterday
$123K - $153K *
Unlock your potential by leading procurement strategies, optimizing supplier relationships, and driving cost efficiencies. Mentor a dynamic team while collaborating with senior management to enhance o...
1 week ago
External Operations Quality Manager
$80K - $95K *
Drive your career by overseeing supplier quality and compliance programs. You'll manage relationships with external partners, conduct audits, and lead initiatives to ensure quality standards in food s...
3 weeks ago
Quality Manager - Manufacturing
$120K - $135K *
Join a team that's redefining quality assurance across multiple manufacturing sites for cutting-edge AI infrastructure. Lead a high-performing Quality team, driving process improvements and compliance...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Director, Finance Enablement (Oracle Transformation)
$125K - $150K *
Join us to lead the deployment of Oracle Fusion Financials globally, shaping finance operations and processes across multiple teams, ensuring compliance, and driving transformation initiatives while m...
3 weeks ago
$187K - $210K *
Champion operational excellence by leading Product Operations, driving innovation, and optimizing workflows. Manage a dedicated team to enhance product delivery, streamline processes, and ensure align...
3 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Innovate manufacturing processes by driving operational efficiency and cost savings. Collaborate with teams to enhance product quality and implement strategic improvements in coating and converting de...
4 weeks ago
Process Manager, Supply Chain Capabilities
$105K - $115K *
Join a team that's driving process excellence and governance across enterprise planning. This role focuses on standardizing and improving planning processes to enhance decision-making and business per...
2 weeks ago
Construction Project Management Director
$140K - $160K *
Lead our initiatives in designing and constructing innovative water and carbon capture facilities globally. Collaborate across teams to ensure project success within budget and timeline while promotin...
Reposted 1 week ago
Manufacturing Systems Improvement Engineer
$90K - $110K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency in medical waste treatment facilities. This hands-on engineering role focuses on improving equipment reliability, safety, and throughpu...
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.