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.
$80K - $95K *
Champion operational excellence and financial health by leading multi-unit restaurant strategies, enhancing team development, and ensuring compliance across franchise locations for a renowned food ser...
Reposted today
$80K - $95K *
Join a dynamic team to drive operational excellence across a franchise portfolio, ensuring financial health and compliance while developing leadership talent to achieve strategic goals and maximize pr...
Reposted 1 week ago
Founding Product Operations Manager
$125K - $150K *
Join a team that's transforming customer feedback into actionable insights. As a Product Operations Manager, you'll bridge departments, define product success metrics, and create clarity in a dynamic...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Director, Procurement & Asset Management
$110K - $130K *
Drive strategic procurement and asset management initiatives, collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize inventory, fleet, and equipment operations while ensuring alignment with financial a...
3 days ago
Director of Strategic Partnerships & Solutions
$110K - $130K *
Lead strategic business development efforts in facilities management, focusing on client relationship building and market expansion. Drive revenue growth through innovative sales strategies and collab...
2 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to managing project timelines, budgets, and client relationships. Drive project success through effective communication and strategic planning while collaborating with cro...
2 weeks ago
Director, Strategic Operations
$200K *
Join a team that's driving strategic initiatives and operational excellence. Collaborate with senior leaders to shape enterprise strategy, lead cross-functional programs, and identify growth opportuni...
Reposted 4 days ago
Director, Strategic Operations
$200K *
Shape the future of strategic initiatives by leading complex programs, collaborating with executives, and driving growth opportunities in a dynamic, global environment focused on value creation and op...
Reposted 4 days ago
Director, Strategic Operations
$200K - $240K *
Engage in strategic initiatives that drive growth and operational excellence. Collaborate with senior leadership to shape enterprise strategy and lead cross-functional programs, ensuring impactful out...
Reposted 4 days ago
Associate Director, Enterprise Architecture, Global Commercial & Medical IT
$152K - $209K *
Pioneer innovative technology solutions by defining and governing enterprise architecture for Commercial & Medical domains, ensuring alignment with business strategy and compliance while driving scala...
6 days ago
$116K - $182K *
Manage operational initiatives within Pharmaceutical Sciences, collaborating with leadership to enhance efficiency and drive strategic priorities. Utilize project management skills to support budgetin...
1 week ago
Engineering & Operational Excellence Manager
$113K - $178K *
Tackle operational challenges by leading Manufacturing Engineering and Continuous Improvement initiatives. Drive efficiency, cost reduction, and excellence through strategic transformations in a fast...
Reposted today
Manager, Engineering Operations
$95K - $115K *
Grow your career with a dynamic team leading engineering operations, project management, and product innovation. Drive cross-functional collaboration to launch cutting-edge off-road vehicle products w...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Join us to lead and optimize manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency and quality while meeting customer demands. Drive performance through effective team management and strategic planning in a d...
1 week ago
$88K - $105K *
Unlock potential by leading complex programs, fostering collaboration across teams, and enhancing profitability while ensuring customer satisfaction. Grow your career with proven experience in program...
Reposted 6 days ago
$136K - $189K *
Optimize value capture and measurement strategies for technology investments across Sales and Services, driving insights and recommendations to enhance productivity and ROI through cross-functional co...
1 week ago
$136K - $189K *
Lead the strategy for optimizing technology investments across Sales and Services, partnering with cross-functional teams to measure value, enhance productivity, and drive informed decision-making for...
1 week ago
$136K - $189K *
Lead the charge in optimizing technology investments across Sales and Services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to measure value, enhance productivity, and drive strategic decision-making thro...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to delivering successful projects from start to finish. As a key player, you'll manage scope, schedule, and budget while collaborating cross-functionally to ensure custome...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Take ownership of project execution from initiation to closeout, ensuring accountability for scope, schedule, budget, and customer satisfaction. Collaborate cross-functionally to drive successful and...
6 days ago
$88K - $105K *
Join a team that's driving project success through full lifecycle management, ensuring scope, schedule, and budget adherence while fostering strong customer relationships and cross-functional collabor...
6 days ago
$85K - $100K *
Lead the charge in managing full lifecycle project execution, ensuring scope, schedule, and budget adherence while fostering strong customer relationships and cross-functional collaboration for succes...
6 days ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in managing full project lifecycles, ensuring successful execution through effective coordination, negotiation, and communication across teams while maintaining customer satisfaction a...
6 days ago
Program Manager, Business Operations
$120K - $140K *
Join a team that's driving strategic initiatives across growth and operations. You'll lead cross-functional programs, align stakeholders, and ensure clear communication on progress and risks, all whil...
6 days ago
Program Management & Product Line Strategy Director
$138K - $165K *
Elevate product strategy and program management by leading cross-functional teams to drive innovation, align with market demands, and ensure successful product delivery while fostering strong customer...
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.