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.
Technical Manager, Functional Engineering
$100K - $120K *
Oversee shipbuilding projects, ensuring compliance with technical and regulatory standards while managing engineering deliverables and guiding teams through design to delivery phases...
1 week ago
$80K - $95K *
Manage and oversee construction projects, ensuring timely completion and budget adherence. Collaborate with teams on multi-location roll-outs, maintaining strong communication with stakeholders and co...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in implementing clinical models across diverse markets, managing multiple projects from kickoff to go-live. Drive results through cross-functional collaboration and ensure compliance w...
2 weeks ago
$158K - $237K *
Empower a transformative manufacturing start-up by integrating automation and digital innovations while ensuring operational excellence and global compliance for a pioneering factory initiative...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director of Operations - Corrugated
$190K - $210K *
Join a team that's committed to operational excellence in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Lead a diverse workforce, drive innovation, and foster a culture of safety and accountability while ac...
2 weeks ago
Director, Compliance Operations
$156K - $261K *
Elevate compliance operations by leading SOX testing, software asset management, and consulting across privacy and anti-bribery. Drive efficiency, manage budgets, and foster team engagement while ensu...
Today
Director, Compliance Operations
$156K - $261K *
Shape the future of compliance operations by leading SOX testing, software asset management, and compliance consulting. Drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement while managing budgets a...
Today
$156K - $208K *
Champion procurement and logistics excellence by managing diverse teams, driving operational performance, and ensuring strategic alignment across multiple departments to achieve financial and operatio...
2 days ago
Director, Project Portfolio Management
$125K - $150K *
Join us in leading the enterprise PMO function, driving project excellence and governance. You'll implement innovative methodologies and AI-driven solutions to enhance operational efficiency and deliv...
3 days ago
$187K - $210K *
Lead the charge in transforming Product Operations by streamlining workflows, leveraging AI for improved efficiency and delivering impactful product management across global teams. Mentor a diverse te...
Reposted 3 days ago
$120K - $140K *
Lead transformative product strategies that enhance information management solutions, driving customer-centric development and fostering sustainable practices. Collaborate with stakeholders to shape p...
Yesterday
$100K - $120K *
Drive exceptional guest experiences by leading Front Office operations, managing teams, and optimizing revenue strategies. Collaborate with stakeholders to achieve financial targets while fostering a...
Yesterday
Director, Product Management, Governance (Identity & Auth)
$160K - $190K *
Champion innovation by leading a cross-functional team to enhance product governance and observability, aligning customer needs with business goals while driving scalable development practices in a fa...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Product Manager, Discovery & Use-Case Portfolio
$130K - $160K *
Shape the future of AI by discovering and prioritizing use cases, defining requirements, and managing a portfolio that drives impactful projects. Collaborate with teams to ensure deliverables align wi...
1 week ago
Product Manager, Discovery & Use-Case Portfolio
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in defining and prioritizing AI use cases, ensuring alignment with engineering capabilities. Shape a new portfolio by actively discovering opportunities and writing clear requirements...
1 week ago
Supply Chain Excellence Strategy & Analytics Specialist
$89K - $120K *
Join our team to drive data-informed supply chain strategies, enhancing operational efficiency through process improvements and analytical insights. Collaborate across functions to deliver sustainable...
Reposted 2 days ago
Supply Chain Excellence Strategy & Analytics Specialist
$89K - $120K *
Join us to drive supply chain analytics and project management, leveraging data to optimize processes and improve performance. Collaborate across functions to enhance visibility and embed strategic in...
Reposted 2 days ago
Director, Marketing Operations
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in optimizing marketing operations to drive developer adoption, pipeline growth, and revenue. Oversee systems, processes, and insights while collaborating with cross-functional teams t...
1 week ago
Director - Workforce Management
$125K - $150K *
Partner with us to optimize workforce strategies for data center operations, ensuring timely access to technical talent. Collaborate across teams to enhance forecasting, staffing efficiency, and labor...
1 week ago
Product Manager, Discovery & Use-Case Portfolio
$108K - $130K *
Transform the approach to AI use cases by actively discovering, sizing, and prioritizing projects. Shape the portfolio and define requirements for engineering teams, ensuring alignment with business n...
1 week ago
$160K - $190K *
Drive market operations excellence by overseeing client support, system integrity, and team development. Leverage expertise in trading and clearing to manage complex issues and enhance operational eff...
1 week ago
$160K - $190K *
Take ownership of market operations by providing senior-level support, ensuring system integrity, and mentoring team members while managing complex trading and clearing processes for optimal client se...
1 week ago
Manager, Operational Excellence
$90K - $110K *
Engage in driving operational excellence initiatives that enhance efficiency, service quality, and financial performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze data, implement solutions...
2 weeks ago
Manager, Product Group Engineering, PLM
$102K - $204K *
Drive the strategy and delivery of Product Lifecycle Management solutions, leading cross-functional teams to ensure scalable, compliant, and innovative PLM capabilities that align with business transf...
1 week ago
Continuous Improvement Manager
$80K - $95K *
Unlock operational excellence by leading continuous improvement initiatives, driving efficiency, safety, and quality within a dynamic manufacturing environment. Collaborate with stakeholders to standa...
4 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.