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 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
$150K - $180K *
Shape the future of enterprise-scale cybersecurity by leading vulnerability management initiatives. Drive program strategy, enhance client relationships, and mentor teams to achieve measurable risk re...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Champion enterprise-scale delivery by leading vulnerability management initiatives, driving program strategy, and fostering client relationships to achieve measurable risk reduction across diverse tec...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in enterprise-scale vulnerability management, driving strategy and governance while transforming technical initiatives into measurable risk reduction across diverse teams and stakehold...
2 weeks ago
Director of Marketing Operations
$150K - $180K *
Drive growth by managing marketing operations, ensuring data integrity in systems, building and optimizing demand generation processes, and delivering insights for strategic planning. Collaborate acro...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$110K - $150K *
Champion innovative marketing strategies to enhance proposals and presentations, collaborating with senior management to drive success in the San Diego and Los Angeles regions while managing multiple...
2 weeks ago
$131K - $180K *
Lead the charge in advancing safety standards as you manage interdisciplinary engineering projects and a high-performing team, ensuring strategies align with organizational goals and technical excelle...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Manager, Digital Manufacturing Solutions & Solution Architecture
$138K - $173K *
Join a team that's transforming manufacturing through digital solutions. Lead cross-functional initiatives, drive process improvements, and ensure seamless integration of technology to enhance operati...
Yesterday
Sr. Manager, Continuous Improvement
$145K - $175K *
Accelerate progress at our Operations by leading efficiency initiatives that drive cost savings, enhance service, and improve overall operational excellence. Partner cross-functionally to deliver impa...
Reposted 1 week ago
Director, Program Management Office
$135K - $160K *
Lead and develop a multi-site PMO, establishing governance and managing Navy and maritime program portfolios while ensuring accountability and driving improvements across operations and customer satis...
Reposted 6 days ago
Senior Manager, Business Systems
$128K - $183K *
Pioneer innovative solutions by leading a dynamic Salesforce development team. Drive architecture, oversee operations, and partner cross-functionally to enhance our GTM systems. Your technical experti...
3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Operational Strategy - Oncology
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your career by leading oncology strategy initiatives, developing competitive approaches for awards, and fostering client relationships to enhance business growth in a dynamic, collaborative en...
3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Operational Strategy - Oncology
$150K - $180K *
Champion innovative oncology strategies by coordinating pre-award activities, enhancing client relations, and collaborating with global teams to drive successful outcomes in clinical research and busi...
3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Operational Strategy - Oncology
$160K - $200K *
Lead the charge in developing competitive oncology strategies, ensuring client needs are met through collaboration and expertise. Drive business development and enhance client relations while overseei...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive project success by managing financial planning, stakeholder relationships, and full-lifecycle oversight. Utilize advanced project management tools to ensure effective communication and adaptabil...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Empower project success by managing financial coordination, stakeholder relationships, and full-lifecycle oversight. Drive effective communication and risk management while adapting to changing priori...
2 weeks ago
Director, Project Management - Operations
$120K - $145K *
Transform the future of healthcare operations by leading strategic projects that enhance patient care, optimize processes, and drive revenue growth across multi-site practices. Collaborate with stakeh...
3 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.