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.
Project Manager, Transformation Office
$97K - $195K *
Elevate your career by leading complex transformation projects, driving change through collaboration with stakeholders, and delivering measurable outcomes on time and within budget. Your expertise wil...
1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Lead and optimize clinical operations, ensuring effective scheduling and coordination. Drive team development, streamline processes, and leverage data to enhance performance in a dynamic healthcare en...
Yesterday
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Join a team that's driving enterprise-wide process improvement through Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Lead initiatives to optimize operations, enhance performance, and deliver measurable business outco...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Transform enterprise-wide processes by leading continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Drive measurable outcomes through strategic optimization and best practices, while...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Lead the charge in enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives, utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive operational excellence and measurable business outcomes. Collaborate with teams to i...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Champion enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Lead teams to identify opportunities, implement best practices, and drive measurable outcomes, fostering a...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Lead enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging Lean Six Sigma methodologies to optimize processes and drive measurable business outcomes. Collaborate across teams to identify oppo...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Pioneer enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Lead teams to identify opportunities, implement best practices, and drive measurable outcomes, fostering a c...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Join a team that's driving enterprise-wide process improvements using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Lead initiatives to optimize operations, enhance performance, and deliver measurable business outcom...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Unlock enterprise-wide improvements by leading Lean Six Sigma initiatives, optimizing processes, and driving operational excellence to achieve measurable business outcomes and enhance performance acro...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Lead enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Drive process optimization and operational excellence to enhance business outcomes while collaborating with...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Transform your career by leading enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives. Utilize Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive operational excellence and measurable business outcomes while collaborat...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Join a team that's driving enterprise-wide process improvements through Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Lead initiatives to optimize operations, enhance performance, and deliver measurable business outc...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Champion enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Lead teams to identify opportunities, implement best practices, and drive measurable outcomes, ensuring ope...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Empower enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives by leveraging Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Lead teams to identify opportunities, implement best practices, and drive measurable outcomes, fo...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Champion enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives by leveraging Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Drive operational excellence and measurable outcomes through strategic planning, project management...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Drive enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Lead teams to identify opportunities, implement best practices, and achieve measurable outcomes, fostering a c...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Unlock enterprise-wide improvements by leading Lean Six Sigma initiatives, optimizing processes, and driving operational excellence. Collaborate with teams to identify opportunities, implement best pr...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Unlock potential by leading enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Drive operational excellence and measurable outcomes through strategic planning and cros...
2 weeks ago
Associate Director, Business Process Management & Operational Excellence
$170K - $200K *
Drive operational excellence by translating strategy into actionable initiatives, enhancing business processes, and leading cross-functional projects to foster growth and improve execution readiness i...
1 week ago
Temporary Director, Process Optimization
$138K - $197K *
Transform enterprise operations by leading process optimization initiatives, collaborating with stakeholders to enhance service delivery, and driving strategic change across the organization for susta...
Yesterday
$150K - $180K *
Lead operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives, driving performance across functions. Collaborate with teams to enhance scalability, accountability, and profitability in a dynamic enviro...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by providing strategic leadership across operations, finance, and growth initiatives. Drive organizational effectiveness, manage P&L, and lead cross-functional teams to enhance perfor...
2 weeks ago
Director, Project Management Office
$110K - $130K *
Transform project delivery by leading a high-performing PMO, optimizing processes, and ensuring compliance with best practices while collaborating with executive leaders to meet client needs and drive...
3 weeks ago
Lead Hub Operations Excellence Engineering
$90K - $110K *
Transform operations by leading strategic initiatives to enhance network performance, optimize facility planning, and drive engineering excellence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support g...
Reposted 1 week 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.