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.
Performance & Delivery Manager - Industrial Operations
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in optimizing Industrial Operations for a major public transit project. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality, cost, and delivery commitments are met while driving...
1 week ago
Sr. Manager, Operations Engineering
$167K - $230K *
Lead the development and implementation of engineering processes, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness in product operations. Oversee teams, manage budgets, and drive strategic initiatives to meet...
1 week ago
$100K - $120K *
Drive strategic relationships and deliver tailored solutions to enhance customer engagement and business growth in the freight forwarding and logistics sector, while navigating various transportation...
3 weeks ago
Manager, Operations BI/PCS/Surety
$64K - $120K *
Lead operational excellence by managing the Business Process Team, driving strategic initiatives, and enhancing workflow efficiency. Oversee project management and ensure alignment with business goals...
Today
Manager, Operations BI/PCS/Surety
$64K - $120K *
Join a team that's driving operational excellence by leading strategic initiatives, enhancing efficiency, and managing business processes in a dynamic environment. Your leadership will be key to achie...
Today
Manager, Operations BI/PCS/Surety
$64K - $120K *
Champion operational excellence by leading the Business Process Team, driving strategic initiatives, and enhancing workflow efficiency. Manage projects and ensure alignment with business goals in a dy...
Today
Project Manager - Design Execution
$145K - $160K *
Transform projects by managing design processes, collaborating with teams, and ensuring effective communication from planning through construction execution...
3 weeks ago
Project Manager - Design Execution
$145K - $160K *
Oversee the design process from planning to construction, managing teams and stakeholders effectively to ensure timely and quality execution of deliverables within scope and budget...
4 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Empower operational excellence by leading process improvements in Parts Distribution Centers. Drive efficiency through layout design, cross-functional collaboration, and Lean initiatives to enhance pr...
2 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Develop your career by leading quality systems, driving improvements, and managing compliance in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with teams to mitigate risks, optimize processes, and elevate qualit...
1 month ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the charge in enhancing quality systems across our organization. Oversee a team of Quality Specialists, driving process improvement and ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 standards. Collaborate wi...
1 month ago
Program Manager, Product Data Operations
$120K - $145K *
Oversee and manage AI data operations programs, ensuring high-quality data for model training. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve challenges and implement scalable solutions that align...
2 weeks ago
Program Manager, Product Data Operations
$135K - $160K *
Join a team that's driving AI innovation by managing data operations programs that enhance model training and quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality data delivery for...
2 weeks ago
Senior Manager, Demand Planning Process Excellence
$154K - $246K *
Drive the transformation of demand planning through zero-touch AI forecasting, enhancing accuracy and efficiency across business units. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement best practi...
4 days ago
Product Manager, Growth Strategy
$120K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to drive growth through market intelligence, analytics, and strategic partnerships. Leverage your expertise to shape actionable strategies and influence cross-functional collaborat...
Today
Product Manager, Growth Strategy
$120K - $150K *
Empower growth by leading market intelligence and analytics initiatives, driving strategic partnerships, and translating trends into actionable business strategies. Collaborate cross-functionally to i...
Today
Director - System Revenue Cycle
$120K - $150K *
Champion operational excellence in patient registration and admitting, driving financial performance and enhancing the patient experience through strategic leadership and collaboration across departme...
1 week ago
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in optimizing cross-functional initiatives that drive growth and efficiency across the organization. Own strategic projects from concept to execution while enhancing operational proces...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Engineering Manager - Servicing & Fulfillment
$166K - $193K *
Lead and mentor a team of engineers while overseeing technical excellence and driving AI innovation in operational systems. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver impactful features for post-purcha...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Data Center Facilities Development
$163K - $268K *
Transform the future of data center design by leading strategic initiatives and multidisciplinary teams to deliver mission-critical infrastructure across a global portfolio, ensuring performance, reli...
2 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Lead the community to enhance operations, financial performance, and resident satisfaction in a dynamic senior living setting while building a supportive team culture and achieving occupancy growth...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Drive operational excellence by leading production teams to deliver high-quality electronic assemblies on time. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, efficiency, and co...
4 days ago
Senior Program Manager – Delivery Flow
$99K - $132K *
Elevate your career by leading complex technology initiatives that drive business value. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage scope, budgets, and risks while ensuring successful program d...
4 days ago
$120K - $145K *
Advance your career by leading supply chain operations, optimizing procurement, logistics, and inventory management. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance team performance, and ensure alignment with bu...
1 week ago
Director, Strategic Client Growth
$150K - $190K *
Shape the future of enterprise adoption by leading strategic client growth with cross-functional orchestration. Drive long-term success through executive governance, leveraging AI for decision-making...
Reposted 1 month 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.