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.
$100K - $120K *
Empower operational excellence by leading multi-unit car wash sites, driving growth, enhancing customer experiences, and fostering high-performing teams. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize per...
3 weeks ago
$100K - $120K *
Champion operational excellence and drive growth across multi-unit express car wash sites. Lead a team of District Managers to ensure outstanding customer service and financial performance, while impl...
3 weeks ago
Regional Director of Operations
$110K - $130K *
Empower communities by overseeing operations in senior living, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring quality care. Lead a dedicated team to achieve financial goals while fostering a culture of e...
2 weeks ago
General Manager/Chief Executive Officer
$160K - $185K *
Explore transformative leadership in public transportation, guiding strategic initiatives and operational excellence while fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and community engagement to enhanc...
3 weeks ago
Directeur Principal - Architecture de Solutions TI
$125K - $150K *
Reimagine the digital experience by designing modern IT architectures, leading platform modernization, and exploring AI technologies to enhance customer and employee interactions in a large organizati...
1 month ago
$160K - $230K *
Join a team that's redefining project management excellence by leading a dedicated account team to deliver innovative solutions across a diverse portfolio of complex projects, ensuring exceptional cli...
Yesterday
$160K - $230K *
Pioneer exceptional project management for a diverse portfolio, leading a dedicated team to deliver innovative solutions. Drive client relationships, strategic growth, and operational excellence while...
Yesterday
$160K - $230K *
Lead the charge in delivering exceptional project management services for a major client portfolio. Drive strategic initiatives, foster client relationships, and manage a high-performing team to achie...
Yesterday
$160K - $230K *
Lead a dynamic team in delivering exceptional project management services across a diverse portfolio. Drive strategic initiatives, foster client relationships, and ensure high-quality execution of com...
Yesterday
$160K - $230K *
Transform project delivery by leading a dedicated team to manage diverse client portfolios. Drive strategic growth, foster client relationships, and ensure exceptional service across complex projects...
Yesterday
$160K - $230K *
Lead the charge in managing a diverse portfolio of projects, ensuring exceptional client service and strategic growth. Oversee a dedicated team, driving project delivery and fostering strong client re...
Yesterday
$160K - $230K *
Engage as a strategic leader in project management, overseeing diverse projects for a key client. Drive team performance, foster client relationships, and ensure exceptional service delivery across a...
Yesterday
$160K - $230K *
Drive exceptional project management across a national portfolio, leading a dedicated team to deliver diverse projects. Cultivate client relationships, ensure high standards, and foster a collaborativ...
Yesterday
$160K - $230K *
Drive exceptional project management across a national portfolio, leading a dedicated team to deliver diverse projects. Cultivate client relationships, ensure high standards, and foster a collaborativ...
Yesterday
$160K - $230K *
Transform project delivery by leading a dedicated team managing diverse real estate projects. Drive client relationships, oversee strategic initiatives, and ensure exceptional service across a nationa...
Yesterday
$160K - $230K *
Transform project delivery by leading a dedicated team in managing diverse real estate projects. Drive client relationships, oversee strategic initiatives, and ensure exceptional service across a nati...
Yesterday
$160K - $230K *
Take ownership of a dynamic project management team, driving strategic initiatives and delivering exceptional client service across a diverse portfolio of complex projects while fostering strong relat...
Yesterday
$138K - $225K *
Lead the charge in optimizing benefits operations by managing TPA services, EDI implementation, and COBRA administration. Drive efficiency and compliance while mentoring teams to enhance service quali...
1 week ago
$138K - $225K *
Drive operational excellence by leading Benefits TPA, EDI, and COBRA teams. Shape strategic initiatives, enhance service quality, and ensure compliance while fostering collaboration across departments...
1 week ago
$138K - $225K *
Lead the charge in optimizing Benefits Operations by managing TPA services, EDI implementation, and COBRA administration. Drive efficiency and compliance while mentoring teams to enhance service quali...
1 week ago
Operations Management - Multi-Department (Non-Executive)
$105K - $165K *
Manage operations at the Impact & Prosperity Epicenter, ensuring exceptional experiences for residents and guests. Oversee facility management, financial performance, and team development while foster...
3 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Lead the charge in optimizing IT operations for Fluid Power & Flow Control, ensuring a secure, scalable infrastructure while engaging a high-performing team to support business initiatives and enhance...
3 weeks ago
$90K - $110K *
Engage with us to enhance quality assurance processes, drive compliance with automotive standards, and foster a culture of continuous improvement through effective leadership and collaboration across...
Reposted 6 days ago
$57K - $107K *
Help us drive innovation by managing resources, schedules, and quality standards in a dynamic environment. Collaborate with teams to ensure timely delivery of high-quality components while adhering to...
6 days ago
Program Manager, Manufacturing Operations
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to enhance manufacturing efficiency, manage production schedules, and drive process improvements. Leverage your expertise to forecast capacity needs and ensure timely delivery whil...
2 days 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.