Director of Operational Excellence Jobs

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.

What Does a Director of Operational Excellence Do?

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.

Skills and Qualifications Employers Seek

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.

Industries and Career Opportunities

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.

Find Director of Operational Excellence Jobs on Ladders

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.

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$150K - $180K *

Lead transformative growth by building client partnerships and driving technology solutions. Engage with senior leaders to identify needs, shape proposals, and ensure successful project delivery while...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$92K - $110K *

Unlock your potential as a leader in continuous improvement, driving operational excellence through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance plant performan...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$100K *

Manage environmental projects from inception to completion, ensuring quality, budget, and schedule adherence. Oversee assessments, sampling, and regulatory compliance while mentoring junior staff and...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K *

Optimize environmental project management by leading assessments, ensuring compliance, and mentoring staff. Drive quality and budget performance while supporting business development and maintaining k...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $120K *

Unlock new opportunities as you lead environmental projects, ensuring quality and compliance from inception through completion. Mentor team members and cultivate client relationships in a dynamic work...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K *

Lead environmental projects from inception to completion while ensuring compliance and mentoring junior staff. Drive client relations and contribute to business development, leveraging extensive regul...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$100K - $120K *

Champion environmental projects from scoping to completion, ensuring quality and budget adherence, while leading sampling efforts and mentoring junior staff in a collaborative environment...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$175K - $280K *

Lead a global team to drive procurement operations strategy, governance, and digital transformation initiatives, ensuring compliance and sustainability while enhancing supply chain resilience and oper...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$175K - $280K *

Elevate procurement operations by leading strategy, governance, and digital transformation initiatives. Drive compliance, sustainability, and supply chain resilience while building a high-performing g...

2 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$168K - $200K *

Champion client relationships and lead diverse teams in life sciences, driving project success through strategic planning and mentorship. Leverage your expertise to enhance business development and fo...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$168K - $200K *

Empower a diverse team in the life sciences sector, driving client relationships and project success. Leverage your expertise in planning and scheduling to mentor others while contributing to strategi...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$168K - $200K *

Lead the charge in planning and scheduling for life sciences projects, fostering client relationships and team growth while ensuring project deliverables meet performance standards and quality expecta...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$168K - $200K *

Champion client relationships and lead diverse teams in life sciences, driving project success through strategic planning and scheduling expertise. Empower your career with mentorship and a focus on q...

Portland, ORRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's driving innovation in R&D by leading projects from concept to market. Utilize your scientific expertise and project management skills to ensure timely delivery, quality, and strateg...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$168K - $252K *

Transform your career by driving global supply chain optimization and strategic evolution. Lead cross-functional initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness w...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Manage business unit operations, define strategies, and drive P&L accountability. Lead a team to enhance market presence, ensure customer satisfaction, and foster innovation while navigating internati...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $120K *

Optimize multiunit operations by leading diverse teams, enhancing customer experience, driving financial performance, and scaling operational growth across multiple express car wash sites in your assi...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$100K - $120K *

Lead operational excellence across multi-unit express car wash sites. Collaborate with teams to drive growth, enhance customer experiences, and ensure effective integration of new locations. Manage pe...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$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

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitals & Medical Centers

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Transportation

$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

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Staffing

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$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

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Director of Operational Excellence do?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    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?question toggle

    Experienced Directors of Operational Excellence may advance to vice president of operations, chief operating officer, enterprise transformation executive, or other senior leadership positions.