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.
Director of Service Order Processing
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in managing a multi-location service order processing team, ensuring timely repair services and exceptional customer satisfaction. Mentor staff to enhance their skills and career growt...
2 weeks ago
$121K - $194K *
Join a dynamic team to lead operational excellence, driving process improvements and strategic initiatives. Collaborate across functions to enhance efficiency, ensure compliance, and foster a culture...
Today
$100K - $120K *
Optimize supply chain performance by planning, scheduling, and managing inventory across multiple sites. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance sourcing strategies and ensure customer satisfaction t...
2 weeks ago
$136K - $200K *
Take ownership of daily operations across multiple functions, ensuring effective coordination of resources, workflows, and priorities. Drive safety, quality, and productivity while fostering a culture...
2 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Drive operational excellence in HR by leading strategy, enhancing employee experience, and optimizing service delivery. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure compliance and continuous improvement in...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Transform HR Operations by leading strategy and enhancing employee experience. Drive continuous improvement, leverage technology, and ensure compliance while fostering a customer-focused culture acros...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Unlock your potential by leading strategic capture efforts to secure new business opportunities. Collaborate with key stakeholders, develop winning strategies, and drive proposals to success in a dyna...
3 weeks ago
IT Manager - Operational Technology
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing operational technology systems, ensuring performance, security, and reliability. Lead the deployment of OT solutions while aligning strategies with business g...
Reposted yesterday
Director Operations - SOM Medicine Admin
$124K - $178K *
Transform clinical operations by leading strategic initiatives, optimizing resources, and fostering collaboration across departments to enhance performance and achieve organizational goals in a dynami...
6 days ago
$125K - $150K *
Unlock potential by leading procurement strategy and vendor management. Drive cost-saving initiatives and enhance operational efficiency through effective contract negotiation and cross-functional col...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $150K *
Lead the development and execution of innovative procurement strategies, managing the full source-to-pay process while driving cost savings and vendor performance across the organization. Collaborate...
2 weeks ago
Director, Client Delivery Operations & Excellence-(Hybrid)
$130K - $155K *
Elevate operational performance and drive continuous improvement in Client Delivery, ensuring high-quality outcomes. Collaborate with teams to enhance service delivery, establish performance standards...
Today
$180K - $195K *
Transform supply chain operations through strategic leadership in procurement, planning, and logistics. Drive efficiency and supplier performance while ensuring compliance in a dynamic aerospace manuf...
1 month ago
Director- Design Systems, Operations and Bank Design
$195K - $264K *
Innovate design excellence by leading the evolution of design systems and operations. Drive strategic initiatives, mentor teams, and enhance digital experiences through AI integration, ensuring consis...
1 week ago
Project Management Office (PMO), Manager
$128K - $171K *
Elevate your career by leading a dynamic Project Management team in Electrification Services. Drive project execution, enhance customer satisfaction, and foster team development while championing oper...
Yesterday
$95K - $115K *
Optimize project delivery by managing medium-large IT projects, ensuring alignment with scope, budget, and timelines while fostering collaboration across teams and maintaining high-quality project doc...
Yesterday
$90K - $110K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of medical device innovation by leading R&D projects, ensuring compliance, and driving successful commercialization. Collaborate across teams to meet project goals...
Today
$90K - $110K *
Unlock potential by leading a dynamic calibration and repair laboratory, ensuring operational excellence and customer satisfaction while managing budgets, staff, and complex technical challenges...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Join a team that's dedicated to excellence in calibration and repair operations. Lead day-to-day lab activities, manage budgets, and drive efficiency while ensuring top-notch customer service and tech...
1 week ago
$90K - $110K *
Manage day-to-day operations of a calibration lab, ensuring customer satisfaction and financial objectives are met. Lead technical staff, oversee quality standards, and drive process efficiency while...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Optimize quality management processes while leading a team to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory bodies. Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing quality and foster collabor...
Reposted 1 week ago
$150K - $258K *
Lead the charge in shaping global ERP capabilities for Plan-to-Manufacture processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable, compliant solutions that enhance operational performa...
2 days ago
$150K - $258K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of ERP solutions by leading global Plan-to-Manufacture initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to enhance operational performance and drive innovat...
2 days ago
$150K - $258K *
Drive the future of ERP solutions by leading global Plan-to-Manufacture initiatives, enhancing operational performance through technology integration and collaboration across Supply Chain, Manufacturi...
2 days ago
$150K - $258K *
Drive the future of ERP solutions by leading global Plan-to-Manufacture initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance operational performance and ensure compliance through innovative...
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.