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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$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in driving quality initiatives and enhancing manufacturing processes while collaborating across teams for compliance and improvement in the aerospace sector...

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$120K - $150K *

Join a team that's redefining global solutions in HXM operations. Drive strategy, design, and cross-functional implementation to enhance service models and improve efficiency while engaging with senio...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$120K - $166K *

Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure material readiness and risk integration for complex programs. Drive program execution visibility and supplier performance to align with operational priorities...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$125K - $150K *

Deliver strategic IT procurement leadership, guiding a high-performing team to optimize technology investments and vendor relationships across North America, while driving process improvements and exe...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$110K - $130K *

Champion strategic IT procurement initiatives, leading a high-performing team to optimize technology investments and vendor relationships across North America, while driving process improvements and e...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$120K - $145K *

Transform procurement strategies in a dynamic environment. Lead a high-performing team, collaborate with senior leaders, and drive impactful decisions to optimize technology investments across North A...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$108K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping procurement strategy for technology investments. Lead a high-performing group, collaborate with senior leaders, and drive scalable decisions across North America to enhance...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$120K - $145K *

Shape procurement strategies for technology investments, leading a high-performing team to optimize vendor performance and drive strategic decisions across North America, while collaborating with seni...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$150K - $180K *

Shape the future of risk management by leading compliance initiatives across financial services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure regulatory adherence and develop robust policies that...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Transform the supply chain landscape by leading systems and process excellence initiatives, driving operational efficiency and governance across global operations. Collaborate cross-functionally to es...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$100K - $120K *

Transform the employee experience by leading strategic HR initiatives that empower a diverse workforce and drive engagement across the organization, fostering a culture of growth and sustainability wi...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in optimizing enterprise platforms for supply chain operations, enhancing system integration and performance. Drive strategic initiatives that align technology solutions with business...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$110K - $130K *

Unlock potential by leading enterprise platform strategies that enhance supply chain operations. Drive system integration, optimize processes, and develop team capabilities to ensure scalable, complia...

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$72K - $108K *

Optimize commercial operations through data analysis and strategic initiatives, driving sales performance and enhancing efficiency within the North America marketing team. Collaborate across functions...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Join a team that's dedicated to driving client success by leading strategic engagements, building relationships, and delivering exceptional service across a diverse portfolio of enterprise accounts. Y...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$125K - $150K *

Elevate client relationships by managing a portfolio, driving growth, and delivering strategic insights. Lead engagements, ensure quality, and expand partnerships while fostering trust with executives...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$130K - $150K *

Partner with us to lead engineering execution for major capex projects in the US. Drive project management, ensuring safety, quality, and budget compliance while collaborating with internal and extern...

Reposted yesterday

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Food & Beverages

$140K - $220K *

Pioneer innovative strategies and lead collaborative teams to deliver impactful creative solutions. Your expertise in experiential marketing will elevate agency work and forge strong client relationsh...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$140K - $220K *

Transform creative visions into impactful marketing strategies. Lead cross-functional teams to elevate brand experiences through innovative and engaging campaigns, leveraging your expertise in experie...

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$150K - $180K *

Join us to lead our quality engineering team, driving quality assurance initiatives, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance processes an...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $110K *

Elevate your career by overseeing end-to-end supply chain activities, ensuring timely delivery of materials and services. Lead a project-focused procurement team, develop strategies, and drive sustain...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$145K - $188K *

Manage end-to-end procurement and supply chain activities, ensuring timely delivery of materials and services. Lead a project-focused team, develop strategies, and drive sustainable practices to enhan...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$95K - $115K *

Lead the charge in optimizing procurement and supply chain strategies, ensuring timely delivery of materials and services while fostering team development and sustainable practices to enhance project...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$95K - $115K *

Unlock the potential of strategic procurement by managing end-to-end supply chain activities, driving value through supplier relationships, and enhancing project delivery while fostering a high-perfor...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$95K - $115K *

Join us to oversee end-to-end procurement and supply chain activities, ensuring timely delivery of materials and services while driving cost savings and sustainable practices. Lead a project-focused t...

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 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.