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.
$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
$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
$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
Enterprise and Operational Risk Director
$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
Specialist, Systems & Analytics
$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
$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
Manager, Enterprise Platforms - Supply Chain & Operations
$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
Manager, Enterprise Platforms - Supply Chain & Operations
$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
Commercial Operations Analyst, Commercial Operations & Strategic Programs
$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
Operational Efficiency Advisor
$80K - $95K *
Analyze and enhance operational processes to drive efficiency and continuous improvement. Collaborate with stakeholders to identify challenges, recommend solutions, and implement initiatives that simp...
Today
$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
$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
Manager, Engineering Project Execution
$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
$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
$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
$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
$147K - $184K *
Transform the digital lending landscape by leading product strategy, competitive analysis, and roadmap development. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and drive innovation in...
Today
Senior Mgr, People Operations & Programs
$135K - $160K *
Shape the future of People Operations by driving impactful programs and enhancing organizational design. Collaborate with leaders to streamline processes and foster a high-performing culture while man...
3 days ago
Manager - Strategic Supply Chain
$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
Manager - Strategic Supply Chain
$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
Manager - Strategic Supply Chain
$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
Manager - Strategic Supply Chain
$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
Manager - Strategic Supply Chain
$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
$80K - $95K *
Transform purchasing strategies by managing direct materials and suppliers, ensuring optimal cost, quality, and delivery. Collaborate across teams to resolve material issues and drive continuous impro...
Reposted 1 week ago
Manager Planning, External Operations
$102K - $177K *
Elevate your career by leading external operations planning to enhance service, inventory, and agility. Drive continuous improvement and develop strategies that optimize supply chain performance acros...
1 week 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.