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.
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Champion enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives by leveraging Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Drive operational excellence and measurable outcomes through strategic planning, project management...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Drive enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Lead teams to identify opportunities, implement best practices, and achieve measurable outcomes, fostering a c...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Unlock enterprise-wide improvements by leading Lean Six Sigma initiatives, optimizing processes, and driving operational excellence. Collaborate with teams to identify opportunities, implement best pr...
2 weeks ago
Process Improvement Director (US)
$110K - $198K *
Unlock potential by leading enterprise-wide process improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Drive operational excellence and measurable outcomes through strategic planning and cros...
2 weeks ago
Associate Director, Business Process Management & Operational Excellence
$170K - $200K *
Drive operational excellence by translating strategy into actionable initiatives, enhancing business processes, and leading cross-functional projects to foster growth and improve execution readiness i...
1 week ago
Temporary Director, Process Optimization
$138K - $197K *
Transform enterprise operations by leading process optimization initiatives, collaborating with stakeholders to enhance service delivery, and driving strategic change across the organization for susta...
Yesterday
$150K - $180K *
Lead operational excellence and strategic growth initiatives, driving performance across functions. Collaborate with teams to enhance scalability, accountability, and profitability in a dynamic enviro...
2 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by providing strategic leadership across operations, finance, and growth initiatives. Drive organizational effectiveness, manage P&L, and lead cross-functional teams to enhance perfor...
2 weeks ago
Director, Project Management Office
$110K - $130K *
Transform project delivery by leading a high-performing PMO, optimizing processes, and ensuring compliance with best practices while collaborating with executive leaders to meet client needs and drive...
3 weeks ago
Lead Hub Operations Excellence Engineering
$90K - $110K *
Transform operations by leading strategic initiatives to enhance network performance, optimize facility planning, and drive engineering excellence. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support g...
Reposted 1 week ago
$170K - $303K *
Drive innovative product development programs through effective leadership and strategic management, overseeing all phases from conception to market launch while ensuring cross-functional collaboratio...
3 weeks ago
Director of Engineering, Sales Technology
$175K - $350K *
Drive innovation by leading the Sales Tech engineering team to architect and deliver scalable revenue systems. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to enhance sales and marketing technology, ensu...
Today
Project Lead, Operational Excellence & Transformation
$95K - $115K *
Explore a pivotal role in driving operational excellence through project management, Lean methodologies, and cross-functional collaboration. Lead initiatives that enhance processes, systems, and finan...
2 weeks ago
$85K - $100K *
Unlock potential by leading the EquipREADY service program, optimizing equipment sanitation and distribution while managing a team of technicians. Drive compliance, enhance client satisfaction, and en...
2 weeks ago
Director, Project Execution, Logistic Systems
$185K - $200K *
Transform your career by leading complex logistics projects, driving operational excellence, and mentoring high-performing teams. Collaborate with global stakeholders to ensure successful project deli...
3 weeks ago
PBM Process Improvement Manager Sr.
$94K - $162K *
Unlock potential by driving process improvements and best practices. Collaborate with teams to implement initiatives, track performance metrics, and elevate organizational efficiency across business u...
Reposted 1 week ago
$170K - $180K *
Transform the sales landscape by leading strategic initiatives that enhance performance management, forecasting, and accountability across the commercial organization, driving profitable growth and ac...
2 weeks ago
Sr Director, Software Business Transformation
$160K - $200K *
Transform the Software Business Model by leading strategic initiatives, optimizing processes, and fostering innovation. Collaborate across teams to enhance customer experiences and drive operational e...
1 week ago
Sr Director, Software Business Transformation
$160K - $200K *
Transform the Software Business Model by leading strategic initiatives, optimizing processes, and fostering innovation. Collaborate across teams to enhance customer experiences and drive operational e...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Architect a resilient supply chain strategy that enhances procurement, logistics, and inventory management. Lead cross-functional teams to optimize processes, improve supplier relationships, and ensur...
3 weeks ago
$89K - $111K *
Manage and lead a dynamic distribution center, driving operational excellence and team performance across multiple shifts while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement...
6 days ago
Manufacturing Engineering Manager
$95K - $115K *
Deliver innovative solutions by leading manufacturing engineering functions, enhancing productivity and operational performance while fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement across cr...
1 week ago
Operational Excellence Senior Specialist
$90K - $110K *
Champion operational excellence by driving Lean Six Sigma initiatives, enhancing productivity and safety. Collaborate with teams to identify improvements in efficiency and implement standardized proce...
Reposted 4 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Champion operational excellence by leading process design, quality assurance, and team engagement. Drive continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance and customer satisfaction in a dyn...
3 weeks ago
Director of Delivery & Operations
$125K - $150K *
Join a dynamic team to drive engineering excellence, operational efficiency, and customer-focused delivery across multi-disciplinary platforms. Lead and mentor teams while improving service resilience...
3 weeks 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.