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.
$100K - $120K *
Drive quality excellence by leading a skilled QA team, advancing automation strategies, and ensuring high-performing software delivery that aligns with business needs and enhances application reliabil...
3 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Lead high-performing QA teams to ensure exceptional software quality, driving innovative automation and AI-assisted testing methods. Collaborate with stakeholders to implement quality strategies that...
3 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to quality excellence and safety. Lead strategic initiatives in a dynamic manufacturing environment, ensuring compliance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement...
Reposted today
$80K - $95K *
Elevate quality standards by leading strategic initiatives in a manufacturing facility, ensuring optimal safety, productivity, and compliance with quality and food safety regulations while fostering a...
Reposted today
$80K - $95K *
Elevate quality standards by leading strategic initiatives that ensure safety, productivity, and product integrity in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Inspire a culture of excellence and complianc...
Reposted today
$80K - $95K *
Empower quality excellence by leading initiatives that enhance safety, productivity, and product integrity. Collaborate with teams to implement effective quality management systems and ensure complian...
Reposted today
$80K - $95K *
Drive quality excellence by leading strategic initiatives that enhance safety, productivity, and product integrity in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Inspire a culture of continuous improvement a...
Reposted today
$100K - $120K *
Oversee project management practices, ensuring timely delivery and stakeholder engagement. Drive collaboration across teams while mitigating risks and enhancing project visibility within a dynamic por...
Today
Supply Chain Engineering Domain Director
$150K - $305K *
Drive end-to-end technical delivery for enterprise supply chain applications, leading multidisciplinary teams and managing the full application lifecycle while serving as a trusted advisor to client l...
2 weeks ago
Quality Business System Director
$150K - $180K *
Transform quality management across global manufacturing by leading strategy, enhancing operational excellence, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to drive customer satisfaction and per...
1 week ago
Quality Business System Director
$135K - $160K *
Transform quality management by leading global strategies, enhancing operational excellence, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across diverse teams to drive measurable outcomes and cus...
1 week ago
Quality Business System Director
$150K - $180K *
Drive global quality excellence by defining and deploying standards, tools, and metrics. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to enhance operational performance and foster a culture of continuous...
1 week ago
Site General Manager, Manufacturing Operations
$150K - $180K *
Drive operational excellence by leading a dynamic team in manufacturing, supply chain, and quality management. Shape the future of our products while ensuring compliance and fostering growth in a coll...
Today
Supply Chain Program Manager (PMO)
$155K - $185K *
Optimize supply chain coordination and data management to enhance program performance, ensuring timely material delivery and cross-functional alignment while mitigating risks and supporting new produc...
3 days ago
Supply Chain Program Manager (PMO)
$155K - $185K *
Pioneer effective supply chain management by coordinating program activities, ensuring timely material deliverables, and consolidating data for decision-making across cross-functional teams to meet pe...
3 days ago
$90K - $100K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead the marketing operations, managing budgets, performance metrics, and event strategies to drive member engagement and revenue. Your expertise will shape impactful media...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Staff Product Manager, Sales Operations
$180K - $207K *
Shape the future of sales technology by leading product strategy and enhancing operational efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design a unified revenue management system that aligns...
6 days ago
Project Manager- Strategy Execution
$100K - $120K *
Drive strategic transformation projects by aligning stakeholders, structuring initiatives, and ensuring progress from planning to implementation. Collaborate with leaders to turn strategic intent into...
Yesterday
$134K - $184K *
Empower project success through effective coordination of contract execution, ensuring interdepartmental collaboration and adherence to quality standards, while mentoring team members and optimizing p...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Director, Precision Engagement and Orchestration
$178K - $257K *
Elevate customer engagement by leading Precision Engagement strategies, collaborating across teams to develop scalable use cases, and driving innovation through data-driven insights and advanced analy...
Reposted 5 days ago
Director of Manufacturing and Quality
$200K - $250K *
Transform global manufacturing strategy and quality management for hardware products, ensuring seamless NPI transitions and optimizing production across multi-site operations, while leading a high-per...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Project Manager, Commercial Strategy Execution
$130K - $170K *
Transform commercial strategy into actionable plans, ensuring alignment across teams and driving measurable outcomes. Lead cross-functional coordination, manage governance processes, and communicate p...
1 week ago
Process Improvement Manager - Corp
$80K - $95K *
Shape impactful cross-functional projects using structured project management methodologies. Drive efficiency improvements and optimize performance by collaborating with various departments and analyz...
4 weeks ago
$144K - $211K *
Join a team that's driving innovation in software and robotics. As a Senior Technical Program Manager, you'll lead complex projects, ensuring timely delivery and quality while fostering collaboration...
2 days ago
Operating Director, Value Creation
$200K - $260K *
Transform portfolio operations by leading M&A integrations, driving cost and revenue synergies, and executing value creation initiatives across multiple functional areas and countries, ensuring alignm...
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.