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.
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
Lead Manager, Business Practices and HSE Management Systems
$100K - $120K *
Drive the evolution of HSE management systems, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement across the organization. Collaborate with teams to enhance safety practices and lead strategic initiatives...
3 days ago
Senior Manager, Clinical Programs
$145K - $175K *
Advance clinical trial execution globally by leading a team of managers, ensuring compliance and achieving milestones in diagnostics and medical devices. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance oper...
4 days ago
Manager, Professional Education & KOL Engagement
$140K - $180K *
Empower clinicians by developing impactful education and KOL engagement strategies. Collaborate across teams to enhance product adoption and customer experience through innovative learning programs an...
4 days ago
Director, WW Sales Transformation
$150K - $180K *
Champion strategic sales transformation by leveraging data and insights to drive growth, optimize operations, and enhance decision-making across a global sales organization. Collaborate with leadershi...
2 weeks ago
Senior Director, Project Delivery - US
$160K - $200K *
Develop and enhance project delivery across the U.S. by collaborating with operational leaders, implementing best practices, and ensuring quality governance. Drive innovation and efficiency in complex...
1 week ago
Director, Warehouse Operations
$110K - $130K *
Drive operational excellence by leading the startup of a new fulfillment center, enhancing eCommerce processes, and building a high-performing team to achieve efficiency and client satisfaction in a f...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in advancing glass recycling practices and operational excellence. Drive projects to enhance quality, productivity, and sustainability while collaborating with site leadership to imple...
Reposted 5 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
Manager, IT ERP - SAP Manufacturing
$151K - $185K *
Lead the development and governance of SAP Production Planning, Plant Maintenance, and Master Data processes, harmonizing complex manufacturing requirements across a global landscape while ensuring co...
4 weeks ago
$160K - $180K *
Elevate your career by leading engineering and quality initiatives across multiple facilities. Drive compliance with ASME standards, develop teams, and engage directly with customers to ensure product...
1 week ago
Director of Operations, Warehousing & Distribution
$110K - $130K *
Lead operational excellence across our multi-site Warehousing & Distribution network. Drive performance, develop leaders, and ensure alignment with business strategies to deliver safety, quality, and...
3 weeks ago
$165K - $210K *
Take ownership of operations leadership, driving safety, quality, and productivity in a high-mix manufacturing environment while fostering team development and continuous improvement across product li...
1 week ago
Director, Production Optimization
$160K - $185K *
Transform production efficiency by leading packaging operations and LEAN initiatives across multiple sites. Drive continuous improvement, ensure compliance, and enhance quality outcomes while collabor...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a dynamic team to drive operational efficiency through effective project management across diverse industries. Utilize structured methodologies to ensure high-quality service delivery while achie...
6 days ago
$95K - $115K *
Transform operational performance across multiple sites by driving safety, quality, and efficiency initiatives. Lead teams to achieve strategic goals while ensuring compliance and continuous improveme...
Today
$95K - $115K *
Lead the charge in operational excellence across multiple sites, driving safety, quality, and productivity initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and achieve strate...
Today
Senior Production Operations Leader
$120K - $190K *
Shape the future of our production operations by developing leaders, enhancing processes, and ensuring high performance while maintaining quality and efficiency across multiple teams and shifts...
4 weeks 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...
1 month ago
$140K - $160K *
Join our dynamic Revenue Operations team to own and optimize our tech stack, drive process improvements, and enhance cross-functional collaboration to fuel our go-to-market success. Be a key player in...
Reposted today
Senior Manager, Service Excellence
$100K - $120K *
Champion operational excellence and drive performance improvements across regions. Collaborate with leaders to enhance service standards, boost customer satisfaction, and foster a culture of accountab...
Reposted 1 month ago
Senior Manager, Service Excellence
$95K - $115K *
Transform operational performance as a key strategic partner. Drive improvements, ensure consistency, and enhance customer satisfaction across multiple locations while leading high-impact initiatives...
Reposted 1 month 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
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
$180K - $230K *
Drive strategic program management across cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment with corporate goals. Lead the execution of complex development programs while fostering collaboration and accounta...
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.