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.
$125K - $150K *
Inspire high-impact construction projects by leading teams in delivering design-build solutions valued from $60M to $250M. Engage with stakeholders and manage schedules, budgets, and quality from conc...
Reposted 2 days ago
$150K - $180K *
Lead the charge in managing high-value design-build projects, ensuring quality execution from design to completion. Collaborate with diverse teams and mentor staff while maintaining client relationshi...
2 days ago
Operations Engineering Director / Sr. Director - Medical Device
$150K - $180K *
Empower growth by leading a newly formed Global Operations Engineering team, driving innovation and operational excellence across multiple manufacturing sites while shaping engineering strategy and ca...
2 weeks ago
Senior Operations Leader - GVL Manufacturing
$122K - $204K *
Transform operational excellence by partnering with leadership to drive strategic initiatives, enhance performance management, and foster cross-functional collaboration in a dynamic manufacturing envi...
3 days ago
$116K - $167K *
Lead the charge in process design and scale-up for innovative food solutions. Drive technical leadership across R&I, Operations, and Quality, ensuring safe, cost-effective, and consumer-preferred prod...
3 weeks ago
Director of Manufacturing Plant 6S
$170K - $215K *
Lead the charge in transforming manufacturing facilities through strategic 6S implementation and workplace excellence initiatives, enhancing safety, efficiency, and employee experience across multiple...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Director of Manufacturing Plant 6S
$170K - $215K *
Lead the charge in enhancing workplace excellence and safety across multiple manufacturing sites. Drive strategic initiatives for facility standardization and 6S implementation, ensuring compliance an...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Director of Manufacturing Plant 6S
$170K - $215K *
Drive excellence in workplace standards and 6S implementation across multiple manufacturing sites. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance safety, efficiency, and employee experience while...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Director, Enterprise Data & Integration
$150K - $200K *
Unlock the potential of enterprise data by developing strategies, governance, and integration frameworks. Lead a Data Engineering team to enhance data capabilities, ensuring data is a strategic asset...
2 days ago
Continuous Improvement & Projects Manager
$114K - $149K *
Join a team that's driving continuous improvement and operational excellence in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Lead cross-functional projects to enhance safety, quality, and productivity while i...
2 weeks ago
Project Manager- Manufacturing
$88K - $105K *
Partner with us to drive manufacturing excellence by managing project planning, budgeting, and execution. Collaborate across teams to ensure timely delivery, optimize resources, and enhance operationa...
1 week ago
Director, Administration, Quality & Safety
$161K - $185K *
Elevate the performance of Campus Dining by leading strategic initiatives in administration, quality assurance, safety, and compliance while managing resources to achieve operational excellence aligne...
4 weeks ago
Service Delivery Director (Healthcare)
$125K - $150K *
Transform healthcare service delivery by leading teams to optimize client satisfaction, compliance, and operational efficiency in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment focused on best practices and c...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
Cleanroom Operations Improvement Director
$125K - $150K *
Drive operational excellence across nationwide cleanroom laundry facilities. Collaborate with senior leadership to enhance performance, standardization, and scalability, while leading continuous impro...
Reposted 2 days ago
Program Manager, Finance Solutions and Transformation, Plan-to-Report
$136K - $196K *
Drive strategic initiatives by managing cross-functional projects, optimizing finance processes, and leveraging AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making across the organiz...
1 week ago
Manager, Project Management Operations (PMO)
$100K - $150K *
Elevate our project management excellence by leading a team responsible for the successful delivery of complex IT engagements, ensuring adherence to standards, and fostering stakeholder collaboration...
Reposted 2 days 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
Manager, Training & Workflow Optimization
$79K - $94K *
Lead the development and execution of training programs while optimizing workflows to enhance provider experiences. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure effective training delivery and continuous i...
Today
Senior Director, Sales and Revenue Operations
$232K - $290K *
Optimize revenue generation by leading Sales and Revenue Operations, driving performance across customer-facing teams, and fostering a culture of excellence through strategic initiatives and cross-fun...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$85K - $110K *
Lead financial operations by optimizing budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes. Champion compliance and enhance customer service while developing a high-performing finance team to drive opera...
6 days ago
Operational Excellence Senior Manager - Natural Cheese and Beverage Categories
$110K - $130K *
Unlock continuous improvement in manufacturing processes by leading initiatives that enhance quality and efficiency. Collaborate with teams to drive data-driven solutions and empower partners, ensurin...
2 weeks ago
Manager, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain
$150K - $200K *
Oversee end-to-end sourcing strategies across hardware and software, ensuring compliance and performance in a regulated aerospace environment. Collaborate cross-functionally to mitigate supply risks a...
Yesterday
Sr. Manager, Project Engineering
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in executing major capital projects across North America, overseeing engineering teams to ensure safety, quality, and timeline adherence. Collaborate with stakeholders to drive transfo...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Manager - Engineering Capability & Transformation Leader
$152K - $254K *
Collaborate to transform engineering workforce capabilities, driving strategic alignment and leveraging AI tools to enhance talent management. Lead initiatives that bridge skills gaps and foster a pro...
Today
Senior Manager - Engineering Capability & Transformation Leader
$152K - $254K *
Unlock potential by leading engineering workforce transformation initiatives. Drive strategic alignment across teams to enhance skills, optimize talent mobility, and leverage AI tools for improved dec...
Today
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.