Director of Operational Excellence Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s dynamic business environment, the importance of Directors of Operational Excellence has never been more pronounced.

As organizations strive towards seamless operations and continuous improvement, the demand for skilled professionals who can design, implement, and oversee operational strategies has surged.

But what exactly is expected of a Director of Operational Excellence?

Regardless of whether you are:

• A job aspirant trying to understand the scope of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of operational excellence,

You’ve landed at the right spot.

Today, we present a customizable Director of Operational Excellence job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Director of Operational Excellence Duties and Responsibilities

A Director of Operational Excellence is responsible for driving process improvement initiatives across all functional areas of an organization to enhance productivity, efficiency and quality.

They lead the development and implementation of new processes and standards that promote operational excellence and align with the company’s strategic objectives.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing strategies to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness
• Leading cross-functional teams to drive process improvement initiatives
• Creating and implementing key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor operational performance
• Designing and implementing continuous improvement programs
• Training and mentoring staff on best practices and principles of operational excellence
• Collaborating with stakeholders to understand their needs and devise effective operational strategies
• Providing leadership and direction to the operational excellence team
• Conducting regular reviews of operational processes and procedures to identify opportunities for improvement
• Creating detailed reports on the progress of initiatives and the impact on business operations
• Ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and compliance requirements

 

Director of Operational Excellence Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Operational Excellence to lead our company’s efforts in process improvement, business efficiency, and operational strategy.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in driving operational excellence initiatives, leading change management, and delivering bottom-line results.

As a Director of Operational Excellence, you will be responsible for identifying opportunities for improvement, designing and implementing strategic initiatives, and instilling a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

 

Responsibilities

• Drive the design and implementation of company-wide process improvement strategies and initiatives
• Identify areas of operational improvement and develop plans to address inefficiencies
• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams in the adoption of Lean, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies
• Ensure compliance with company standards and industry regulations
• Monitor and report on operational performance metrics
• Guide change management initiatives to drive organizational transformation
• Collaborate with senior management to align operational excellence initiatives with business strategy

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar role with a focus on operational excellence and process improvement
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field
• Master’s degree or MBA would be a plus
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma or similar is highly desirable

 

Benefits

• 401(k) with company matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible work hours and remote work opportunities
• Generous paid time off
• Continued professional development and educational opportunities
• Employee wellness programs

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Director of Operational Excellence
• Work Environment: Corporate office setting, with some remote work flexibility. Travel may be necessary for company-wide initiatives, meetings, and trainings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Operating Officer.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, and includes a performance-based bonus structure.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, or veteran status.
• Application Instructions: Interested candidates are requested to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Director of Operational Excellence Do?

The Director of Operational Excellence is a leadership role typically found within corporations across various industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and logistics.

They are responsible for leading the development and execution of long-term operational strategies that align with the company’s overall goals.

This often involves identifying potential operational inefficiencies and implementing new processes or systems to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve quality.

The Director of Operational Excellence works closely with other department heads and senior management to ensure that all operational activities are integrated and aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives.

They are often tasked with fostering a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging teams across the organization to identify and implement operational improvements.

In addition, they may also be responsible for implementing operational excellence methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, or 5S.

This could involve developing training programs, mentoring staff, and leading operational excellence initiatives.

The Director of Operational Excellence also monitors and evaluates the performance of the operational activities, using key performance indicators and other metrics to assess the effectiveness of the implemented strategies.

They then use these insights to drive further improvements and ensure the organization’s sustained competitiveness.

Finally, they may also lead change management initiatives, helping the organization navigate through significant operational changes effectively, and ensure that the changes deliver the intended benefits.

 

Director of Operational Excellence Qualifications and Skills

A Director of Operational Excellence requires a unique combination of technical skills, leadership abilities, and industry knowledge to drive the improvement and efficiency of an organization’s operations, including:

• Proven experience in operational excellence, process improvement, and change management to implement operational initiatives that drive growth and performance.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, capable of inspiring, motivating, and developing teams towards achieving operational excellence.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify operational inefficiencies and develop effective solutions.
• Experience in strategic planning and business development to align operational initiatives with business goals and objectives.
• Ability to effectively communicate and influence at all levels of the organization, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in project management, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver results on time and on budget.
• Understanding of operational excellence methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar.
• Excellent knowledge of data analysis and performance metrics to measure the success of operational initiatives and make informed decisions.
• Adept at using technology to enhance operational efficiency, including familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and other relevant software.

 

Director of Operational Excellence Experience Requirements

Candidates for the Director of Operational Excellence role are typically required to have a minimum of 10 to 15 years of experience in operations, process improvement, or a related field.

This experience must showcase a successful track record of implementing operational excellence programs and achieving significant business results.

Experience in management consulting or business process reengineering within complex organizational environments may be beneficial.

Previous experience in a senior leadership role is often essential, as this role typically involves overseeing operational strategies across various departments or even the entire organization.

Candidates with experience in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, operational risk management, and change management are highly sought after.

It’s also crucial for candidates to have a strong understanding of business operations, including supply chain, finance, and customer service.

Those with more than 15 years of experience may have a solid history of driving transformational change, leading large teams, and influencing senior stakeholders.

Such candidates are often ready for roles with broader responsibility, such as a Senior Director or VP of Operational Excellence.

 

Director of Operational Excellence Education and Training Requirements

The Director of Operational Excellence typically requires a bachelor’s degree in business administration, industrial engineering, or in a related field.

In some cases, employers may prioritize candidates with a master’s degree, especially an MBA, due to the strategic and complex nature of the role.

Strong knowledge and experience in lean methodologies, continuous improvement, and operational efficiency are essential.

Certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, or other relevant areas are highly beneficial and often preferred.

Typically, a minimum of 10 years of experience in operations, process improvement, or a similar role is expected, with several years of that experience in a leadership role.

The candidate should have a proven track record of implementing successful operational improvement initiatives.

In addition to technical skills, the role requires excellent communication and leadership skills, as the Director of Operational Excellence will need to lead and influence a cross-functional team and present operational strategies to senior management.

Continuing education and training in the latest operational and process improvement techniques are highly encouraged.

This will not only keep the Director of Operational Excellence updated but will also demonstrate their dedication to continuous learning and excellence.

 

Director of Operational Excellence Salary Expectations

A Director of Operational Excellence earns an average salary of $135,368 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary greatly based on the individual’s experience, the size and industry of the employing company, and the geographical location.

 

Director of Operational Excellence Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Director of Operational Excellence need?

A Director of Operational Excellence should possess strong strategic planning and project management skills.

They must have a keen understanding of business operations and be able to use data to drive process improvements.

Excellent communication skills are also important, as this role involves coordinating with various teams within the organization.

A strong background in Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies is also beneficial.

 

Do Directors of Operational Excellence need a degree?

Yes, a Director of Operational Excellence typically requires a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.

Many organizations prefer candidates with a master’s degree in these areas.

Professional certifications such as Certified Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean certification are often desirable.

 

What should you look for in a Director of Operational Excellence resume?

A Director of Operational Excellence’s resume should showcase their experience in managing and improving business operations.

It’s important to look for a proven track record of successful project management and the implementation of process improvements.

Additionally, their resume should highlight their proficiency in related software and tools such as data analytics and project management software.

 

What qualities make a good Director of Operational Excellence?

A good Director of Operational Excellence is analytical, able to identify areas of inefficiency and implement effective solutions.

They should have strong leadership skills, able to motivate and guide teams towards operational excellence.

Good problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure are also important qualities.

 

How do Directors of Operational Excellence drive change within an organization?

Directors of Operational Excellence drive change by analyzing current operations, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategies to enhance efficiency and productivity.

They often use data-driven approaches and Lean or Six Sigma methodologies to optimize processes.

They also work closely with other leaders in the organization to ensure changes are effectively communicated and implemented.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a Director of Operational Excellence.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about improving processes.

It’s about sculpting operational efficiency, one process improvement at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive Director of Operational Excellence job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Dive further with our job description generator. It’s your perfect tool for creating razor-sharp job listings or refining your resume to an unbeatable standard.

Keep this in mind:

Every process improvement is a cog in the machinery of operational excellence.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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