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Director Operations Excellence Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Operational Improvement Manager/Director will lead and drive continuous improvement initiatives ... Act as the primary liaison between divisional leadership and corporate Operational Excellence teams.

This opportunity is ideal for a high-performing Director of Operations, Area Coach, District Manager, or multi-unit leader with a track record of operational excellence, strong financial performance ...

This opportunity is ideal for a high-performing Director of Operations, Area Coach, District Manager, or multi-unit leader with a track record of operational excellence, strong financial performance ...

This opportunity is ideal for a high-performing Director of Operations, Area Coach, District Manager, or multi-unit leader with a track record of operational excellence, strong financial performance ...

Operations Director

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$130K - $217K/yr

The Operations Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production and process ... Foster a results-oriented culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, customer ...

The Operations Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production and process ... Foster a results-oriented culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, customer ...

The Operations Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production and process ... Foster a results-oriented culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, customer ...

Operations Director

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$130.30 - $217.30/hr

The Operations Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production and process ... Foster a results-oriented culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, customer ...

The Operations Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of production and process ... Foster a results-oriented culture focused on accountability, operational excellence, customer ...

Showing results 21-40

Director Operations Excellence information

See Michigan salary details

$25.5K

$100K

$155.9K

How much do director operations excellence jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for director operations excellence in Michigan is $99,998.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,888.00 and $124,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a director of operations excellence typically drive cross-functional collaboration to improve organizational processes?

A Director of Operations Excellence often leads initiatives that require close collaboration with departments such as supply chain, finance, IT, and quality assurance. They facilitate workshops, set up process improvement teams, and establish clear communication channels to ensure alignment on goals and timelines. By leveraging data-driven insights and best practices, they help teams identify inefficiencies, implement standardized processes, and measure outcomes. This collaborative approach not only accelerates improvement efforts but also fosters a culture of continuous innovation across the organization.

What does a director of operations excellence do?

A Director of Operations Excellence is responsible for overseeing and improving organizational processes to enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality across various departments. They develop and implement strategies, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives such as Lean or Six Sigma methodologies. This role involves analyzing performance metrics, identifying areas for operational improvement, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve business goals. Directors of Operations Excellence also ensure compliance with industry standards and help drive a culture of excellence within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of operations excellence?

To thrive as a Director of Operations Excellence, you need expertise in process improvement, project management, and strategic planning, usually supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, ERP systems, and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma Black Belt are commonly required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management skills help drive cross-functional initiatives and foster a culture of continuous improvement. These skills and qualifications are vital for optimizing organizational efficiency, ensuring sustainable growth, and delivering operational results.

What is the difference between Director Operations Excellence vs Operations Manager?

AspectDirector Operations ExcellenceOperations Manager
ResponsibilitiesStrategic process improvement, cross-departmental initiatives, long-term efficiency goalsDay-to-day operations management, team supervision, short-term problem solving
Required CredentialsTypically bachelor's degree, certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, or process improvementUsually bachelor's degree, experience in operations, certifications may be beneficial
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning sessions, corporate offices, cross-functional teamsOperational sites, team management, direct interaction with staff

The main difference is that the Director Operations Excellence focuses on strategic, organization-wide process improvements and long-term efficiency initiatives, while the Operations Manager handles daily operational activities and team supervision. Both roles often require similar certifications like Lean or Six Sigma but differ in scope and focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Excellence jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Operations Excellence jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Operations Excellence jobs in Michigan? For Director Operations Excellence jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Operations Excellence jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Director Operations Excellence jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Director Operations Excellence jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Director Operations Excellence job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Operations Excellence job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,998 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Deputy Executive Director - Operations - Exceptional Student Education

Detroit Public Schools Community District

Detroit, MI • On-site

$111K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Detroit Public Schools rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

453rd of 627 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Job Description
Job Title
Position Title: Deputy Executive Director of Operations - Exceptional Student Education
Location: 4701 McKinley, Detroit MI 48208
Salary: $111,190 - $159,276
Reports to: Senior Executive Director, Exceptional Student Education or designee
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Telecommuting Eligibility: This is a site-based position. Telecommuting may be permitted on an occasional basis but is not a regular arrangement.
The Opportunity:
Nearly 8,000 DPSCD students with IEPs depend on Exceptional Student Education (ESE) operations working - and the Deputy Executive Director - Operations is where that work gets built. In this role, you will design and build the structures, processes, and data systems that make ESE run reliably, compliantly, and at a level of excellence that Detroit's students and families deserve.
This is a division-wide leadership role with broad authority and high visibility. You will lead the operational engine of ESE: staffing and recruitment, paraprofessional training, family and constituent engagement, internal communication, and student data systems and you will own the continuous improvement of how the entire organization works. Reporting to the Senior Executive Director, you will serve as a senior member of the ESE leadership team and a key partner in advancing the District's goals for students with disabilities.
You are a strategic, systems-minded leader who builds order out of complexity. You communicate clearly, resolve conflict calmly, and let data drive your decisions. You are energized by the work of improving how a large organization operates, and you bring the judgment to manage sensitive, high-stakes operational matters with professionalism and care.
What Success Looks Like:
Success in this role is ongoing, not a one-time milestone. When the Deputy Executive Director - Operations is leading at a high level:
  • ESE operations run on clear, well-documented systems that staff understand, trust, and use every day - the organization is carried by reliable systems, not by heroics.
  • Teams are fully and appropriately staffed, and paraprofessionals and staff are well-trained, supported, and set up to succeed.
  • Families and constituents receive timely, accurate, and respectful responses, and confidence in ESE continues to grow.
  • ESE data - including Medicaid billing, student placement, and PowerSchool Special Programs - is accurate, current, secure, and compliant, and leaders make decisions from reliable, real-time information.
  • Key performance indicators are tracked and reported transparently, and the division identifies and solves problems before they escalate.
  • Work across ESE measurably improves over time, and the systems in place make the next improvement easier than the last.

Why DPSCD:
DPSCD is the largest school district in Michigan and is committed to becoming the highest-performing urban district in the country. Exceptional Student Education is central to that mission. This role offers the scope to shape operations across an entire division, a seat on the ESE leadership team with direct visibility to senior District leadership, and a competitive benefits package including retirement, medical, dental, and vision coverage and paid time off. Most of all, it offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference for Detroit's students with disabilities and the staff who serve them.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree required. Master's Degree strongly preferred (Educational Leadership, Special Education, Public Administration, or a related field preferred).
  • Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience, including a minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience and experience leading operations at scale. Preference for administrative experience in public education.
  • Demonstrated experience designing, building, and implementing organization-wide systems, processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Demonstrated experience leading recruitment and staffing, professional learning (including paraprofessional training), parent and family engagement, and constituent response.
  • Demonstrated experience developing, tracking, and reporting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and using data to drive decision-making.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to model effective organizational systems for others.
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, and strong customer service skills.

Essential Functions:
Systems & Continuous Improvement
  • Provide executive leadership and oversight for all ESE operations, ensuring the organization runs smoothly and strategically.
  • Design, build, and continuously improve systems, structures, and processes across all of ESE to strengthen the quality, consistency, and efficiency of work organization wide.
  • Develop, refine, and implement operations policies, administrative guidelines, and manuals; ensure adherence and recommend improvements as needed.

People & Talent
  • Lead ESE staff recruitment and staffing strategy in partnership with the Office of Human Resources; oversee job postings, hiring processes, and onboarding to ensure ESE is fully and appropriately staffed.
  • Oversee the development and delivery of paraprofessional (para) training and professional learning; monitor completion and effectiveness and adjust based on data.
  • Supervise, coach, and evaluate operational directors, supervisors, and staff; build and sustain a high-performing operations team.

Family & Constituent Engagement
  • Lead ESE parent and family engagement strategy and initiatives to strengthen partnerships between families and the District.
  • Direct the constituent response system and serve as a senior point of escalation for constituent questions and concerns, ensuring timely, high-quality resolution.
  • Oversee internal communication with all ESE staff, ensuring information is shared clearly, consistently, and in a timely manner across the organization.

Data, Systems & Accountability
  • Provide management-level oversight of ESE Information Systems and student data, including Medicaid billing, student placement, and the administration of PowerSchool Special Programs, ensuring accuracy, integrity, security, and compliance.
  • Establish, track, and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs); analyze operational data and produce reports for ESE and District leadership that conspicuously identify problem areas and drive continuous improvement.

Operational Oversight & Support
  • Oversee operational support for enrollment, facilities, field trips, special events, Special Olympics, and ESE technology, as applicable.
  • Support the ESE department with the development and execution of crisis management plans; assist on-site and remotely in the event of a crisis.
  • Ensure documented policies and guidelines related to investigations of alleged student misconduct, staff misconduct, or Title IX matters are followed; liaise with relevant central office departments when necessary.
  • Collaborate with and support ESE central office and school-level administrators to manage and resolve conflict among constituents in a timely manner.
  • Proactively and consistently communicate with the Senior Executive Director and ESE Lead Administrators regarding operational matters requiring immediate follow-up.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Executive Director or designee.

Security Clearance:
Internal Applicants
If you are a current Detroit Public Schools Community District employee, you do not have to submit to a new security clearance, unless your new role requires a different type of criminal background check.
External Applicants
In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire.
Method of Application:
Applicants must apply through the online application system. Only applications submitted through the online application system will be considered for any posted position and all applications require a resume to be considered.
Successful candidates are required to submit official transcript(s) at point of offer to hire. Teaching service outside of the Detroit Public Schools Community District must be verified by the applicant's prior employer(s) prior to hire. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documentation (including copies) as requested.
Applicants requesting assistance during the application process should contact the Office of Human Resources via email at [email protected] or phone at (313) 873-6897.
DPSCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability and/or religion. Contact the Civil Rights Coordinator for more information at (313) 240-4377 or detroitk12.org/compliance.

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