The Impact You'll Make

Danfoss is seeking an Operations Team Leader to join our Assembly Operations team in Ames, Iowa. Reporting to the Assembly Operations Manager, this position is responsible for safely leading production activities and team resources within the assigned area to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality products that meet and exceed customer expectations.

The Operations Team Leader will play a key role in driving operational performance through strong shop floor leadership, continuous improvement initiatives, problem-solving, and employee engagement. This position will partner closely with Engineering, Quality, and Operations teams to improve processes, resolve production challenges, and achieve key performance objectives. The regular work schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

What You’ll Be Doing

- Lead daily production activities and maintain a strong presence on the shop floor to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and productivity targets are achieved.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), analyze production performance, and develop action plans to drive continuous improvement.
- Identify waste and process improvement opportunities utilizing manufacturing improvement tools such as process flow analysis and Pareto analysis.
- Lead Root Cause Problem Solving (RCPS) activities, ensure corrective actions are completed on time, and drive sustainable results.
- Maintain and improve 5S standards within the production area while promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
- Respond to production escalations, support issue resolution, and coordinate resources to minimize disruptions to operations.
- Manage staffing levels and labor allocation to support changing production demands and operational requirements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, and Operations to improve processes, product quality, and overall manufacturing performance.
- Provide regular coaching, recognition, and performance feedback to employees while fostering a positive and engaged team environment.
- Partner with leaders across shifts and production lines to ensure alignment and support overall Assembly Operations objectives.

What We're Looking For

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a manufacturing, assembly, or production environment.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing operations preferred.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
• Experience using structured problem-solving and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, including 5S and continuous improvement practices.
• Experience leading Kaizen or other continuous improvement events preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work across all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships and drive results through cross-functional teamwork.

What You'll Get from Us

At Danfoss, we believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace fosters creativity, innovation, and a broader perspective in decision-making. When you consider this job posting, do you feel like your profile is not a perfect match? Numerous studies have found that women and people of color are more likely to apply only when they meet all requirements listed in the job posting. Even if you do not check all the boxes, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are curious to find out how you can bring new insights to the role or to Danfoss as an organization.

We are excited to offer you the following benefits with your employment:
Bonus system
Paid vacation
Retirement plan
Flexible working hours
Personal insurance
Opportunity to join Employee Resource Groups
State of the art virtual work environment
Employee Referral Program

Ready to Make a Difference?

If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now to start the conversation and learn more about where your career can go with us.

Our Commitment to Transparency

Salary ranges listed reflect only primary location and currency. For local salary ranges and specific benefits in your preferred hiring location, please ask your Talent Acquisition representative for more information.

The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Any benefits listed do not promise or guarantee any particular benefit or specific action. They may depend on country or contract specifics and are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Want to know more? Please visit our FAQ Page.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.