DBS Regional Continuous Improvement Expert

Danfoss; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring & Training

Global opportunities

Flexible work environment

Bonus & benefits package

Job summary

Danfoss seeks a DBS Regional CI Expert to lead Lean initiatives across regional manufacturing sites, driving cost reductions and productivity gains within the DBS framework.

You will collaborate with plant teams and cross-functional leaders, use SAP/Power BI for data analysis, and mentor staff on continuous improvement while traveling up to 3 weeks per month. This role demands 10+ years in CI/ops leadership and a hands-on Lean mindset.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement and operational leadership.
• Lean Manufacturing expertise with a hands-on approach; Six Sigma Black Belt preferred.
• Shainin or similar advanced problem-solving methods advantageous.
• Ability to travel to regional sites up to 3 weeks per month.
• Strong communication and collaboration across cultures and locations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement projects regionally to deliver cost reductions and productivity gains.
• Troubleshoot process bottlenecks and implement hands-on improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and inventory.
• Align DBS standards with regional business goals through cross-functional collaboration.
• Analyze operational data with SAP, Power BI, and MS Office to drive shop-floor improvements.
• Coach and mentor local teams to spread DBS knowledge and practical problem-solving.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Six Sigma Black Belt

Shainin

Cross-cultural collaboration

Data analysis

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Impact You'll Make

As our DBS Regional CI Expert, you’ll play a key role in driving operational excellence, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and supporting sustainable growth across our regional manufacturing sites by championing the Danfoss Business System (DBS). At Danfoss, we believe that learning, personal growth, well-being, and inclusion are the foundation of our success. In this role, you will find an environment that empowers your development while you help us build a more efficient tomorrow.

Your impact? You will directly influence our bottom line and team culture by leading cost reduction initiatives, optimizing productivity, and elevating our safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and inventory standards through the DBS framework.

You’ll collaborate closely with local plant teams, operations management, and cross-functional leaders, taking ownership of our regional Lean strategy to help us move toward a more efficient and sustainable future.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Work under the guidance of the Factory Productivity Leader to lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives & continuous improvement projects across the region to successfully deliver cost reductions and enhance productivity.
• Support regional operational teams across manufacturing facilities by troubleshooting process bottlenecks and implementing hands‑on improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and inventory.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align operational management practices and DBS standards with regional business goals.
• Use your skills in SAP, Power BI, and Microsoft Office to analyze operational data, track KPIs, and turn insights into actionable shop-floor improvements.
• Continuously learn and share knowledge to coach and mentor local team members, enhancing how we operate and innovate on the manufacturing floor.

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement and operational leadership (Production or Operations Management) with a proven track record of delivering results.
• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing and a strong "hands- on" approach; Six Sigma Black Belt certification is highly preferred in addition to formal training and certification in Lean Manufacturing.
• Shainin or other advanced problem-solving methodologies will stand the candidate apart.
• Ability to work well across cultures and locations, with a willingness to spend significant time on the shop floor and flexibility to travel to regional sites for up to 3 weeks a month.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with factory teams and regional leadership.
• A mindset of continuous improvement and collaboration, focusing on practical, floor-level problem-solving alongside our factory teams.

What You’ll Get From Us

• We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
• You’ll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your well‑being matters to us.
• We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.
• You’ll receive benefits like annual bonus, paid vacation, pension plans, personal insurance, and more. These vary by country and contract, but they’re worth asking about—we think they’re pretty great.

Target salary range: $120K - $187K, depending on experience and overall fit for the role.

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.