DBS Regional Continuous Improvement Expert

Danfoss GmbH; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Paid vacation

Pension plans

Personal insurance

Job summary

Danfoss is seeking a DBS Regional CI Expert to drive operational excellence across regional manufacturing sites using the Danfoss Business System (DBS). You will lead Lean initiatives, optimize productivity, and raise safety, quality, and inventory standards while collaborating with plant teams and leadership.

The role requires 10+ years in CI/ops, Lean mastery, and a hands-on approach; travel up to 3 weeks per month is expected. Competitive compensation with benefits is offered.

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 methodologies advantageous.
• Willingness to travel to regional sites up to 3 weeks per month.
• Strong cross-cultural communication to engage with factory teams and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives and CI projects across the region to deliver cost reductions and productivity gains.
• Troubleshoot process bottlenecks and implement hands-on improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and inventory.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align DBS standards with regional goals.
• Analyze operational data using SAP, Power BI, and MS Office to drive shop-floor improvements.
• Coach and mentor local teams to share DBS knowledge and promote continuous improvement.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma Black Belt

Shainin

SAP

Power BI

MS Office

Team leadership

Travel-ready

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Microsoft Office

Job description

DBS Regional Continuous Improvement Expert

Req ID: 49414 Job Location: Chicago, IL, US, Ames, IA, US, Atlanta, GA, US, Baltimore, MD, US, Cleveland, TN , US, Dallas, TX, US, Denver, CO, US, Loves Park, IL, US, Minneapolis, MN, US, New York, NY, US, Tallahassee, FL, US Employment Type: Full Time Segment: Group Functions CFO Job Category: Supply Chain and Operations Work Location Type: Hybrid

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.