Manager - Operations

Danfoss; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

13th salary

Annual bonus

Paid vacation

Pension plans

Personal insurance

Job summary

Danfoss is seeking an Operations Manager to serve as the nerve center of our Ames facility, overseeing all shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations. You will own process improvements, implement 5S standards, cycle counting, and performance metrics, and optimize the logistics network.

You will lead a team, coach talent, and partner with Sales and Finance to ensure a smooth flow of products and information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 5+ years' experience in logistics, including warehouse operations.
• Proven track record as a people leader with coaching and development experience.
• Strong analytical and data skills; proficient with SAP and Excel.
• Understanding of freight forwarding, carrier management, and inventory control.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop teams responsible for shipping, receiving, and warehouse ops.
• Own warehouse processes including cycle counting, 5S, and performance metrics.
• Manage and optimize relationships with transportation carriers.
• Partner with Operations, Sales, and Finance to ensure seamless product and info flow.
• Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives to boost efficiency and cut costs.

Skills

People leadership

Data analytics

Logistics knowledge

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics / Supply Chain

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Impact You'll Make

Are you a hands‑on logistics leader who excels at orchestrating the moving parts of a busy operation? As our new Operations Manager, you will be the nerve center of our facility, taking full ownership of the flow of products from the moment they arrive to the moment they ship out to our customers.

This is a role where you will do more than just manage a warehouse; you will shape its future. You will have the autonomy to develop and implement better processes, optimize our logistics network, and build strong partnerships with teams across the business, from Sales to Finance.

Your leadership will directly impact our performance and our people. You will have the opportunity to coach and develop a dedicated team, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement that is essential to our success.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead, coach, and develop the teams responsible for all shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations, ensuring a safe and efficient workplace.
• Take ownership of our warehouse processes, from developing inventory accuracy programs like cycle counting to implementing 5S standards and performance metrics.
• Manage and optimize our relationships with transportation carriers, analyzing their performance to ensure we have the most effective and cost‑efficient logistics network.
• Act as a key partner to our Operations, Sales, and Finance teams, ensuring a seamless flow of products and information throughout the facility.
• Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives, implementing new solutions and streamlining workflows to boost efficiency and reduce costs.

What We’re Looking For

• A Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, or a similar field, with at least 5 years of experience in logistics, including direct experience managing warehouse operations.
• Proven experience as a people leader, with a passion for coaching, developing, and motivating teams to achieve their best.
• Strong proficiency with SAP and Microsoft Office (especially Excel), combined with excellent analytical and data skills.
• A solid understanding of logistics principles, including freight forwarding, carrier management, and inventory control processes.
• A continuous improvement mindset, with experience in Lean principles and a track record of leading improvement events being a major plus.

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 13th salary, 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.

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.

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.