Team Leader, Assembly

Danfoss; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus system

Paid vacation

Retirement plan

Flexible working hours

Personal insurance

Employee Resource Groups

State of the art virtual work enviro n

Employee Referral Program

Job summary

Danfoss in Ames, IA is seeking an Operations Team Leader for our Assembly Operations team. You will safely lead production activities, manage resources, and deliver high-quality products on time while driving continuous improvement.

You will monitor KPIs, mentor staff, and partner with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to optimize processes and manufacturing performance. Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–2:00 PM.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production activities and maintain a strong presence on the shop floor to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and productivity targets are achieved.
• Monitor KPIs, analyze production performance, and develop action plans to drive continuous improvement.
• Identify waste and opportunities using process flow and Pareto analyses.
• Lead RCPS activities, ensure corrective actions are completed on time, and drive sustainable results.
• Maintain and improve 5S standards and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Respond to production escalations, support issue resolution, and coordinate resources to minimize disruptions.
• Manage staffing levels and labor allocation to support changing production demands.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Operations to improve processes, product quality, and manufacturing performance.
• Provide coaching, recognition, and feedback to employees while fostering an engaged team environment.
• Partner with leaders across shifts to ensure alignment and support Assembly Operations objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Team building

Problem solving

Lean manufacturing

5S

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Associate or Bachelor degree preferred

Tools

5S

Root Cause Analysis

Kaizen

Process Flow Analysis

Pareto Analysis

Job description

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

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.