Danfoss GmbH
Director of Operations, Plate Heat Exchangers
Req ID: 47418 Job Location (s): Louisville, KY, USA Employment Type: Full Time Segment: Danfoss Climate Solutions Segment Job Category: Supply Chain and Operations Work Location Type: On-site
Join us in leading the future of manufacturing at our Louisville Operations facility, home to our Gasketed Plate Heat Exchanger (GPHE) production. In this pivotal role, you will be the driving force behind a €40M operation, guiding a talented team of 15 salaried and 40 hourly employees. You’ll bring our globally aligned manufacturing strategies to life locally—ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency—while spearheading North America’s site development.
This is your opportunity to shape operational excellence, foster innovation, and make a lasting impact on a high‑performing team, all while collaborating with colleagues across the globe. If you’re ready to lead with vision, deliver results, and help us build the next chapter of our manufacturing success story, we’d love to have you on board.
What You’ll Be Doing Operational Leadership
Direct all GPHE production processes, including pressing, gasketing, assembly, inbound/outbound warehousing, and shipping.
Ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are consistently met.
Translate and execute global manufacturing strategies in alignment with Plate Heat Exchanger (PHEX) goals.
Lead the improvement of production processes to achieve optimal performance.
Drive site development and capacity improvement initiatives for North American operations.
Implement warehouse management improvements, ensuring stock accuracy and enhanced performance.
Strategic Execution & Performance
Align local operations with global KPIs and lean manufacturing principles.
Champion automation, digitalization (SAP, no-touch processes), and process standardization.
Track, analyze, and report on key performance metrics, including OEE, cost efficiency, delivery performance, and customer satisfaction.
People & Capability Development
Build and sustain a high-performing, cross-functional team.
Develop leadership talent and close skill gaps to support innovation and growth.
Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
Serve as the primary representative of Louisville operations to internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborate with global supply chain, engineering, procurement, logistics, and finance teams to ensure seamless execution.
Support customer projects and new product introductions from an operational perspective.
What We're Looking For Education
Technical background combined with a Financial or Business degree (BA, MA, or MBA).
Experience
3–5 years in a manufacturing environment, ideally with experience leading leaders.
Customer-focused mindset with an “outside-in” approach.
Preferred Skills & Experience
Experience working within a complex global matrix organization.
Strong communication skills, both locally and globally.
Personal Attributes
Resilient under pressure, with the ability to deliver on defined objectives.
Strong leadership presence and ability to inspire 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, retirement 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.
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Join us in leading the future of manufacturing at our Louisville Operations facility, home to our Gasketed Plate Heat Exchanger (GPHE) production. In this pivotal role, you will be the driving force behind a €40M operation, guiding a talented team of 15 salaried and 40 hourly employees. You’ll bring our globally aligned manufacturing strategies to life locally—ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency—while spearheading North America’s site development.
This is your opportunity to shape operational excellence, foster innovation, and make a lasting impact on a high‑performing team, all while collaborating with colleagues across the globe. If you’re ready to lead with vision, deliver results, and help us build the next chapter of our manufacturing success story, we’d love to have you on board.
What You’ll Be Doing Operational Leadership
Direct all GPHE production processes, including pressing, gasketing, assembly, inbound/outbound warehousing, and shipping.
Ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are consistently met.
Translate and execute global manufacturing strategies in alignment with Plate Heat Exchanger (PHEX) goals.
Lead the improvement of production processes to achieve optimal performance.
Drive site development and capacity improvement initiatives for North American operations.
Implement warehouse management improvements, ensuring stock accuracy and enhanced performance.
Strategic Execution & Performance
Align local operations with global KPIs and lean manufacturing principles.
Champion automation, digitalization (SAP, no-touch processes), and process standardization.
Track, analyze, and report on key performance metrics, including OEE, cost efficiency, delivery performance, and customer satisfaction.
People & Capability Development
Build and sustain a high-performing, cross-functional team.
Develop leadership talent and close skill gaps to support innovation and growth.
Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
Serve as the primary representative of Louisville operations to internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborate with global supply chain, engineering, procurement, logistics, and finance teams to ensure seamless execution.
Support customer projects and new product introductions from an operational perspective.
What We're Looking For Education
Technical background combined with a Financial or Business degree (BA, MA, or MBA).
Experience
3–5 years in a manufacturing environment, ideally with experience leading leaders.
Customer-focused mindset with an “outside-in” approach.
Preferred Skills & Experience
Experience working within a complex global matrix organization.
Strong communication skills, both locally and globally.
Personal Attributes
Resilient under pressure, with the ability to deliver on defined objectives.
Strong leadership presence and ability to inspire 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, retirement 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr