Department Manager - 2nd Shift (Summer 2027)

Department Manager 2nd Shift

Full-Time Leadership Role | Manufacturing Operations

Location: Carroll, Iowa Shift: MondayThursday | 3:30 PM 2:10 AM

About the Role

The Department Manager is an entry- to early-career leadership role within Pella's manufacturing operations. In this position, you will lead a production department and manage a team of 3040 hourly employees while supporting daily manufacturing goals related to safety, quality, and productivity.

This role is ideal for individuals interested in people leadership, operations management, and continuous improvement who want hands-on experience leading teams in a fast-paced environment.

While all qualified candidates will be considered, this role is primarily intended for new college graduates completing their degree in Spring 2027.

Compensation:

The starting salary for this position is $75,530 annually. Compensation for this role is established through Pella Corporation's college recruiting program. Eligible participants may receive transition assistance in accordance with company policies and program guidelines. Benefits are available in accordance with the terms of applicable benefit plans.

Responsibilities

What You'll Do

As a Department Manager, you will be responsible for both leading people and supporting operational performance.

Core responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a team of 3040 hourly production employees
• Supporting department performance in safety, quality, and productivity
• Managing daily operations on 2nd shift
• Monitoring labor efficiency and supporting department budget goals
• Coaching employees through training, feedback, and performance discussions
• Interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and developing team members
• Addressing employee concerns and applying corrective action when needed
• Supporting continuous improvement efforts using Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen principles

What This Role Is Like

This is a hands-on leadership role with regular time spent on the production floor. Successful Department Managers are visible, approachable, and comfortable working directly with employees to solve problems and improve processes.

The manufacturing environment is active and fast-moving, and the role requires comfort working in a production setting during off-shift hours.

What This Role Prepares You For

This position builds practical leadership and operations experience that translates across manufacturing and operations careers, including:

• People and team leadership
• Operations and production management
• Continuous improvement and process optimization
• Decision-making in a fast-paced environment
• Talent development and coaching

Many leaders begin their careers in roles like this and continue into broader operations, technical, or leadership positions.

Qualifications

The ideal Department Manager will meet the following qualifications:

• Associate's/Bachelor's degree and/or 2-5 years of relevant experience
• Team player with demonstrated leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Passion and the ability to motivate others
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Experience in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement a plus
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required

About Us

About Pella Corporation

As the #1 most-preferred national window and door brand by homeowners across the country, Pella Corporation leads the industry in innovation and design. Founded in 1925, today the Pella Family of Brands encompasses a robust product offering sold and installed through various channels. We are a growing, privately owned company with 20 manufacturing locations and over 10,000 team members in the U.S. and Canada. Pella is consistently recognized as a great place to work by Newsweek, Forbes and Glassdoor, having most recently been named to America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity by Newsweek in 2024, as well as Forbes' 2024 Best Employers for Women and Best-In-State Employer in Iowa. We have also received numerous accolades for innovation and design, including Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2024 and Most Innovative Manufacturers for 2022 and 2023.

At Pella, our team cares deeply, learns continuously and achieves results that go beyond. We encourage creative thinking that seeks out and includes diverse perspectives. And we empower you to do the work you're most proud of that's why we offer individualized talent development plans, cross-functional experiences and opportunities for career advancement through personal and professional development.

With talent just like you, we are imagining, building and fighting for a brighter future for generations to come. Ready to find a career that sparks your passion?