Operations Jobs in Iowa
Operations jobs in Iowa are concentrated in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture processing, and financial services, with demand at every level from entry-level coordinators to senior operations managers. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport anchor most of the hiring, where employers like Principal Financial Group, Collins Aerospace, and Hy-Vee maintain large operations footprints. Supply chain management, process improvement, and distribution center operations are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The Operations Manager, serving as a liaison between projects assigned personnel and executive management. It is accountable for establishing and maintaining a mutually beneficial working environment for the location's employees, providing management, communication and leadership to facilitate sound business decisions across multiple customer contracts to ensure division success. Monitors and ensures customer satisfaction and cultivates new business opportunities.
Connecting you to great benefits
- Weekly Paychecks
- Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, and Holidays
- Insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance)
- 401(k) w/ Company Match
- Stock Purchase Plan
- Education Reimbursement
- Legal Insurance
- Discounts on gym memberships, pet insurance, and much more!
What you’ll do
- Assumes complete responsibility for the assigned Construction Division, its operations, its equipment and its facilities
- Assumes complete responsibility for safety requirements by holding others accountable and supporting commitment to worker safety, worker’s compensation loss management and DOT compliance in coordination and cooperation with the EHS department
- Maintains regular communication with internal and external stakeholders in effort to monitor and ensure customer satisfaction and organizational congruence
- Identifies and implements continuous process improvement initiatives to allow efficient service delivery
- Identifies, analyzes and reports key performance indicators of divisional operations and holds stakeholders at all levels accountable to them, ensuring employee engagement, maximum productivity and maximum profitability
- Monitors and holds others accountable to maintaining an appropriate and effective work schedule and quality control program to ensures the Company’s promises of quality and timeliness are met
- May be responsible for the employee and subcontractor schedule - budgets time required to meet production deadlines in a safe manner
- When utilized, works closely with Project Management personnel to ensure smooth departmental hand offs and appropriate information and documentation flow
- Acquires complete knowledge of assigned contracts including in depth knowledge of units, pricing, systems and other specific customer requirements. Trains and holds direct reports accountable to such knowledge as it is necessary to effectively perform their jobs
- Seeks new business opportunities
- Actively involved in the bid compilation and contract negotiations
- Negotiates unit additions with the customer as they arise
- Actively seeks knowledge of business finances on a weekly basis
- Adjusts work activities to make financial success a priority
- Monitors work being performed to ensure compliance with safety requirements and contract terms
- Ensures equipment is maintained per established Manufacturer and Company standards
- Manages equipment procurement needs using cost vs benefit analysis
- Ensures the accuracy of employee time and production records. Follows company processes to address discrepancies
- Actively seeks and actively participates in the on-boarding process of new Subcontractors
- Effectively identifies need for, acquires and manages an appropriate workforce in correlation with customer demands in participation and support of Human Resources
- Ensures that both positive and negative feedback are delivered and appropriately documented in a timely manner, either personally or through appropriate delegation, in alignment with Company procedures regarding employee performance reviews
- Creates and maintains individual employee development plans
- Seeks and implements opportunities for employee development
- May perform the duties of field personnel as needed
- Other duties as assigned
What you’ll need
- Bachelor’s Degree in an industry-related Engineering or Project Management field and 2-4 years of hands-on
- Telecommunications industry-specific experience, or combination of education and experience is required
- Proven leadership in a cross functional team environment
- Strong negotiator and consensus builder
- Commitment to technology-driven process improvement
- Proficient word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet and cloud-based computer skills are required. Working knowledge of Google suite of applications strongly preferred
- Travel is required
Core Competencies
- Teamwork and Servant leadership
- Complex problem solving and critical thinking
-
Exemplary communication skills, both written and verbal
Openness to change - Ability to develop and maintain relationships
- Meticulously Organized
- Self-motivated and driven
- Organizational commitment and congruence
Work Environment/Physical Demands
The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Frequent sit, stand and/or walk
- Occasionally bend, squat, kneel, crawl or twist on concrete, dirt or gravel surfaces
- Frequent use of sight (specifically, close to perform computer work), hearing and voice
- Use of hands, arms, and fingers to perform routine and repetitive tasks
- Occasional light to moderate lifting (up to 30 lbs)
- Occasionally work in adverse weather conditions and uneven surfaces
- Wear required personal protective equipment if required
Why grow your career with us
Your career here is more than just a job — it's your pathway to opportunity. Our hands-on training, supportive environment, and responsive leadership connect you to work with purpose. Our commitment to you extends beyond professional development to a safety-first culture that ensures you can do what you do best, with peace of mind.
Building stronger solutions together
Our company is an equal-opportunity employer — we are committed to providing a work environment where everyone can thrive, grow, and feel connected.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
See All 516+ Operations Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Operations JobsOperations Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Operations Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- AGRILAND FS35

- NEW Cooperative21

- Kohl's20

- Heartland Co-op16

- Landus15

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Retail
- Insurance
- Manufacturing
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in operations jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or operations management preferred by most Iowa employers
- Demonstrated experience with process improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma
- Proficiency in ERP systems including SAP, Oracle, or similar enterprise platforms
- Strong project management skills with ability to coordinate cross-functional Iowa teams
- Experience in inventory control, logistics coordination, or distribution center management
- Familiarity with OSHA safety standards and compliance practices common in Iowa manufacturing
Operations Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a operations in Iowa?
Most operations roles in Iowa require a bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field, though employers in manufacturing and logistics also value applied technical degrees. Iowa does not issue a state license specific to general operations work, but certifications like Certified Supply Chain Professional or Six Sigma credentials are recognized benchmarks. Gaining experience in Iowa's dominant sectors, such as food manufacturing, financial services, or logistics, strengthens a candidate's standing considerably.
Which companies hire operationss in Iowa?
Iowa operations roles are posted by AGRILAND FS, NEW Cooperative, and Kohl's and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Iowa's mix of large manufacturers, regional distributors, and financial services headquarters creates steady, diverse demand for operations professionals across the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most operations jobs?
Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and West Des Moines are the Iowa cities with the most operations openings right now. Des Moines leads because of its concentration of financial services, insurance, and corporate headquarters, while Cedar Rapids draws demand from food processing giants and aerospace manufacturers, and the Quad Cities corridor benefits from cross-border logistics and manufacturing activity along the Mississippi River.
Are there remote operations jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they vary significantly by specialty. About 36% of operations openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting a mix of on-site and desk-based roles. Process improvement analysts, operations coordinators, and data-focused roles in financial services are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements, while plant operations, warehouse management, and distribution roles typically require an on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a operations in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for operations coordinator or production planning assistant roles at Iowa's large manufacturers and distributors, where on-the-job training is common. Employers like Principal Financial Group and major food processors in Cedar Rapids often hire recent graduates into rotational or associate operations programs. Lateral moves from roles in customer service, logistics support, or quality control are common stepping stones, and earning a Lean or Six Sigma White Belt certification before applying gives candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to operations jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to operations jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings from employers hiring right now. Search the available roles by city or specialty, find the ones that fit your background, and apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 516+ Operations Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Operations Jobs