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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Job Description
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) are seeking a transformative Director of Strategic Operations and Governance (Public Service Manager 1) to lead our newly established Operations Team and help shape the future of how our organization delivers services, manages business systems, and drives modernization initiatives.
This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a high-impact team responsible for advancing organizational effectiveness, operational governance, business systems strategy, and organization-wide transformation efforts.
About Us
The Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority (IEDA|IFA) work together to make Iowa a place where people thrive and businesses grow. IEDA drives economic and community development through support for startups, rural initiatives, and disaster recovery. IFA enhances quality of life by expanding access to affordable housing, improving water quality, and helping first-time homebuyers. Together, we create opportunities for Iowans, communities, and businesses to thrive.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to our Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Strategic Operations and Governance will oversee a team consisting of a Business Systems Product Manager and Business Systems Administrator while serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner across the organization. The position's primary purpose is to provide strategic leadership for systems modernization, operational governance, business systems strategy, and organizational transformation initiatives.
Key duties include:
- Lead, mentor, coach, and develop the Operations Team while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Develop and execute operational modernization strategies that align with agency priorities and statewide initiatives.
- Lead organizational transformation efforts that improve service delivery, operational effectiveness, and business outcomes.
- Establish governance frameworks, operational standards, and accountability structures that support cross-functional decision-making.
- Oversee the agency's portfolio of business system initiatives, modernization projects, and strategic investments.
- Serve as a key liaison with agency leadership, state partners, vendors, and external consultants.
- Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable information for executives, staff, and stakeholders with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Champion organizational change management efforts and guide stakeholders through evolving systems, processes, and ways of working.
- Build strong partnerships across departments to identify opportunities, solve challenges, and support organizational success.
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team development skills
- The ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences
- Experience leading strategic organizational change and transformation initiatives
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
- A passion for our Core Values:
Accountability in Action - We take pride in our work and results.
Innovate Together - We thrive on solving challenges through dynamic collaboration with our teams and partners.
Mission Driven - We place Iowans at the heart of everything we do.
Apply today and help lead the next chapter of operational excellence at IEDA and IFA. Submit an application, resume, and cover letter at jobs.iowa.gov by the position closing date.
New to the area or looking to relocate to Iowa? Visit ThisIsIowa.com to see how Iowa offers something for everyone- competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access to entertainment, opportunities for career growth and unrivaled access to outdoor adventures.
As an employee of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, you are a State of Iowa employee, and you are eligible to enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
- Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.
- Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
- Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
- Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
- Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.
To learn more about benefits available to State of Iowa employees visit the benefits web page.
The Director of Strategic Operations and Governance is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as a Public Service Manager 1 and is exempt per FLSA regulations.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority is an EEO/AA Employer
This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.
E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
2) Eight years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations.
3) All of the following (a and b):
b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.
b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience; and
c. A combination of a total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is
also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. (Download PDF reader)
Job Description
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) are seeking a transformative Director of Strategic Operations and Governance (Public Service Manager 1) to lead our newly established Operations Team and help shape the future of how our organization delivers services, manages business systems, and drives modernization initiatives.
This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a high-impact team responsible for advancing organizational effectiveness, operational governance, business systems strategy, and organization-wide transformation efforts.
About Us
The Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority (IEDA|IFA) work together to make Iowa a place where people thrive and businesses grow. IEDA drives economic and community development through support for startups, rural initiatives, and disaster recovery. IFA enhances quality of life by expanding access to affordable housing, improving water quality, and helping first-time homebuyers. Together, we create opportunities for Iowans, communities, and businesses to thrive.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to our Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Strategic Operations and Governance will oversee a team consisting of a Business Systems Product Manager and Business Systems Administrator while serving as a trusted advisor and strategic partner across the organization. The position's primary purpose is to provide strategic leadership for systems modernization, operational governance, business systems strategy, and organizational transformation initiatives.
Key duties include:
- Lead, mentor, coach, and develop the Operations Team while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Develop and execute operational modernization strategies that align with agency priorities and statewide initiatives.
- Lead organizational transformation efforts that improve service delivery, operational effectiveness, and business outcomes.
- Establish governance frameworks, operational standards, and accountability structures that support cross-functional decision-making.
- Oversee the agency's portfolio of business system initiatives, modernization projects, and strategic investments.
- Serve as a key liaison with agency leadership, state partners, vendors, and external consultants.
- Translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable information for executives, staff, and stakeholders with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Champion organizational change management efforts and guide stakeholders through evolving systems, processes, and ways of working.
- Build strong partnerships across departments to identify opportunities, solve challenges, and support organizational success.
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team development skills
- The ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences
- Experience leading strategic organizational change and transformation initiatives
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
- A passion for our Core Values:
Accountability in Action - We take pride in our work and results.
Innovate Together - We thrive on solving challenges through dynamic collaboration with our teams and partners.
Mission Driven - We place Iowans at the heart of everything we do.
Apply today and help lead the next chapter of operational excellence at IEDA and IFA. Submit an application, resume, and cover letter at jobs.iowa.gov by the position closing date.
New to the area or looking to relocate to Iowa? Visit ThisIsIowa.com to see how Iowa offers something for everyone- competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access to entertainment, opportunities for career growth and unrivaled access to outdoor adventures.
As an employee of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, you are a State of Iowa employee, and you are eligible to enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
- Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.
- Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
- Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
- Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
- Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.
To learn more about benefits available to State of Iowa employees visit the benefits web page.
The Director of Strategic Operations and Governance is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as a Public Service Manager 1 and is exempt per FLSA regulations.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority is an EEO/AA Employer
This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.
E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
2) Eight years of full-time work experience in program administration, development, management, or operations.
3) All of the following (a and b):
b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.
b. A combination of a total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience; and
c. A combination of a total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is
also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. (Download PDF reader)
See All 24 Operations Jobs in Iowa
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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
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 Five Star Cooperative, Landus, and QTS and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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, Iowa, and Waterloo 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 33% of operations openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 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 24 Operations Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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