Department Manager Intern

Department Manager Intern - Summer 2027
Program Duration: End of May - Early August
Location: Pella, IA (on-site)

Pella Corporation is hiring Department Manager Interns in Pella, IA for Summer 2027. This is a hands-on, on‑the‑floor leadership internship in manufacturing. You will partner with a Department Manager to support safety, schedule, quality, and team engagement while learning daily management routines and contributing to continuous improvement.

Interns gain practical experience in department operations and lead a scoped improvement project (for example, reducing defects, easing bottlenecks, or improving flow). 

Compensation: The starting pay rate for this position is $27.25 per hour. Compensation for this role is established through Pella Corporation’s internship program. Eligible participants may receive transition assistance in accordance with company policies and program guidelines.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations/Industrial Technology, Supply Chain, Business/Management, or a related field.
• On-site availability for a full‑time summer internship (approximately 10–12 weeks).
• Strong communication, problem‑solving, and teamwork skills; ability to build relationships and give/receive feedback.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint (e.g., data entry, sorting/filtering, basic charts; building simple slides).
• Demonstrated initiative and organization to manage priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
   

Preferred

• Leadership experience through work, athletics, student organizations, or projects.
• Exposure to continuous improvement/Lean concepts (e.g., 5S, standard work, Kaizen, root‑cause analysis).
• Experience analyzing process or performance data 
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

Pella Corporation is committed to workforce diversity. Pella is a Tobacco-Free Work Environment.  Post-offer background check and drug screen required.  Pella participates in E- Verify.  Pella will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Pella Corporation provides a working environment free of discrimination and harassment.  Pella Corporation treats all persons equally, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability, as each is protected under federal law. A number of states in which Pella operates have laws protecting classifications of Team Members not necessarily protected under federal law. Therefore, Pella also treats all persons equally, regardless of political affiliation and belief, pregnancy, national origin, age, creed, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, mental disorder, veteran status, ancestry or handicap as each category is protected under a municipal ordinance or state law.

Department Manager Interns:

• Support department safety, quality, productivity, and schedule alongside a Department Manager.
• Participate in daily floor huddles, visual management, and floor walks to maintain plan attainment.
• Assist with labor and performance tracking, providing simple updates on key metrics.
• Contribute to continuous improvement (Lean/Kaizen) by documenting standard work, 5S, and corrective actions.
• Build team culture by recognizing performance and offering timely, respectful feedback.

Department Manager Interns will experience the following:

• Learning and applying continuous improvement (Lean/Kaizen) principles through a scoped project and team collaboration.
• Working side‑by‑side with Department Managers and cross‑functional partners to support daily operations.