Operations Management Intern (Manufacturing)

National Carwash Solutions•Grimes, IA

13h

About The Position

National Carwash Solutions is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Operations Management Intern to gain hands-on experience in production planning, process improvement, inventory and materials flow, and operational reporting. The intern will support the Operations Manager and cross-functional teams in improving efficiency, on-time delivery, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness while learning how a manufacturing operation runs day to day. The role supports production scheduling and work-in-process tracking across fabrication, welding, and assembly; helps document and implement standard work; and assists with production metrics, inventory control, operational reports, capacity and make-vs-buy analyses, and continuous improvement projects. The intern also coordinates with operations, production, purchasing, supply chain, and engineering; participates in production and safety meetings and quality checks; maintains operational documentation; and supports facility organization and housekeeping practices. The position requires compliance with applicable OSHA, EPA, DOT, local regulatory laws, and company safety policies. Duties may be added or changed based on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
Candidate must be in sophomore, junior, or senior year.
Ability to use basic math and writing skills.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of Word and PowerPoint.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
Adequate sight to read drawings and other documents.
Ability to stoop, bend, reach, walk, and perform repetitive hand motions such as grasping, pushing, pulling, or fine manipulations.
Ability to climb ladders safely.
Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to lean, 6S, or ERP/MRP systems.
Prior manufacturing, warehouse, or logistics experience.

Responsibilities

Support production scheduling and monitor work-in-process status across fabrication, welding, and assembly.
Assist with documenting and implementing standard work in assembly and welding.
Track and analyze production metrics, including throughput, cycle time, downtime, labor efficiency, and on-time completion.
Assist with inventory control, cycle counts, and materials replenishment.
Review manufacturing functions and submit suggestions to improve efficiency, quality, safety, and cost.
Review employee-submitted cost-saving and other manufacturing-process suggestions, participate in their investigation, and help respond to them.
Liaise among operations, production, purchasing, supply chain, and engineering to communicate schedules, constraints, and priorities.
Prepare routine operational reports, dashboards, and KPI summaries in Excel.
Support make-vs-buy and capacity analyses, including gathering cost and lead-time data.
Support continuous improvement projects, including lean, Kaizen events, and root-cause analysis.
Coordinate with purchasing and supply chain regarding material availability and shipping and receiving schedules.
Participate in daily production and safety meetings and help track action items.
Maintain SOPs and other operational documentation.
Participate in quality checks and document nonconformances.
Assist with facility organization and housekeeping using 6S practices.
Comply with applicable OSHA, EPA, DOT, local regulatory laws, and company safety policies.