Operations Management Intern (Manufacturing)

National Carwash Solutions•Grimes, IA

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 efforts to improve efficiency, on-time delivery, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness while learning the day-to-day operation of a manufacturing facility. The role supports production scheduling and work-in-process monitoring across fabrication, welding, and assembly; production metrics tracking; inventory control; continuous improvement; and coordination among operations, production, purchasing, supply chain, and engineering. It also involves preparing operational reports and dashboards, maintaining standard operating procedures and other documentation, participating in production and safety meetings and quality checks, and helping maintain facility organization and housekeeping in accordance with 6S practices. The position requires compliance with applicable OSHA, EPA, DOT, local regulatory laws, and company safety policies. Management may add or change duties 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.
Currently in sophomore, junior, or senior year.
Able to use basic math and writing skills.
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel, with working knowledge of Word and PowerPoint.
Able to lift medium weight up to 40 lbs.
Adequate sight to read drawings and other documents.
Able to stoop, bend, reach, walk, perform repetitive hand motions to grasp, push, pull, or perform fine manipulations, climb ladders safely, and 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 and analyze manufacturing functions and submit suggestions to improve efficiency, quality, safety, and cost.
Review employee-submitted cost-saving and other manufacturing process suggestions, participate in investigating them, 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-versus-buy and capacity analyses, including gathering cost and lead-time data.
Support continuous improvement projects, including lean activities, 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 good housekeeping using 6S practices.
Comply with applicable OSHA, EPA, DOT, local regulatory laws, and company safety policies.