Trainee Operations Management-1st Shift-Waldron Plant

Tyson Poultry•Waldron, AR

16d

About The Position

The Operations Management Trainee (OMT) is a developmental leadership role supporting and influencing day-to-day production and operational performance through independent judgment, data-driven analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. The position helps execute plant and live operations priorities by identifying opportunities, recommending solutions, and advancing continuous improvement. The OMT works with leadership to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and compliance while developing foundational leadership capabilities for managing teams and processes. Although the role has no direct reports, it is expected to exercise leadership by directing team members, coordinating workflow, and making real-time decisions that support operational continuity. The OMT may lead teams, projects, or production lines and influence performance and outcomes through leadership and decision-making. Travel may include up to 12 trips per year.

Requirements

Associate’s degree, technical degree, or higher in a related field, or equivalent practical experience (1 year), required.
Demonstrated exposure through internships, hands-on work, or academic projects in production, agriculture, manufacturing, live operations, or production operations environments.
Demonstrated analytical thinking, problem-solving, and independent judgment in operational settings.
Basic computer skills.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work in fast-paced, team-oriented environments.
Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Leadership potential and ability to influence without authority.
Adaptability and willingness to learn multiple functions.
Willingness and ability to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred; relevant areas include Operations, Agriculture, Animal Science, poultry science, Food Science, or similar fields.
Excel, SAP, or related systems experience preferred.
Basic understanding of safety and quality standards preferred.

Responsibilities

Analyze operational performance metrics and identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
Recommend and help implement process improvements related to safety, quality, yield, and efficiency.
Use independent judgment to troubleshoot operational issues and propose solutions.
Coordinate cross-functional initiatives with HR, Maintenance, FSQA, and Accounting to support plant objectives.
Lead or direct teams in assigned situations, such as gap coverage, line oversight, or project leadership.
Provide insights and recommendations to supervisors and managers to support decision-making.
Monitor compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements, escalating risks as needed.
Participate in planning and executing operational priorities, including staffing, production flow, and resource allocation.
Drive continuous improvement by identifying cost savings, efficiency gains, and waste reduction opportunities.
Apply leadership principles to influence team performance, engagement, and accountability.
Develop working knowledge of equipment, processes, and systems to support operational decision-making.
Direct team members, coordinate workflow, and make real-time decisions to support operational continuity.