Trainee Operations Management - New Holland, PA/Wilkesboro, NC Complex

Tyson Foods•New Holland, PA

About The Position

The Operations Management Trainee (OMT) is a developmental leadership position supporting and influencing day-to-day production and operational performance through independent judgment, data-driven analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. The role contributes to plant and live operations priorities by identifying opportunities, recommending solutions, and driving continuous improvement. The OMT partners with leadership to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and compliance while developing foundational 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 to support operational continuity. It may lead teams, projects, or production lines and influence performance and outcomes through leadership and decision-making. The position includes up to 12 trips per year and is on first shift. Relocation assistance is eligible. Candidates must be willing and able to meet the job's physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Associate’s degree, technical degree, or higher in a related field, or equivalent practical experience (1 year).
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; relevant programs include Operations, Agriculture, Animal Science, poultry science, Food Science, or similar fields.
Excel, SAP, or related systems experience.
Basic understanding of safety and quality standards.

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.
Troubleshoot operational issues using independent judgment and propose solutions.
Coordinate cross-functional initiatives with HR, Maintenance, FSQA, and Accounting to support plant objectives.
Lead or direct teams in assigned situations, including gap coverage, line oversight, and project leadership.
Provide insights and recommendations to supervisors and managers to support decision-making.
Monitor compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements and escalate risks as needed.
Participate in planning and executing operational priorities, including staffing, production flow, and resource allocation.
Drive continuous improvement, including 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.
Demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, protect sensitive information, follow company policies, validate AI-generated outputs, and use professional judgment.