Operations Management Trainee-Russellville, AR

Tyson Foods, Inc.•Russellville, AR

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 helps execute plant and live operations priorities by identifying opportunities, recommending solutions, and driving continuous improvement. In partnership with leadership, the OMT supports safety, quality, efficiency, and compliance while building foundational leadership capabilities to manage teams and processes. The role has no direct reports, but it is expected to exercise leadership responsibilities by directing team members, coordinating workflow, and making real-time decisions that support operational continuity. It may involve leading teams, projects, or production lines and influencing performance and outcomes through leadership and decision-making. Travel may include up to 12 trips per year. Relocation assistance is eligible. Applicants need an associate’s degree, technical degree, or higher in a related field, or equivalent practical experience of one year. A bachelor’s degree is preferred. Relevant fields include Operations, Agriculture, Animal Science, poultry science, and Food Science. Candidates should have exposure through internships, hands-on work, or academic projects in production, agriculture, manufacturing, live operations, or production operations environments. The successful candidate must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Tyson provides team members and their families with paid time off, 401(k) plans, and affordable health, life, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits. Professional team members are expected to use approved AI tools responsibly, protect sensitive information, follow company policies, validate AI-generated outputs, and apply professional judgment. People leaders are additionally expected to support responsible AI adoption and accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.

Requirements

Associate’s degree, technical degree, or higher in a related field, or equivalent practical experience of one year.
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.
Up to 12 trips per year.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Education in Operations, Agriculture, Animal Science, poultry science, Food Science, or a similar field.
Experience with Excel, SAP, or related systems.
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 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.