Operations Management Trainee-Russellville, AR

Tyson Poultry•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. The role applies independent judgment, data-driven analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to execute plant and live operations priorities, identify opportunities, recommend solutions, and drive continuous improvement. In partnership with leadership, the OMT helps improve safety, quality, efficiency, and compliance while developing foundational leadership capability to manage teams and processes. The role has no direct reports but is expected to exercise leadership by directing team members, coordinating workflow, and making real-time decisions to support operational continuity. It may involve leading teams, projects, or production lines and influencing performance and outcomes. Travel may involve up to 12 trips per year. Relocation assistance is eligible.

Requirements

Associate’s degree, technical degree, or higher in a related field, or equivalent practical experience (1 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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Education in Operations, Agriculture, Animal Science, poultry science, Food Science, or a similar field.
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.
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, including gap coverage, line oversight, and project leadership.
Provide supervisors and managers with insights and recommendations 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.
Direct team members, coordinate workflow, and make real-time decisions to support operational continuity.