Trainee Operations Management-1st Shift-Waldron Plant

Tyson Foods, Inc.•Waldron, AR

17d

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 role contributes to 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 developing foundational leadership skills to manage teams and processes. The position does not have direct reports, but includes leadership responsibilities such as directing team members, coordinating workflow, and making real-time decisions to support operational continuity. The OMT may lead teams, projects, or production lines and is expected to influence performance and outcomes through leadership and decision-making. Travel may involve up to 12 trips per year. The successful candidate must be able to perform 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 of one year.
Exposure through internships, hands-on work, or academic projects to 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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree.
Experience or education in Operations, Agriculture, Animal Science, poultry science, Food Science, or a similar field.
Familiarity 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.
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, 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.