Operations Manager Intern (Starting Summer 2027) Last Mile Distribution Center, Elmhurst, IL

Target • Elmhurst, IL

17h • $27 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a paid, 40-hour per week, hands-on training program designed to develop and prepare individuals for operations leadership within a Target Supply Chain Facility. As an Operations Intern, you will gain a realistic job preview into the role of an Operations Manager over a defined period. You will work closely with other managers and team members to understand Target's supply chain business and what it takes to excel in a management role. The program teaches individuals how to lead within a supply chain facility, working closely with a Mentor to understand how they effectively lead their department while gaining insight into different business areas and functions. Interns will learn problem-solving, team motivation, real-time observations, and driving results, with a focus on safety and productivity to ensure timely product delivery to guests. Interns will have the opportunity to lead a work center with guidance and support. Development is a priority, with ongoing developmental conversations with Mentors and Managers, and extensive training provided. The role offers experience in building and managing team culture, problem-solving and change management skills, knowledge of retail business fundamentals, experience in planning and managing daily/weekly workloads, managing hourly team members, and creating business strategies. Interns will learn about Inbound/Outbound/Warehousing departments within the distribution center.

Requirements

• Participation in school or extracurricular activities and experience in leadership roles
• Strong interest in working in retail, specifically within our supply chain facilities
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Problem-solving skills and strong initiative
• Team-oriented thinking with enthusiasm for continuous learning
• Ability to access all levels and areas of the facility to respond to team member issues.
• Understand instructions, reports, and information
• Climb up and down ladders
• Scan, handle and move merchandise efficiently and safely, including frequently lifting or moving merchandise up to 15 pounds and occasionally moving merchandise up to 40 pounds
• Flexible work schedule (e.g., nights, weekends, and holidays) and regular work attendance are necessary

Nice To Haves

• Working in a fun and energetic environment makes you excited
• Enjoy the idea of leading teams who are working to get products to our stores and guests
• Not looking for a Monday thru Friday job where you are at a computer all day

Responsibilities

• Spend time on the facilities floor helping to lead amongst team members and aligning the team in daily business priorities.
• Work alongside team members to lead through daily priorities.
• Maintain a high standard of quality/inventory accuracy through standardization of processes (standard works, job breakdowns, and quality risk analysis) while also ensuring employee accountability.
• Track various KPI’s such as safety, teamwork, quality and productivity to identify gaps, and drive actions in order to maintain consistent performance.
• Carry out process improvement initiatives by leveraging CI methodologies such as Gemba, Fish Bone Analysis, and 5 why’s to create a lean defect-free operation.
• Administer the communication between the IT and the Operation team to address system issues and conduct testing in the WMS.
• Recruit and mentor team members to adapt a continuous improvement mindset, and guide them to take up leadership roles in the company through engaging and inclusive leadership.
• Address team member concerns and remove operational hurdles to ensure smooth operations and goal attainment.
• Lead daily meetings for the operational team, share pertinent company and site-specific information.
• Lead/present at daily planning meetings with peer/leadership team.
• Plan daily goals and organize shift plans to achieve targets at start of shift.
• Provide summary of results around plan attainment, share hurdles, successes, and key learnings to apply moving forward at end of shift.
• Conduct audits around standard adherence with safety, quality, and productivity. Share feedback and coach team members on audit observations.
• Conduct safety walks in building to identify, resolve and report findings.
• Conduct follow-ups on team member attendance, any necessary coaching, etc.
• Partner with leaders regarding team member performance by teaching, coaching, training, and delivering timely performance feedback.
• Provide new ideas and recommend solutions for business or team opportunities.
• Take the initiative to learn how to be a Target leader by seeking out opportunities for growth and development; continuously learn throughout the internship experience.
• Commit to learning Target’s expectations of leaders and use them to personally develop by asking questions and seeking feedback.
• Actively participate in internship program training activities, developmental opportunities, and events.
• Demonstrate a willingness to take risks; step out of your comfort zone and take on new assignments.
• Demonstrate a culture of ethical conduct, safety, and compliance; lead the team to work in the same way and hold others accountable to this commitment.
• Foster an inclusive, safe, and secure culture.
• Carry out principle duties and responsibilities by the department through internship rotations as trained.
• Understand business reporting and guest insights to understand, troubleshoot, and follow up on opportunity areas.
• Gain an understanding of all business areas to develop business acumen.
• Work with building leaders each day to set goals and expectations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more
• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Short term disability
• Long term disability
• Paid sick leave
• Paid national holidays
• Paid vacation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed