Plant Operations Management Trainee

Altium Packaging•Wichita, KS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

As a participant in Altium’s Production Management Development Program (PMDP), the Operations Trainee completes a structured rotational program designed to build comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing operations and prepare for future leadership roles within plant operations. This role combines on-the-floor operational exposure with analytical, project-based, and business support responsibilities. The Operations Trainee evaluates production processes, analyzes performance data, and supports operational decision-making through recommendations that impact efficiency, quality, safety, and cost. Through rotations and formal training, the role develops the capability to assess business operations, identify improvement opportunities, and contribute to decisions affecting plant performance.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
2+ years of experience working in a manufacturing or production environment
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
Ability to interpret data and develop actionable recommendations
Effective communication skills, including presenting insights to leadership
Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects
Beginner level use of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Power Point)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred (engineering, manufacturing, business, or related field)
Associate/bachelor’s in engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology or related field.
1+ year of lead or supervisory experience.
Certifications in Technical areas, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and controls-related
Blow molding machine experience (Uniloy, Bekum, Rocheleau, and similar platforms)
Experience in bottle processing and packaging equipment
Ability to relocate

Responsibilities

Participate in a structured rotational program across production, quality, maintenance, and safety functions
Complete rotation assignments with defined business objectives, deliverables, and measurable outcomes
Build a comprehensive understanding of plant operations, workflows, and performance drivers
Observe production processes and workflows to assess efficiency, quality, and adherence to standards
Collect and analyze operational data gathered from production activities
Evaluate process performance and identify gaps, risks, and improvement opportunities
Provide observations and recommendations to plant leadership based on findings
Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), production reports, and statistical process control (SPC) data
Identify trends and root causes impacting production efficiency, quality, and throughput
Develop insights and recommend solutions to improve operational performance
Prepare reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommended actions
Lead assigned projects and process improvement initiatives aligned with plant and business priorities
Develop project plans, track progress, and deliver measurable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost reduction, waste elimination)
Recommend and support implementation of process improvements in collaboration with plant leadership
Apply structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies
Exercise independent judgment in analyzing operational challenges and determining appropriate recommendations
Evaluate alternative solutions and assess potential impact on production, cost, and quality
Prioritize work and projects based on business needs and operational impact
Provide recommendations that influence plant-level decisions and operational strategies
Analyze safety performance data and support initiatives to improve workplace safety
Participate in safety observations and audits to identify risks and improvement opportunities
Support compliance with company policies, operational standards, and regulatory requirements through evaluation and recommendations