Production Management Trainee

McCain Foods•Grand Island, NE

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Management Trainee (PMT) Program is a dynamic, two-year accelerated leadership development program designed to cultivate the next generation of manufacturing leaders. Through a structured rotational framework, trainees gain immersive, hands-on experience across critical manufacturing operations. By collaborating closely with senior experts, participants learn essential processes, procedures, and industry standards fundamental to effective leadership in manufacturing. The PMT program provides trainees with comprehensive, cross-functional experience across the entire product lifecycle, from “farm to fork.” By partnering with senior experts and engaging in a blend of formal, self-guided, and hands-on learning, participants develop a deep understanding of manufacturing systems, operational excellence, and best practices in safety, quality, and team management. This multifaceted training equips graduates with the technical skills, leadership abilities, and strategic vision needed to drive continuous improvement and support the organization’s long-term success. Optional 3rd Year Functional Tracks Aligned with our Leadership Principle, We Think Big and Plan Ahead, PMTs may choose to complete an optional 3rd Year Functional Track to build expertise in areas such as Safety, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, or Continuous Improvement. This additional year allows PMTs to deepen their knowledge and skills in a specialized area, enhancing their readiness for leadership roles within these critical functions. Our next PMT program begins in June 2027 and will be offered across multiple plant locations in the United States: Plover, Wisconsin, US Appleton, Wisconsin, US Grand Island, Nebraska, US Burley, Idaho, US

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Food Science, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field
Passion for manufacturing, operations, engineering, food safety, quality, and/or health & safety
Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams
Experience driving process improvements, productivity initiatives, and operational excellence
Strong analytical skills, including knowledge of data management, statistical process control, and Lean methodologies
Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work effectively in diverse, multicultural environments; multilingual skills are an asset
Willingness to travel across the U.S. and Canada and pursue global career opportunities
Flexibility to support rotating shifts as business needs require
Commitment to developing people, fostering safe work practices, and leading with a safety-first mindset
Candidates must be willing to relocate within the McCain manufacturing network for future career opportunities.

Nice To Haves

Multilingual skills are an asset

Responsibilities

Observe experienced staff and gain knowledge about processes, procedures, methods, and standards that are required for performing a supervisory role within each of the program focus areas
Complete the structured progression plan and required assignments, including on-the-job training, mentorship, self-guided learning, training courses, and applied learning experiences through rotational assignments within the manufacturing process
Organize and lead work teams within assigned focus areas, including scheduling, safety, daily operations, and performance management
Duties include decision-making, leadership, and administrative components of the roles assigned
Assuming a front-line supervisory role, complete assignments in each program focus area (i.e., receiving, processing, packaging, quality, etc.)
Active participation in continuous improvement initiatives, employee development, training, and skills enhancement is expected.