Trainee Operations Management - Shelbyville, TN
About The Position
The Operations Management Trainee (OMT) role is a developmental leadership position responsible for supporting and influencing day-to-day production and operational performance through the application of independent judgment, data-driven analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. This role contributes to the execution of plant and live operations priorities by identifying operational opportunities, recommending solutions, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The OMT partners with leadership to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and compliance while building foundational leadership capability to manage teams and processes.
Requirements
- Associate’s degree, technical degree, or higher in a related field, or equivalent practical experience in leadership position (1 year) required.
- Demonstrated exposure through internships, hands-on work, or academic projects in production, agriculture, manufacturing, live operations, or production operations environments.
- Demonstrate analytical thinking, problem-solving, and independent judgment in operational settings.
- Basic computer skills (Excel, SAP or related systems preferred)
- 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
- Basic understanding of safety and quality standards (preferred) and critical thinking skills
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Programs/degrees within Operations, Agriculture, Animal Science, poultry science, Food Science, or similar fields are examples.
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
- Exercise independent judgment in troubleshooting operational issues and proposing solutions
- Coordinate cross-functional initiatives with HR, Maintenance, FSQA, and Accounting to support plant objectives
- Lead or direct teams in assigned situations (e.g., gap coverage, line oversight, project leadership)
- Support decision-making by providing insights and recommendations to supervisors and managers
- Monitor and evaluate compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements; escalate risks as needed
- Participate in planning and execution of operational priorities, including staffing, production flow, and resource allocation
- Drive continuous improvement efforts, including identifying cost savings, efficiency gains, or 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
Benefits
- paid time off
- 401(k) plans
- affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
