Operations Supply Chain Intern

Job Description

About Whisker: Pioneering the Future of Pet Care

At Whisker, we are driven by a singular vision: to redefine what it means to live with cats. We design intelligent, innovative systems that seamlessly integrate into the lives of feline companions and their human families. Our mission is to remove friction, elevate the everyday experience, and celebrate the quiet brilliance of feline companionship. Leading the category today with our revolutionary Litter-Robot, we are tirelessly building an entire ecosystem that expands what’s possible for cats and the people who love them. We firmly believe the future is feline, and we are imagining and building that future today.

Join our vibrant team of over 700 passionate pet people, based across our dynamic campuses in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and Juneau, Wisconsin. Collaboration, innovation, and a shared love for animals are at the heart of our culture. Expect an inspiring environment where your contributions make a tangible impact, and yes, an occasional office cameo from a beloved four-legged friend is always a welcome sight!

The Opportunity: Operations Supply Chain Intern – Spring/Summer 2026

Are you ready to dive into the intricate world of supply chain management at a leading pet technology company? Whisker is seeking a proactive and eager Operations Supply Chain Intern to join our team for the Spring/Summer 2026 term. This pivotal internship offers a unique hands-on opportunity to learn, support, and actively contribute to the daily operations and strategic projects that ensure our manufacturing supply chain runs with peak efficiency and innovation.

As an integral part of our team, you will collaborate closely with various cross-functional departments, including Procurement, Manufacturing Production, Distribution, Logistics, and Quality. Your efforts will be crucial in ensuring that materials, critical information, and finished goods flow seamlessly through our processes, directly impacting our business outcomes in safety, quality, delivery, and cash management.

What You’ll Experience and Learn: Key Responsibilities

This dynamic internship will provide invaluable exposure to the full spectrum of supply chain operations. You will be actively involved in initiatives designed to enhance efficiency and innovation, including:

• Strategic Planning Support: Learning, supporting, and helping to improve supply chain planning and scheduling processes to meticulously align material availability with dynamic production demands.
• Inventory & Material Management: Monitoring critical inventory levels, proactively analyzing potential material shortages, and assisting in the swift implementation of corrective actions to maintain smooth operations.
• Supplier Collaboration: Collaborating closely with external suppliers and internal stakeholders to meticulously track purchase orders and guarantee on-time deliveries that meet our high standards.
• Data-Driven Insights: Collecting and rigorously analyzing operational data to identify emerging trends, pinpoint process bottlenecks, and uncover significant cost-saving opportunities.
• Continuous Improvement: Actively participating in continuous improvement initiatives, with a focus on reducing lead times, optimizing resource utilization, and fostering operational excellence.
• Reporting & Analytics: Preparing and maintaining comprehensive reports, intuitive dashboards, and essential performance metrics that provide critical insights into supply chain operations.
• Process Standardization: Assisting in the meticulous documentation and standardization of crucial supply chain processes and workflows to enhance consistency and efficiency.
• Cross-functional Engagement: Contributing valuable insights and support in cross-functional meetings, aiding in production planning and providing timely project updates.

Who We’re Looking For: Your Profile

We are seeking a highly motivated individual eager to make a tangible impact and grow within a fast-paced, innovative environment. To thrive in this role, you should possess:

• Academic Pursuit: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a closely related analytical field.
• Analytical Acumen: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, coupled with an exceptional attention to detail, enabling you to dissect complex challenges.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential, with any prior experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) considered a valuable asset.
• Communication & Teamwork: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively within diverse teams.
• Proactive Mindset: A self-motivated and proactive attitude, demonstrating a genuine eagerness for continuous learning and process improvement.
• Professionalism: The ability to maintain confidentiality of proprietary information and uphold a professional demeanor in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with numerous interactions.
• Initiative & Collaboration: A high degree of initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to inspire others, alongside the capacity to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with team members and colleagues.
• Project Management Basics: Fundamental task and project management skills to support various initiatives effectively.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: Comfort and appreciation for our office pets (cats and dogs) as they are an integral part of our Whisker family!

Stand Out with These Plus Factors:

• Prior experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment, particularly with ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, or other continuous improvement frameworks.
• Relevant coursework or practical experience in logistics, procurement, or production planning.
• Exposure to data visualization tools such as Domo, Power BI, or Tableau, beyond basic Excel.
• A basic understanding of supply chain analytics or forecasting models.

Our Team & Environment: A Glimpse into Life at Whisker

Whisker is a place where innovation meets passion, and every team member contributes to our shared success. Our onsite work environment across Auburn Hills, Michigan, and Juneau, Wisconsin, fosters robust collaboration and hands-on learning. We believe in providing the necessary support and resources for our team members to thrive.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The successful performance of this role requires certain physical capabilities. While primarily a desk-based position, the Team Member is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear, and frequently use hands for handling tasks. Occasional standing, walking, and reaching are also required. The ability to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 75 pounds is necessary. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Important Internship Details:

• Duration: This internship is anticipated to occur from May 2026 through August 2026.
• Location: This is an onsite position, requiring presence at our facilities in Auburn Hills, Michigan, or Juneau, Wisconsin.

Our Commitment to Inclusivity: Diverse Perspectives, Stronger Whisker

At Whisker, we firmly believe that diverse perspectives and backgrounds make our company better, stronger, and more innovative. We are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive, contribute their unique talents, and grow their careers. We celebrate individuality and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Please remember to regularly check your email, including your spam folder, for any communications from Whisker regarding your application status. We look forward to reviewing your application!