Operations Management Trainee Program

Job Description

Operations Management Trainee | Mountaire Farms

The Tone:
This is a full-time, 26-week Operations Management Trainee Program at Mountaire Farms, situated within its various poultry processing facilities. Mountaire Farms operates comprehensive poultry processing operations. This structured program is designed to identify and cultivate high-potential individuals, developing them into future leaders who will drive operational excellence, problem-solving capabilities, and strong leadership within the company’s key processing departments. Upon successful completion of the training, participants will be prepared for placement into a supervisory role within Processing Operations.

The TL;DR
• Role: Management Trainee Program
• Type: Full-time (26-week immersive experience)
• Location: In-person, various processing facilities

• Team: Processing Operations, working closely with experienced mentors and subject matter experts across multiple departments.
• Mission: To develop critical leadership and technical skills through comprehensive exposure to poultry processing operations, aiming to prepare individuals for supervisory roles and enhance overall business efficiency.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Participate in Rotations: Complete structured rotations across key processing departments, including Live Haul, First Processing, Second Processing, Debone, Tray Pack, and Shipping, under the guidance of a dedicated mentor, to gain hands-on exposure and a comprehensive understanding of end-to-end Plant operations.
• Apply Problem-Solving: Apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills to address daily operational challenges, learning from both frontline leaders and mentors, while actively contributing to improvements in production flow, process efficiency, quality control measures, and yield optimization within each assigned department.
• Undergo Performance Review: Receive formal performance evaluations at the conclusion of each rotation and complete a thorough self-assessment to reflect on acquired knowledge, identify specific areas for growth, and establish clear goals for continuous personal and professional improvement.
• Engage in Development: Participate in three core development sessions specifically focused on enhancing accountability, communication, and collaboration, and actively engage in Early Talent team events designed to build essential leadership competencies and foster valuable peer connections.
• Report Progress: Submit comprehensive weekly and monthly reports, detailing key learnings, outlining challenges encountered, and posing relevant questions, to ensure continuous engagement with the program and provide clear visibility to program leaders.

The Must-Haves
• Background: An Associate or Bachelor’s degree or a relevant trade certification is required, with the area of study considered based on specific business needs. Alternatively, internal candidates may qualify with at least 2 years of dedicated service with Mountaire, provided they are in good standing with no disciplinary actions in the past 12 months, and possess a supervisor’s strong recommendation for program participation.
• Experience: 0-2 years of relevant professional experience in an operational or manufacturing setting.
• Skills: Demonstrated strong work ethic and clear leadership potential; excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong organizational abilities to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities; an eagerness to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to team success within a hands-on work environment.