Operations Manager Intern (Starting Summer 2027) Flow Distribution Center, Logan Township, NJ

Pay

The pay range per hour is $27.00–$28.00. You may also earn additional compensation in the form of a shift differential, ranging from $2.00 to $3.50 per hour, based on eligibility. Pay is based on several factors including labor markets, education, work experience, and certifications.

Benefits

Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee discount
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Paid sick leave
• Paid national holidays
• Paid vacation

About the Role

This internship is a paid 40-hour-per-week, hands-on training program designed to develop and prepare you for an operations leadership role within a Target Supply Chain Facility. As an Operations Intern, you’ll gain a realistic preview of life as an Operations Manager over a defined period. You will work closely with managers and team members to understand how Target’s supply chain operates and what it takes to excel in a management role.

You’ll lead and support daily operations by working alongside team members, learning to lead, motivate, and influence a team, including the opportunity to lead a department. The program includes working with a Mentor to dive deeper into effective leadership while gaining exposure to different business areas and functions within the facility.

Your development will be a priority, with ongoing conversations with your Mentor and Manager to support your growth. Extensive training will be provided to help you succeed as an operations intern.

Responsibilities

• Spend time on the facility floor helping to lead team members and align them with daily business priorities.
• Work alongside team members to lead through daily priorities.
• Maintain high standards of quality and inventory accuracy through standardized processes and employee accountability.
• Track KPIs such as safety, teamwork, quality, and productivity to identify gaps and drive actions for consistent performance.
• Carry out process improvement initiatives using methodologies like Gemba, Fish Bone Analysis, and 5 Whys to create a lean, defect-free operation.
• Administer communication between IT and the Operations team to address system issues and conduct testing in the WMS.
• Recruit and mentor team members to foster a continuous improvement mindset and guide them toward leadership roles.
• Address team member concerns and remove operational hurdles to ensure smooth operations and goal attainment.
• Lead daily meetings for the operational team to share pertinent company and site-specific information.
• Present at daily planning meetings with peers and leadership to plan and organize shift goals.
• Provide summaries of results, share hurdles, successes, and key learnings at the end of each shift.
• Conduct audits for standard adherence in safety, quality, and productivity, and coach team members based on observations.
• Conduct safety walks to identify, resolve, and report findings.
• Follow up on team member attendance, provide coaching, and partner with leaders on performance management.
• Provide new ideas and recommend solutions for business or team opportunities.
• Take initiative to learn how to be a Target leader by seeking growth opportunities and continuously learning.
• Actively participate in training activities, developmental opportunities, and events.
• Demonstrate a willingness to take risks and step out of your comfort zone.
• Foster a culture of ethical conduct, safety, and compliance, holding others accountable.
• Carry out principle duties through internship rotations as trained.
• Understand business reporting and guest insights to troubleshoot and follow up on opportunity areas.
• Gain an understanding of all business areas to develop business acumen.
• Work with building leaders daily to set goals and expectations.

Skills and Qualifications

• Participation in school or extracurricular activities with experience in leadership roles.
• Strong interest in working in retail, specifically within supply chain facilities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Problem-solving skills and strong initiative.
• Team-oriented thinking with enthusiasm for continuous learning.
• Ability to access all levels and areas of the facility to respond to team member issues.
• Ability to understand instructions, reports, and information.
• Ability to climb up and down ladders.
• Ability to scan, handle, and move merchandise efficiently and safely, including frequently lifting or moving up to 15 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds.
• Flexible work schedule (e.g., nights, weekends, and holidays) and regular attendance are necessary.