Operations Manager Intern (Starting Summer 2027) IR3 Distribution Center, Joliet, IL

Pay range per hour is $26.75–$27.75. Additional compensation may include a shift differential of $2.00–$3.50 per hour based on eligibility. Pay is determined by factors such as 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 firsthand experience leading a team, supporting daily operations, and learning how Target’s supply chain business functions. You’ll work closely with managers and team members, lead a department, and participate in rotations to build business acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead and align teams on daily business priorities while working alongside team members.
• 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 performance.
• Carry out process improvement initiatives using methodologies like Gemba, Fish Bone Analysis, and 5 Whys.
• Facilitate communication between IT and operations teams to address system issues and conduct WMS testing.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop team members to foster a continuous improvement mindset and leadership growth.
• Address team member concerns and remove operational hurdles to ensure smooth operations.
• Lead daily operational meetings, share company and site-specific updates, and present at planning meetings.
• Plan daily goals, organize shift plans, and summarize results, including hurdles, successes, and key learnings.
• Conduct audits for safety, quality, and productivity adherence, and provide coaching based on observations.
• Perform safety walks to identify, resolve, and report findings.
• Follow up on team member attendance and provide necessary coaching or feedback.
• Partner with leaders on team member performance through teaching, coaching, and delivering feedback.
• Propose new ideas and recommend solutions for business or team opportunities.
• Seek growth opportunities, ask questions, and actively participate in training and developmental activities.
• Demonstrate ethical conduct, safety, and compliance while fostering an inclusive and secure culture.
• Complete department-specific duties through internship rotations as trained.
• Use business reporting and guest insights to troubleshoot and address opportunity areas.
• Develop business acumen by understanding all functional areas within the facility.
• Collaborate with building leaders daily to set goals and expectations.

Qualifications

• Participation in school or extracurricular activities with leadership experience.
• Strong interest in retail, particularly within supply chain operations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Problem-solving skills and strong initiative.
• Team-oriented mindset with enthusiasm for continuous learning.
• Ability to access all facility levels and areas to address team member issues.
• Ability to understand instructions, reports, and information.
• Capability to climb ladders and safely handle merchandise, including frequently lifting up to 15 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds.
• Flexible work schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with regular attendance.

About Target

As a Fortune 50 company with over 400,000 team members worldwide, Target is an iconic brand and a leading retailer. Working at Target means helping families discover the joy of everyday life while investing in the communities where we live, work, and play. We prioritize relationships, talent development, and growth opportunities, succeeding as one team with a shared purpose.