Operations Manager Intern (Starting Summer 2027) Last Mile Distribution Center, Elmhurst, IL

Pay range: $27.00–$28.00 per hour, plus a shift differential of $2.00–$3.50 per hour based on eligibility. Pay is determined by factors including labor markets, education, work experience, and certifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, vision, dental, life insurance, and more) for eligible team members and their dependents
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee discount
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid sick leave
• Paid national holidays
• Paid vacation

About the role

This paid, 40-hour-per-week internship offers hands-on training in Target’s Supply Chain Facility. As an Operations Intern, you’ll gain realistic job previews of life as an Operations Manager, working 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, working alongside team members to learn how to lead, motivate, and influence a team—including the opportunity to lead a department. The program is designed to teach leadership within a supply chain facility, with a Mentor guiding you through departmental leadership and providing insight into different business areas and functions.

Throughout the internship, you’ll learn to problem-solve, lead teams, conduct real-time observations, and drive results while prioritizing safety and productivity. You’ll also have the opportunity to step into leading your Mentor’s work center, with support and guidance provided along the way. Developmental conversations with your Mentor and Manager will ensure you feel supported, and extensive training will help you grow 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 process standardization 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 CI methodologies (e.g., Gemba, Fish Bone Analysis, 5 Whys) to create a lean, defect-free operation
• Administer communication between IT and Operations teams to address system issues and conduct WMS testing
• 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 company and site-specific information
• Present at daily planning meetings with peers and leadership to set and organize shift plans for goal achievement
• Provide summaries of results, including plan attainment, hurdles, successes, and key learnings at the end of each shift
• Conduct audits for standard adherence in safety, quality, and productivity; share feedback and coach team members on observations
• Conduct safety walks to identify, resolve, and report findings
• Follow up on team member attendance and provide necessary coaching
• Partner with leaders on team member performance through teaching, coaching, training, and delivering timely feedback
• 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
• Commit to learning Target’s leadership expectations and use them for personal development by asking questions and seeking feedback
• Actively participate in internship training, developmental opportunities, and events
• Demonstrate willingness to take risks and step out of your comfort zone for new assignments
• Foster a culture of ethical conduct, safety, and compliance, holding others accountable to these standards
• Promote an inclusive, safe, and secure culture
• Carry out principle duties and responsibilities through internship rotations as trained
• Understand business reporting and guest insights to troubleshoot and follow up on opportunity areas
• Develop business acumen by gaining an understanding of all business areas
• Work with building leaders daily to set goals and expectations

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 required