Operations Manager Intern (Starting Summer 2027) Upstream Distribution Center, Savannah, GA

Starting hourly rate $23.00 per hour. Additional compensation may include a shift differential ranging from $2.00 to $3.50 per hour based on eligibility. Pay is determined by factors such as labor markets, education, work experience, and certifications.

Benefits

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

About the Role

Experience firsthand what it’s like to lead a team within a Target Supply Chain Facility. This internship is a paid 40-hour-per-week, hands-on training program designed to develop and prepare you for operations leadership. As an Operations Intern, you’ll gain a realistic job preview into life as an Operations Manager over a defined period. You’ll work closely with managers and team members to understand how Target’s supply chain business 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. This program teaches how to lead within a supply chain facility, with guidance from a Mentor who will help you explore different business areas and functions. You’ll learn problem-solving, team leadership, real-time observations, and driving results while prioritizing safety and productivity.

During your internship, you’ll step into leading your Mentor’s work center with support and guidance. Development is a priority, with ongoing conversations with your Mentor and Manager to ensure you feel supported. Extensive training will help you grow as a strong operations intern.

Responsibilities

• Spend time on the facility floor helping to lead team members and align 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
• Carry out process improvement initiatives using methodologies like Gemba, Fish Bone Analysis, and 5 Whys
• 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
• Plan daily goals and organize shift plans to achieve targets
• Provide summaries of results, share hurdles, successes, and key learnings at the end of shifts
• Conduct audits for safety, quality, and productivity adherence, and coach team members based 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 feedback
• Provide new ideas and recommend solutions for business or team opportunities
• Seek growth and development opportunities to learn how to be a Target leader
• 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
• Lead by example to create an inclusive, safe, and secure culture
• Carry out principle duties through internship rotations as trained
• Understand business reporting and guest insights to troubleshoot and follow up on opportunities
• Develop business acumen by gaining an understanding of all business areas
• 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

About Target

As a Fortune 50 company with over 400,000 team members worldwide, Target is an iconic brand and one of America’s leading retailers. Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We invest in the communities where we live, work, and play, prioritizing relationships and developing talent through growth opportunities. Our purpose is ingrained in who we are, what we value, and how we work—caring, growing, and winning together.