Operations Manager Intern (Starting Summer 2027) Upstream Distribution Center, Suffolk, VA

Starting hourly rate $24.00 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 (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 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 what it takes to excel in a management role.

You will work closely with managers and team members to understand how Target’s supply chain operates, lead a department, and participate in rotations across different business areas. Your development will be a priority, with ongoing support from a Mentor and Manager.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support daily operations by working alongside team members to align on business priorities
• Maintain high standards of quality and inventory accuracy through process standardization and employee accountability
• Track KPIs (safety, teamwork, quality, productivity) to identify gaps and drive performance improvements
• 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
• Address team member concerns and remove operational hurdles to ensure smooth operations
• Lead daily meetings, share company and site-specific updates, and present at planning meetings
• Plan and organize shift goals to achieve targets, summarize results, and share 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
• Manage team member attendance, coaching, and performance feedback
• Propose new ideas and 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 principle duties through internship rotations as trained
• Understand business reporting and guest insights to troubleshoot and address opportunity areas
• Develop business acumen by learning about all areas of the supply chain facility

Skills & 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 initiative
• Team-oriented mindset with enthusiasm for continuous learning
• Ability to access all facility levels and areas to respond to team member issues
• Ability to understand instructions, reports, and information
• Physical ability to climb ladders, scan, handle, and move merchandise (frequently lifting up to 15 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds)
• Flexibility in work schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Regular work attendance

About Target

As a Fortune 50 company with over 400,000 team members worldwide, Target is an iconic brand and a leading retailer in America. Our mission is to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. We prioritize community care, talent development, and teamwork, with a purpose ingrained in how we care, grow, and win together.