Production Management Trainee

About the Role

The Production Management Trainee (PMT) Program is a dynamic, two-year accelerated leadership development program designed to cultivate the next generation of manufacturing leaders. Through a structured rotational framework, trainees gain immersive, hands-on experience across critical manufacturing operations. By collaborating closely with senior experts, participants learn essential processes, procedures, and industry standards fundamental to effective leadership in manufacturing. The PMT program provides trainees with comprehensive, cross-functional experience across the entire product lifecycle, from “farm to fork.” By partnering with senior experts and engaging in a blend of formal, self-guided, and hands-on learning, participants develop a deep understanding of manufacturing systems, operational excellence, and best practices in safety, quality, and team management. This multifaceted training equips graduates with the technical skills, leadership abilities, and strategic vision needed to drive continuous improvement and support the organization’s long-term success.

Optional 3rd Year Functional Tracks

Aligned with our Leadership Principle, We Think Big and Plan Ahead, PMTs may choose to complete an optional 3rd Year Functional Track to build expertise in areas such as Safety, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, or Continuous Improvement. This additional year allows PMTs to deepen their knowledge and skills in a specialized area, enhancing their readiness for leadership roles within these critical functions.

Responsibilities

• Observe experienced staff and gain knowledge about processes, procedures, methods, and standards required for performing a supervisory role within each program focus area.
• Complete the structured progression plan and required assignments, including on-the-job training, mentorship, self-guided learning, training courses, and applied learning experiences through rotational assignments within the manufacturing process.
• Organize and lead work teams within assigned focus areas, including scheduling, safety, daily operations, and performance management.
• Make decisions, lead, and handle administrative tasks in assigned roles.
• Assume a front-line supervisory role, completing assignments in each program focus area (e.g., receiving, processing, packaging, quality, etc.).
• Develop talent and conduct on-the-job training with new employees, ensuring proper training.
• Proactively foster and promote employees' safe work habits, ensuring adherence to safety policies and procedures.
• Actively participate in health and safety initiatives, leading efforts toward zero incidents through safety optimization.
• Build experiences and projects to enhance learning and knowledge transfer.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Food Sciences, Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• Ability to travel in the US and Canada and willingness to be globally mobile.
• Interest in manufacturing, operations, engineering, food safety/quality, and/or health and safety in a manufacturing setting.
• Proven success in leading and influencing others.
• Experience in process design and productivity improvements.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, operate production facilities, and meet customer demands.
• Strong multi-cultural empathy and ability to work with diverse cultures and levels (Bilingual/Multi-lingual preferred).
• Must professionally represent McCain’s mission and values by following the McCain Code of Conduct.
• Demonstrated ability to provide pragmatic solutions to day-to-day operational challenges.
• Understanding of statistical process control, data management, and lean principles.
• Strong organizational, written/oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with advanced mathematical abilities.

Qualifications

• Candidates with demonstrated leadership experience or experience in food and beverage manufacturing may be given preference.

Pay

$58,800.00 - $78,500.00 USD annually + Bonus eligibility

Benefits

• Health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug)
• Retirement savings benefits
• Leave support (medical, family, bereavement)
• Well-being programs (vacation, holidays, company-supported volunteering, mental health resources)

Schedule

Primarily standard work week, but may include evenings, weekends, and rotating shifts to accommodate deadlines, unplanned requirements, and production schedules.

Location: Appleton, Wisconsin, USA. Requires willingness to relocate within the McCain network for future opportunities.