Wonderful Leadership Program- Leader Trainee

About the Program

The Wonderful Leadership Program is a full-time, two-year rotational program that offers recent university graduates the opportunity to expand their potential and become future leaders at POM Wonderful. Throughout each rotation, the Leader Trainee will launch and implement new projects that significantly drive business productivity and improve department processes. They will also be exposed to a broad range of tasks per the department needs, offering a cross-functional, company-wide experience that further develops critical leadership and technical skills.

Department rotations within the Wonderful Leadership Program include Production, Quality Systems, Logistics, Grower Relations and Business Administration, with primary focus on learning the major aspects of the business. Rotations will primarily take place at our Del Rey, CA facility, with a required on-site assignment at our Buttonwillow, CA facility for six months. This experience is designed to give associates a comprehensive understanding of our operational model and leadership culture.

Responsibilities

What our Wonderful Leadership Program- Leader Trainee will do:

• Expand knowledge of overall business scope as it relates to:
  • Production (Preprocessing, Packaging, Shipping)
  • Learn how to manage production workers
  • Manages standard work, within responsible zones to achieve production output and quality targets
  • Preprocessing and fresh/arils fruit handling
  • Beverage production and packaging
  • Business Administration (Human Resources, Logistics, Grower Relations, Quality Systems)
  • Collaborates with department management and personnel to identify, define, and document business needs and objectives
  • Cultivates management skills to lead small clerical or technical teams in their daily tasks and/or special projects
• Provide day-to-day direction of employees and ensures compliance with company policies; ensuring GMPs and safety requirements are met
• Cultivate continuous improvement activities, manage 5S, and apply lean thinking into the day-to-day operations within all areas of responsibility
• Participate in and lead problem solving activities with production teams, management, & fellow colleagues using the PDCA method
• Actively promote a safe working environment in all areas of responsibility
• Utilize teamwork and leadership skills to complete company projects and meet deadlines

Qualifications

Skills & experience that are necessary as our Wonderful Leadership Program- Leader Trainee will include, but not limited to:

• Completion of degree from a 4-year college
• Some experience in food manufacturing, supply chain, or operational leadership
• Open to flexible schedules
• Problem solving skills and continuous improvement focus
• Proven written and verbal presentation skills with the ability to use data for storytelling
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to build relationships and interact effectively with all levels of employees and management
• Intermediate mathematical skills; knowledge of statistics is desirable
• Recognized efforts to complete multiple tasks independently and efficiently in a timely manner
• Demonstrated ability to actively contribute to their team in order to complete tasks and meet goals
• Ability to handle extremely confidential and sensitive information
• Proficient understanding of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, etc.)
• Must be available to work in person in Buttonwillow, CA for up to 6 months

What We're Looking For

• A natural leader with a collaborative mindset
• Curious, proactive, and adaptable to change
• Capable of managing and motivating teams
• Comfortable working evenings/weekends during peak season (Sept–Dec)
• Committed to a long-term leadership path in food and beverage manufacturing

Compensation

$71,000 Salary - which includes a bonus at the end of the Program.

Benefits

• Thriving Wellness Community: Access to top-notch medical coverage, comprehensive vision and dental plans, and a 401k with match eligibility to secure your financial future and including: 24/7 online physician consultations, virtual mental health resources, life coaching, engaging employee community groups, cash rewards for healthy habits and fitness reimbursements, and library of on-demand fitness videos
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Unlock your potential with clear paths for career progression and internal mobility across our diverse family of brands and business units
• Focused Learning and Development: Grow as a leader with our dedicated Learning and Organizational Development department, offering extensive resources like People Manager and leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses
• Empowering Mentorship Program: Connect with colleagues through our company-wide mentorship program to share goals, overcome challenges, and drive your career forward
• Continuous Improvement Training: Participate in training that empowers all employees to learn and implement concepts that drive significant, positive change in the workplace
• Building a Healthy Society: To date, our co-Founders Lynda and Stewart Resnick, through their foundations and The Wonderful Company, have invested more than $2.5 billion in education, health and wellness, community development, and sustainability initiatives across California's Central Valley, Fiji, and the world. In 2025, Wonderful ranked as #1 in PEOPLE's "100 Companies That Care" list and was named one of Fortune magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For. To learn more about our corporate social responsibility efforts, visit csr.wonderful.com.
• Giving Back to the Community: Make a difference with Wonderful Giving, allowing you to allocate company-provided funds to up to three charities of your choice, and join Wonderful Neighbor to contribute to group service projects within our local communities

Schedule

Comfortable working evenings/weekends during peak season (Sept–Dec).