Production Management Trainee

McCain Foods; Coaldale; On-site; CAD 59,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement savings benefits

Volunteer time

Mental health resources

Job summary

The PMT program at McCain Foods in Coaldale, AB, is a two-year accelerated leadership development track designed to prepare graduates for frontline supervisory roles in manufacturing. You will rotate across focus areas, gain hands-on experience, and work with senior leaders to drive safety, quality and continuous improvement.

Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing operations, food science, business or supply chain, and demonstrate leadership, problem-solving and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Food Science, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams.
• Experience driving process improvements, productivity initiatives, and operational excellence.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; knowledge of data management and Lean methodologies.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; ability to work in diverse environments.

Responsibilities

• Observe experienced staff and gain knowledge about processes and standards for supervisory roles.
• Lead structured rotations, training, and applied learning within manufacturing focus areas.
• Organize and lead work teams, including scheduling, safety, and performance management.
• Perform front-line supervisory duties and complete assignments in each focus area.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and develop people within the plant.

Skills

Leadership

Process improvements

Operational excellence

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Travel willingness

Multilingual asset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Food Science, Business, Supply Chain, or related field

Job description

Various locations in Canada
In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences - together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.

Position Title: PMT Coaldale 2027

Position Type: Regular - Full-Time

Grade: Grade 04

Requisition ID: 44534

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.

Our next PMT program begins in June 2027 and will be offered across multiple plant locations in Canada:

• Coaldale, Alberta, Canada
• Portage, Manitoba, Canada
• Florenceville, New Brunswick
• Grand Falls, New Brunswick

What You’ll Be Doing.

• Observe experienced staff and gain knowledge about processes, procedures, methods, and standards that are required for performing a supervisory role within each of the program focus areas
• 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
• Duties include decision‑making, leadership, and administrative components of the roles assigned
• Assuming a front‑line supervisory role, complete assignments in each program focus area (i.e., receiving, processing, packaging, quality, etc.)

What You’ll Need To Be Successful.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Food Science, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field
• Passion for manufacturing, operations, engineering, food safety, quality, and/or health & safety
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams
• Experience driving process improvements, productivity initiatives, and operational excellence
• Strong analytical skills, including knowledge of data management, statistical process control, and Lean methodologies
• Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in diverse, multicultural environments; multilingual skills are an asset
• Willingness to travel across the U.S. and Canada and pursue global career opportunities
• Flexibility to support rotating shifts as business needs require
• Commitment to developing people, fostering safe work practices, and leading with a safety‑first mindset

Location & Travel:

• This role is primarily based in a production environment and requires working from a McCain office or facility. Global travel, including to the U.S. and Canada, may be required based on business needs and rotational assignment locations.
• The position may require evening and weekend work to support production schedules, deadlines, and unforeseen business requirements.
• Candidates must be willing to relocate within the McCain manufacturing network for future career opportunities.
• As a member of the facility leadership team, active participation in continuous improvement initiatives, employee development, training, and skills enhancement is expected.

About The Team.

The PMT will be part of the operations team at the manufacturing facility, working directly with Plant Leaders. The plant provides a supportive team that will encourage you to do your best and provides a safe and flexible working environment that promotes work/life balance.

Leadership principles.

At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.

AI & Digital Capabilities.

At McCain, AI and digital capabilities are part of how we work and innovate. We value curiosity toward emerging technologies and the thoughtful, responsible use of AI‑enabled tools to improve outcomes as part of our future‑ready culture

The McCain Experience.

We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we’re better together.

Compensation Package: $58,800.00 - $78,500.00 CAD annually + Bonus Eligibility

The above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting. Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education and training, and other organizational needs. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

• health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug), retirement savings benefits, and leave support including medical, family and bereavement.
• Well‑being programs include vacation and holidays, company‑supported volunteering time, and mental health resources. Coverages are aligned with applicable law and can vary by work level, location, and nature of the role. Additional benefit detail available during the application process.

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family‑owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), let us know, and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.

Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain’s Global Privacy Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy, as applicable. McCain leverages AI in the hiring process, though all final decisions are made by humans. You can understand our approach to AI and how your personal information is being handled here.

Job Family: Manufacturing

Location(s): CA - Canada : Alberta : Coaldale

Company: McCain Foods (Canada)