Operations Development Program - 2027

Vermeer; Pella (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Vermeer Corporation in Pella, Iowa, is seeking high-potential graduates for its Operations Development Program (ODP). The program features three eight-month rotations designed to build leadership and functional skills across manufacturing, continuous improvement, and procurement.

You’ll learn through experiential and formal training, with a pathway to roles that align your strengths with the business needs after completion. This structured program accelerates professional growth in operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Management, or Engineering.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment (internship or previous work).
• Demonstrated problem solving abilities and lean manufacturing knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Execute 3, eight-month rotations to build leadership and functional skills.
• Participate in experiential and formal learning to develop operations leadership.
• Rotate through Production/Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Procurement tracks.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Spanish (bilingual)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Management, or Engineering

Job description

Who We Are

Vermeer equips customers doing important work around the world. We are global, driven by innovation and growing. The equipment we make manages natural resources, connects people and feeds and fuels communities. We live out a caring culture, we demonstrate agility, we keep a focus on customers and are stewards of our resources. These beliefs drive our culture, determine how we treat others and steer our business.

Work Shift 1 - First Shift Job Summary

Are you passionate about Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Operations? We are looking for leaders who want to deepen their understanding of manufacturing. In this role you will rotate through 3, eight-month assignments to build leadership and functional skills within our business. Our ideal candidate has a continuous improvement mindset, a curiosity about manufacturing, and a passion for solving real world problems, through innovation, collaboration, and hands‑on learning. Participants in the Operations Development Program (ODP) will complete a two‑year rotational training experience that accelerates development of early career talent and produces a pipeline of Operations leaders. After successful completion of ODP, participants will transition into a position that aligns their skill sets with the needs of the business.

What You’ll Do

Execute 3, eight-month rotations to build leadership and functional skills through experiential and formal learning.

Program rotations include three of the following:

• Production Area Manager Engineering (Manufacturing, Quality, or Advanced Manufacturing)
• Continuous Improvement (Operations or Business Process)
• Procurement (Buyer or Commodity Manager)

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Management, or Engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in a manufacturing environment (internship or previous work experience).
• Ability to manage through challenging and difficult situations.
• Passion for problem solving, utilizing lean manufacturing principles to drive improvement, and working cross functionally with others.
• Demonstration of good oral and written communication skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• A strong commitment to a career in Operations.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish is preferred.

Work Location

ONSITE: A team member’s day-to-day work is best done on a Vermeer campus. If work content can be occasionally completed at an offsite location, discuss potential arrangements with your manager.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Vermeer Corporation, we believe in the value of your unique identity, background, and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other status protected by the law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation due to a disability at any stage of the employment application process should contact Team Member Solutions at [phone] or at [e-mail].