Operations Management Trainee-Russellville, AR

Tyson Foods; Russellville (AR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Tyson Foods is seeking an Operations Management Trainee (OMT) to develop into a leadership role guiding day-to-day production and operational performance. You will analyze data, identify opportunities, and drive improvements across safety, quality, yield, and efficiency in a fast-paced plant environment.

This position involves cross-functional collaboration with HR, Maintenance, FSQA, and Accounting, and provides a pathway to manage teams and processes with a strong emphasis on leadership

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in a related field; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Internships or hands-on work in production, agriculture, or manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated analytical thinking, problem-solving, and independent judgment in operations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production performance metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives with HR, Maintenance, FSQA, and Accounting to meet plant objectives.
• Provide insights and recommendations to supervisors to guide decisions and improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Support staffing, production flow, and resource allocation during operational planning.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Leadership potential

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Excel

SAP

Job description

Job Summary:

The Operations Management Trainee (OMT) role is a developmental leadership position responsible for supporting and influencing day-to-day production and operational performance through the application of independent judgment, data-driven analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. This role contributes to the execution of plant and live operations priorities by identifying operational opportunities, recommending solutions, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The OMT partners with leadership to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and compliance while building foundational leadership capability to manage teams and processes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze operational performance metrics and identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
• Recommend and help implement process improvements related to safety, quality, yield, and efficiency
• Exercise independent judgment in troubleshooting operational issues and proposing solutions
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives with HR, Maintenance, FSQA, and Accounting to support plant objectives
• Lead or direct teams in assigned situations (e.g., gap coverage, line oversight, project leadership)
• Support decision-making by providing insights and recommendations to supervisors and managers
• Monitor and evaluate compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements; elevate risks as needed
• Participate in planning and execution of operational priorities, including staffing, production flow, and resource allocation
• Drive continuous improvement efforts, including identifying cost savings, efficiency gains, or waste reduction opportunities
• Apply leadership principles to influence team performance, engagement, and accountability
• Develop working knowledge of equipment, processes, and systems to support operational decision-making

Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree, technical degree, or higher in a related field, or equivalent practical experience (1 year) required. Bachelor's degree preferred. Programs/degrees within Operations, Agriculture, Animal Science, poultry science, Food Science, or similar fields are examples.
• Demonstrated exposure through internships, hands‑on work, or academic projects in production, agriculture, manufacturing, live operations, or production operations environments. Demonstrate analytical thinking, problem-solving, and independent judgment in operational settings.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification:

None Required

Special Job Competencies:

• Basic computer skills (Excel, SAP or related systems preferred)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in fast‑paced, team‑oriented environments
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Leadership potential and ability to influence without authority
• Adaptability and willingness to learn multiple functions
• Basic understanding of safety and quality standards (preferred) and critical thinking skills

Supervisory:

This role does not have direct reports but is expected to exercise leadership responsibilities, including directing team members, coordinating workflow, and making real‑time decisions to support operational continuity. The role may lead teams, projects, or production lines and is expected to influence performance and outcomes through leadership and decision-making.

Travel:

Up to 12 trips per year

All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI. People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

Yes

Work Shift:

1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.

The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

• We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans;