Plant Operations Manager Trainee

Altium Packaging; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Altium Packaging is seeking an Operations Trainee in Fresno, CA to join its Production Management Development Program. This structured rotational role blends on-the-floor operations with analytics, project work, and business support to prepare for future plant leadership.

Rotations cover production, quality, maintenance, and safety with clear objectives and measurable outcomes. The program emphasizes KPI analysis, process improvement projects, and structured problem solving, with

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree preferred (engineering, manufacturing, business, or related field)
• 2+ years of experience working in a manufacturing or production environment
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to interpret data and develop actionable recommendations
• Effective communication skills, including presenting insights to leadership
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects
• Beginner level use of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Power Point)

Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured rotational program across production, quality, maintenance, and safety functions
• Complete rotation assignments with defined business objectives, deliverables, and measurable outcomes
• Build a comprehensive understanding of plant operations, workflows, and performance drivers
• Observe production processes and workflows to assess efficiency, quality, and adherence to standards
• Collect and analyze operational data gathered from production activities
• Evaluate process performance and identify gaps, risks, and improvement opportunities
• Lead assigned projects and process improvement initiatives aligned with plant and business priorities
• Develop project plans, track progress, and deliver measurable results
• Recommend and support implementation of process improvements in collaboration with plant leadership
• Apply structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies
• Exercise independent judgment in analyzing operational challenges and determining appropriate recommendations
• Evaluate alternative solutions and assess potential impact on production, cost, and quality
• Prioritize work and projects based on business needs and operational impact
• Provide recommendations that influence plant-level decisions and operational strategies
• Analyze safety performance data and support initiatives to improve workplace safety
• Participate in safety observations and audits to identify risks and improvement opportunities
• Support compliance with company policies, operational standards, and regulatory requirements through evaluation and recommendations
• Reasonable mandatory overtime may be required due to business needs.

Skills

Analytical ability

Problem solving

Communication

Data interpretation

Multitasking

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location Address

2875 S Elm Ave,, Fresno, California 93706

Work Shift

8hr-1st Shift (United States of America)As a participant in Altium's Production Management Development Program (PMDP), the Operations Trainee completes a structured rotational program designed to build comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing operations and prepare for future leadership roles within plant operations. This role combines on-the-floor operational exposure with analytical, project-based, and business support responsibilities. The Operations Trainee evaluates production processes, analyzes performance data, and supports operational decision-making through recommendations that impact efficiency, quality, safety, and cost. Through rotations and formal training, the role develops the capability to assess business operations, identify improvement opportunities, and contribute to decisions affecting plant performance.

Rotational Program Participation

• Participate in a structured rotational program across production, quality, maintenance, and safety functions
• Complete rotation assignments with defined business objectives, deliverables, and measurable outcomes
• Build a comprehensive understanding of plant operations, workflows, and performance drivers

Operational Observation & Evaluation

• Observe production processes and workflows to assess efficiency, quality, and adherence to standards
• Collect and analyze operational data gathered from production activities
• Evaluate process performance and identify gaps, risks, and improvement opportunities
• Provide observations and recommendations to plant leadership based on findings

Operational Analysis & Decision Support

• Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), production reports, and statistical process control (SPC) data
• Identify trends and root causes impacting production efficiency, quality, and throughput
• Develop insights and recommend solutions to improve operational performance
• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommended actions

Project Ownership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead assigned projects and process improvement initiatives aligned with plant and business priorities
• Develop project plans, track progress, and deliver measurable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost reduction, waste elimination)
• Recommend and support implementation of process improvements in collaboration with plant leadership
• Apply structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies

Discretion & Independent Judgment

• Exercise independent judgment in analyzing operational challenges and determining appropriate recommendations
• Evaluate alternative solutions and assess potential impact on production, cost, and quality
• Prioritize work and projects based on business needs and operational impact
• Provide recommendations that influence plant-level decisions and operational strategies

Safety & Compliance Support

• Analyze safety performance data and support initiatives to improve workplace safety
• Participate in safety observations and audits to identify risks and improvement opportunities
• Support compliance with company policies, operational standards, and regulatory requirements through evaluation and recommendations

• Reasonable mandatory overtime may be required due to business needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree preferred (engineering, manufacturing, business, or related field)
• 2+ years of experience working in a manufacturing or production environment
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to interpret data and develop actionable recommendations
• Effective communication skills, including presenting insights to leadership
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects
• Beginner level use of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Power Point)

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights and weekends as needed
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, climb ladders, and work in varying plant conditions
• Regular presence on the production floor in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

A Plus

• Associate/bachelor's in engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology or related field.
• 1+ year of lead or supervisory experience.
• Certifications in Technical areas, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and controls-related
• Blow molding machine experience (Uniloy, Bekum, Rocheleau, and similar platforms)
• Experience in bottle processing and packaging equipment
• Ability to relocate

Targeted Pay Range

$60,000.00 - $73,500.00

Altium Packaging, Our Culture Differentiates Us!

We incorporate our Guiding Principles into all aspects and at all levels of the organization and use them as a framework for decision-making. We believe our Guiding Principles foster a culture of excellence that benefits both employees and customers.

Our Guiding Principles

• Act with Integrity & in Compliance
• Drive Value Creation
• Be Disciplined Entrepreneurs
• Focus on the Customer
• Act with Humility
• Treat others with Dignity and Respect
• Seeking Fulfillment in your Work

We Believe in Rewarding our Most Important Resource - Our People!

We show our commitment to Total Rewards by providing a competitive, comprehensive benefits package. In addition to medical, dental and vision plans, company holidays and vacation days, tuition reimbursement, learning and training opportunities, bonus potential, and a 401(k) plan with company contributions, Altium Packaging locations offer rewards and recognition programs and opportunities to make a difference in the community.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Take your career to the next level at Altium Packaging!