Production Management Trainee

McCain Foods; Grand Island (NE); On-site; USD 59,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement savings

Paid time off & holidays

Volunteer time

Job summary

McCain Foods USA, Inc. is launching the PMT Grand Island 2027 program in Nebraska.

This two-year Production Management Trainee initiative develops future plant leaders through structured rotations across manufacturing operations, with mentorship and formal training to build expertise in safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Participants gain hands-on experience from farm to fork, preparing for front-line supervisory roles and potential advanced tracks in Safety, Quality, Engineering, or

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Food Science, Business, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams.
• Strong analytical skills including data management and Lean methodologies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, organizational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Observe experienced staff and learn processes, procedures, and standards for supervisory roles.
• Complete structured progression plan with on-the-job training, mentorship, and rotations.
• Organize and lead work teams within focus areas, including scheduling, safety, and performance management.
• Perform decision-making, leadership and administrative duties in program areas.
• Complete assignments in each program focus area (receiving, processing, packaging, quality, etc.).

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Multilingual

Willingness to travel

Team collaboration

Education

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

Job description

Locations:

Various locations in the United States

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 Grand Island 2027

Position Type

Regular - Full-Time

Grade

Grade 04

Requisition ID

44159

Leadership Development Program

Production Management Trainee

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 the United States:

• Plover, Wisconsin, US
• Appleton, Wisconsin, US
• Grand Island, Nebraska, US
• Burley, Idaho, US

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 USD annually + Bonus eligibility

Benefits:

At McCain, we’re on a mission to create a winning culture that puts employee safety and well‑being at the heart of what we do, every day. We understand and appreciate that each person’s needs are unique and ensure our benefits & well‑being programs reflect that. Employees are eligible for the following benefits: 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.

Your well‑being matters to us, and we’re here to provide you with the necessary resources to support you in being your best self at work — and at home.

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), please 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):

US - United States of America : Nebraska : Grand Island

Company:

McCain Foods USA, Inc.