Production Management Trainee at McCain Foods

Wayne State University; Idaho; On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage (medical, dental, vision)

Retirement savings benefits

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company is seeking candidates for their Production Management Trainee Program located in Grand Island, Nebraska. This dynamic two-year program is designed to develop future manufacturing leaders through hands-on experience in various operational processes. Ideal candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate strong leadership abilities. The role offers a competitive salary of $70,000 annually plus benefits, emphasizing employee wellbeing and development.

Qualifications

• Immediate ability to travel in the US and Canada for training.
• Interest in manufacturing, operations, engineering, and food safety.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve day-to-day operational challenges.

Responsibilities

• Observe experienced staff to learn required processes for supervisory roles.
• Complete structured progression plan with on-the-job training.
• Lead work teams and organize daily operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Multicultural empathy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Food Sciences, Business, Supply Chain Management or related fields

Job description

Production Management Trainee Leadership Development Program

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.

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 Cohort starts in June 2026

We are hiring for the PMT program at the following McCain U.S locations:

• Idaho, in our Burley plant
• Nebraska, in our Grand Island plant

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.).
• Develop talent and conduct on‑the‑job training with new employees, ensuring they receive proper training.
• Proactively foster and promote employees' safe work habits, ensuring proper safety policies and procedures are followed.
• Actively participate in health and safety initiatives, leading in the drive towards zero incidents through safety optimization.
• Build experiences and projects to enhance learning and knowledge transfer.
• Follow the job description for the assignment within the rotation (i.e., Supervisor).
• As a member of the facility's leadership team, participation in the continuous improvement process is expected; this includes taking an active role in process improvement initiatives, employee training, and upgrading the current skill base.

What you’ll need to be successful

• A bachelor’s degree in: Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Food Sciences, Business, Supply Chain Management, or other related fields.
• Immediate ability to travel in the US and Canada for training and a willingness to be globally mobile post‑graduation.
• Interest in manufacturing, operations, engineering, food safety/food quality and/or health and safety in a manufacturing setting.
• Proven success in experience, leading, and influencing others.
• Experience in process design and productivity improvements.
• Ability to work rotating shifts as required, to operate production facilities, and meet customer demands.
• Strong multi‑cultural empathy and ability to work with diverse cultures and levels (Bilingual/Multi‑lingual Preferred).
• Must professionally represent McCain’s mission and values inside and outside the organization by following the McCain Code of Conduct.
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound, pragmatic solutions in resolving day‑to‑day operational challenges with people.
• Understanding of statistical process control, data management, and lean principles and methodologies.
• Strong organizational, written/oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and advanced mathematical skills.

Location & Travel

• This role is primarily located in a production environment. Still, it may be required to travel globally, which is contingent on the location of the subject matter expertise of the rotational assignments and training.
• There is a requirement to work from a McCain office or facility location, and they may travel to the US and or Canada, as business needs require (the organization's mission may sometimes take them to non‑standard workplaces).
• May work a standard work week, but additionally, it may be required to work evenings and weekends to accommodate deadlines, unplanned requirements, and production shift schedules as requested.
• Must be willing to relocate to other manufacturing operations within the McCain network for future career opportunities. Candidates with demonstrated leadership experience or experience in food and beverage manufacturing may be given preference.

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.

About McCain

Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide you with opportunities to make an impact that matters.

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.

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

Compensation Package: $70,000.00 (Local Currency) annually + bonus eligibility.

Benefits

Benefits: At McCain, we’re on a mission to create a winning culture that puts employee safety and wellbeing at the heart of what we do, every day. We understand and appreciate that each person’s needs are unique and ensure our benefits & wellbeing 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. Wellbeing programs include vacation and holidays, company-supported volunteering time, and mental health resources. Coverages are aligned to country, provincial and state governing plans and can vary by work level, location and nature of the role. Additional benefit details 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), let us know and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.