Trainee Operations Management-1st Shift- Waverly Plant

Tyson Foods, Inc.; Waverly (NE); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401(k) plans

Health and dental benefits

Vision and prescription coverage

Job summary

Tyson Foods, Inc. in Nebraska is seeking an Operations Management Trainee to develop into a future plant leader through hands-on, end-to-end exposure in Receiving, Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality Assurance and other support functions.

You will analyze production data, drive safety and quality improvements, and collaborate with HR, Maintenance, FSQA, Engineering and Accounting to achieve performance goals.

Qualifications

• Required: Associate's degree or higher in a related field; practical experience (minimum 1 year).
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production and operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Assist with improving safety, quality, yields, and operational efficiency.
• Troubleshoot production issues and recommend solutions.
• Partner with HR, Maintenance, FSQA, Engineering, and Accounting teams.
• Support production supervisors and managers with operational analysis and recommendations.
• Lead projects, production lines, and teams as assigned.
• Monitor compliance and elevate operational risks when needed.
• Assist with staffing, production planning, and resource allocation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost savings and waste reduction.
• Develop a strong understanding of plant equipment, processes, and systems.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership potential

Adaptability

Manufacturing knowledge

Safety awareness

Education

Associate's degree or higher in related field

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

SAP

Job description

Position Summary

The Operations Management Trainee (OMT) is a developmental leadership position designed to build future operational leaders. This role supports production and operational performance through data analysis, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. The OMT will learn all aspects of plant operations and develop the leadership skills needed to progress into supervisory and management positions. A key component of this role is gaining hands‑on exposure to the entire operation. Candidates should understand that they will rotate through multiple departments and learn how the plant operates from end to end, including areas such as Receiving, Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality Assurance, and other support functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze production and operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Assist with improving safety, quality, yields, and operational efficiency.
• Troubleshoot production issues and recommend solutions.
• Partner with HR, Maintenance, FSQA, Engineering, and Accounting teams.
• Support production supervisors and managers with operational analysis and recommendations.
• Lead projects, production lines, and teams as assigned.
• Monitor compliance and elevate operational risks when needed.
• Assist with staffing, production planning, and resource allocation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost savings and waste reduction.
• Develop a strong understanding of plant equipment, processes, and systems.

Education & Experience

Required: Associate's degree, technical degree, or higher in a related field; Organizational requirements (OREquivalent) practical experience (minimum 1 year).

Preferred: Bachelor's degree.

Preferred Fields of Study

• Operations Management
• Agriculture
• Animal Science
• Poultry Science
• Food Science
• Manufacturing Management
• Related disciplines

Key Competencies

• Basic computer proficiency (Excel required; SAP preferred)
• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities
• Leadership potential
• Adaptability and willingness to learn
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Understanding of manufacturing, agricultural, or production operations
• Safety and quality awareness

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position does not have direct reports; however, it is expected to:
• Lead projects and initiatives.
• Coordinate work across departments.
• Influence teams and support operational decision‑making.
• Serve as a developing leader within the organization.

Travel

Up to 12 trips per year.

Other

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, with occasional weekend work.

Work Shift: 1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

Relocation Assistance Eligible: No

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.

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.

Benefits

• We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.