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. Trainees gain immersive, hands-on experience across critical manufacturing operations through a structured rotational framework. Participants learn essential processes, procedures, and industry standards fundamental to effective leadership in manufacturing by collaborating closely with senior experts. The PMT program provides 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

Key Responsibilities

• Observe experienced staff and gain knowledge about processes, procedures, methods, and standards required for performing a supervisory role within each program focus area.
• 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 assigned roles.
• Assume a front-line supervisory role and complete assignments in each program focus area (i.e., receiving, processing, packaging, quality, etc.).
• Active participation in continuous improvement initiatives, employee development, training, and skills enhancement is expected.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• 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

• Primarily based in a production environment; 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.
• 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.

Compensation Package

• $58,800.00 - $78,500.00 USD annually + Bonus eligibility.
• Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education, training, and other organizational needs.

Benefits

• Health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug)
• Retirement savings benefits
• Leave support including medical, family, and bereavement
• Vacation and holidays
• Company-supported volunteering time
• Mental health resources