Production Management Trainee

Production Management Trainee Leadership Development Program 

About the role.

The Production Management Trainee (PMT) leadership development program provides high-potential, talented university graduates with an opportunity to join the McCain Team and build a foundation of manufacturing technical knowledge and essential leadership experience. The PMT program is designed to create future leaders of McCain Foods. 

The PMT program is a 2-year rotational program in which the PMT trainee will be provided with cross-functional experience from “farm to fork” within the product life cycle to learn all aspects of the manufacturing process. The PMT program participants will complete formal, self-guided, and applied learning experiences by partnering with senior, skilled subject matter experts in our manufacturing operations and plant teams. The PMT is expected to gain a broad understanding of manufacturing processes and tools, including process management, problem-solving, troubleshooting processes and equipment, and managing multiple operations within the production system. 

This position will work at one of our on-site 8 large-scale food processing plants in the US. Each site specializes in the production of a variety of McCain products. 

Our next PMT program starts in June 2025

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

• Idaho, in our Burley plant
• Wisconsin, in both our Appleton and Plover plants
• Nebraska, in our Grand Island plant
• Washington, in our Othello plant

Accountabilities:

• 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)

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in: Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Food Sciences, Business, Supply Chain Management, or other related fields
• Ability to work rotating shifts as required, operate production facilities, and meet customer demands
• Strong organizational, written/oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Strong multi-cultural empathy and ability to work with diverse cultures and levels (Bilingual/Multi-lingual Preferred)
• Ability to travel and willingness to be globally mobile
• Must professionally represent McCain’s mission and values inside and outside the organization by following the McCain Code of Conduct
• 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

Skills: 

• Interest in manufacturing, operations, or engineering
• Sound fact-based decision-making and problem-solving abilities with a focus on delivering results
• Project management discipline and principles are demonstrated in leading successful project initiatives
• Proven success in experience, leading, and influencing others
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound, pragmatic solutions in resolving day-to-day operational challenges with people
• Ability to earn the respect, acceptance, and trust of peers, subordinates, and superiors
• Team player who is a champion of change
• Understanding of statistical process control, data management, and lean principles and methodologies
• Advanced mathematical skills
• Experience in process design and productivity improvements
• Understanding of business and finance acumen

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.
• There is a requirement to work from a McCain office or facility location, and they may travel as business needs require (the organization's mission may sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces).
• The employee may work a standard work week, but they may also 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 intern 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.

At McCain, we’re feeding the world: from French fries to cakes, we contribute to the important role food plays in people's lives. That’s why we’re dedicated to ensuring our core values—Family, Authentic, Trusted, and Quality—shine through every day. As a privately owned family company with over 60 years of experience, a presence in more than 160 countries, and a global team of 22,000 people, our values and culture are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that we can work together, along with our business and community partners, to bring sustainable growth and positive change today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Join us and see how you can MAKE IT at McCain!

Leadership Principles.

Our principles, each with related practices, guide our actions across the organization. Together, they address how McCain interacts with our customers and employees, and how we work as individuals and collectively to find success. While each role adheres to the Leadership Principles, individual roles may focus more on a specific principle or principles.

We are customer obsessed. Customers are our starting point. By understanding their needs and leveraging data and consumer insights, we drive mutual success.

We think big and plan ahead. Through ambition, curiosity, and smart risks, we can accomplish goals, refine processes, and innovate to scale success.

We bring out the best in our people and create safe spaces for them so that trust and empowerment come naturally. Inclusion is about listening first, showing humility, and working together.

We act like owners. Together, we clear obstacles and do the work that makes us all successful and proud to be part of McCain.

The McCain experience.

We are McCain: this statement is about our power collectively and our importance individually—your impact is a significant part of the business. Our winning culture focuses on authenticity and trust so we can always bring out the best in our people. Here, you have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive while being yourself. Join our team to see why we’re better together.

Compensation Package: 

$58,880- $78,500 USD annually + bonus eligibility + Long Term Incentive eligibility

The above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting. Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education/training, and other organizational needs.

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. 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 are 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 home.

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We see value in ensuring we have a diverse, antiracist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable workplace. As a global family-owned company, we are proud to reflect the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that diversity drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. 
 
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require 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 meet your needs.
 
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