Operations Management Trainee - Future Plant Leaders Program

Position Summary:

The Future Plant Leader (FPL) Program is a structured leadership development program designed to prepare high-potential individuals for future leadership roles within plant operations. Participants will complete a multi-year rotational program that provides hands-on experience across key departments including Harvest Operations, Fabrication, Value-Added Products, Food Safety and Quality Assurance, Maintenance and Engineering, Supply Chain and Logistics, Sales, and Business Finance.

Throughout the program, trainees will develop a strong understanding of plant operations, food safety systems, regulatory compliance, workforce leadership, and financial performance. Participants will work alongside plant leadership and department managers to gain practical experience in managing operations, improving efficiency, and supporting a safe and productive work environment.

The program is designed to develop future supervisors, managers, and operational leaders who will help drive the plant’s commitment to safety, quality, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.

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Culture Index Survey:

Please complete the Culture Index Survey below. Applications not accompanied by a completed survey will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.

https://surveys.cultureindex.com/s/rsO14tCFo4/94504

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Key Responsibilities:

Operations Leadership Development

•    Participate in structured departmental rotations across plant operations

•    Develop a comprehensive understanding of harvest, fabrication, and value-added production processes

•    Learn operational leadership practices including workforce supervision, shift planning, and production management

•    Support department managers in daily operational activities

Safety & Compliance

•    Promote a strong culture of employee safety and hazard awareness

•    Learn and support workplace safety policies and procedures

•    Observe and support compliance with USDA/FSIS regulatory requirements

•    Reinforce good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and sanitation expectations

Food Safety & Quality

•    Gain working knowledge of HACCP systems and food safety programs

•    Assist with internal audits, quality monitoring, and compliance activities

•    Support operational teams in maintaining product quality and regulatory compliance

Continuous Improvement

•    Participate in operational improvement initiatives throughout the program

•    Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and workflow within plant operations

•    Complete improvement projects designed to enhance plant performance

Maintenance & Equipment Awareness

•    Develop an understanding of plant equipment systems and preventive maintenance practices

•    Observe equipment troubleshooting and reliability improvement initiatives

•    Identify opportunities to improve equipment efficiency and reduce downtime

Supply Chain & Logistics

•    Learn product flow from production through cold storage and shipping operations

•    Observe inventory management practices and traceability systems

•    Support improvements in shipping accuracy and dock efficiency

Business & Financial Understanding

•    Develop an understanding of operational cost drivers and plant financial performance

•    Learn how operational decisions impact profitability and plant performance

•    Participate in financial discussions related to production planning and operational efficiency

Leadership & Communication

•    Develop professional leadership and communication skills

•    Participate in department meetings, shift huddles, and operational discussions

•    Work collaboratively with supervisors, managers, and cross-functional teams

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Program Development Expectations:

Participants in the Future Plant Leader Program will:

•    Successfully complete each rotation gate within the program

•    Demonstrate competency in operational leadership and plant systems

•    Complete improvement projects throughout the program

•    Participate in leadership evaluations and program reviews

•    Demonstrate readiness for future supervisory or management roles

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Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in one of the following or related field preferred:

•    Animal Science

•    Agricultural Business

•    Food Science

•    Industrial Technology

•    Business Administration

•    Operations Management

•    Engineering

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Skills & Competencies:

•    Strong leadership potential and willingness to learn

•    Ability to work effectively in fast-paced manufacturing environments

•    Strong communication and teamwork skills

•    Problem-solving and analytical thinking

•    Commitment to workplace safety and food safety standards

•    Ability to adapt to multiple departments and operational challenges

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Hours of Operations: 5:00am to 5:00pm (will change with assignment)

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Physical Requirements:

•    Ability to work in a food processing plant environment

•    Ability to stand and walk for extended periods

•    Ability to work in refrigerated environments

•    Ability to follow PPE and safety requirements

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Work Environment: This position operates primarily within a food processing plant environment where employees may be exposed to:

•    Cold temperatures

•    Production equipment and machinery

•    Wet or slippery floors

•    Moderate noise levels

All safety policies and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements must be followed.

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Career Path: Successful completion of the Future Plant Leader Program prepares participants for advancement into roles such as:

•    Department Manager

•    Plant Operations Leadership

•    Sales Managers

•    Executive Team Members

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TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Up to 25% travel to FPL Food, LLC facilities, training programs, trade association meetings, and customer visits. Significant time will be spent on the manufacturing floor.

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DISCLAIMER: The Position Description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required of employees assigned to this position.