What are the responsibilities and job description for the Continuous Improvement Summer Internship 2026 position at John Soules Foods and Careers?
Job Title: Soules Internship Program
Location: Valley, AL
Normal Work Schedule : The typical working hours are 8:00am to 4:00pm, with a 45-minute lunch.
Overview of Company
Soules Foods is a thriving family-owned food company that has made a positive difference for its customers and consumers for nearly 50 years. Our purpose and promise of Great Food, Made Simple® drives us. Based in Tyler, Texas, the company is a leading national producer of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook chicken and beef products and is the number one producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. We proudly serve a broad portfolio of great-tasting, high- quality products sold throughout the US via retail, food service distributors, and restaurants. Our wide array of national customers includes prominent organizations such as Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sysco, and HEB. The company was established in 1975 by John Soules Sr., and the business is now in the second generation of family leadership. The organization has expanded dramatically over the past decade, and with its continued growth, it now has annual sales of approximately 1 billion. The company employs over 2,000 individuals and has three manufacturing facilities in Gainesville, Georgia; Valley, Alabama; and its headquarters in Tyler, Texas.
Job Summary
The Soules Internship Program is designed to provide students and early career professionals with meaningful, hands-on experience while contributing to impactful projects that support our organization’s mission. Launching in Summer 2025, the 11 week’s program aims to prepare the next generation of professionals by combining real-world exposure with mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities.
Interns will gain direct insight into Soules Foods – business operations, leadership development, communications, etc. while developing essential workplace skills and participating in projects that foster growth, innovation, and excellence.
Qualifications
We are seeking passionate, enthusiastic, and motivated individuals who express interest in manufacturing and are:
· Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a college, university, or community college
· Interested in developing skills in [business, communications, leadership, HR, or related fields].
· Strong communicators with good organizational and problem-solving skills.
· Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
· Proficient in [Microsoft Office /Google Workspace or industry-specific tools].
· Eager to learn, contribute, and grow in a professional environment.
Responsibilities
As a Soules Intern, you will:
· Support departmental projects and day-to-day operations.
· Conduct research, gather data, and prepare reports/presentations.
· Assist with event planning, outreach, and community engagement efforts.
· Collaborate with staff and fellow interns on team-based projects.
· Participate in professional development workshops and training sessions.
· Present a capstone project or reflection of your internship experience at the program’s conclusion.
NOTE: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may perform other related duties to meet the organization's on-going needs; these duties are considered marginal.
Preferred Qualifications
· Prior experience in a food processing, production, or packing environment (not required but a plus), familiar with Safety and Food Safety Protocol
Work Environment
· The floor person job is a fast-paced setting that requires flexibility and the ability to
manage multiple tasks daily. Interaction with employees and management for coordination of production needs, including working in a cold environment (40F – 45F), being exposed to moderate noise levels, and always wearing PPE while handling product or materials, to follow the company’s Safety and Food Safety Polices.
· Physical Demands
· Employees must be able to stand for extended periods (8 hours/day), walk, and use stairs; use their hands for tasks; reach with their arms; and communicate verbally, ability to push vats weighing up to 300lbs. ability to lift or move objects up to 45lbs. is necessary, along with performing repetitive physical tasks, including bending and lifting, for long periods. Close distance, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
John Soules Foods is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. Applicants with disabilities needing accommodation during the application process can contact Human Resources at the relevant location. Soules Foods will not discriminate against applicants who discuss their compensation. We also participate in the E-Verify program where required by law.