Management Trainee

Learn the basics of empirical’s business processes and procedures to be offered the opportunity of being part of the leadership team within 9-24 months. This position will be immersed in core business processes through participating in roles designed to expose them to strategic learning opportunities that are relevant to long-term roles within the company.

The expectation of this position is to excel in operations processes, safety, quality, customer delivery, problem solving, and effective communication. The position will work with various groups and assignments, gradually increasing their responsibility within the organization, to ensure technical and social skills are advancing toward long-term leadership roles within the company. This is an entry level leadership position.

• Become immersed in learning key manufacturing processes and programs. Become proficient in front-line and management operation roles to understand equipment, processes, people, and pace. Engage in activities designed to develop and prepare individuals to act as relief supervisors, support preventative maintenance programs, and participate in start-up teams. Assist in trouble shooting activities.
• Become proficient in quality assurance roles. Assist Quality Assurance in the development of new products, processes, quality specifications, monitoring of raw materials, and continuous improvement activities. Will learn how to establish and communicate new procedures.
• Upon a thorough understanding of how processes work, participate with company Leadership to understand how to sustain and enhance production or distribution capacity to support sales volume requirements. This includes active participation in technology development, start up, testing, and operation.
• Work with the plant Safety to support improvement in safety and regulatory program effectiveness.
• Develop, improve, and present technical information to educate and improve the effectiveness of employees and best practices. When technically proficient, begin educating and coaching others.
• Will perform special projects and other responsibilities as needed.
• Positively influence a culture of technical development and appreciation of critical thinking skills.
• Ability to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong proficiency in the use of computers.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is preferred.

Demonstrated Competencies

• Effective communication, leadership, and presentation skills.
• Analytical skills for data monitoring and results analysis.
• Demonstrate outstanding learning capabilities.
• Ability to deliver results on challenging assignments.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams.
• Work with a sense of urgency in a fast-paced organization and handle multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities.
• Self-motivated, proactive individual who will constantly seek opportunities for improvement.
• Inclusive, responsible, professional, and problem solver.
• Ability to quickly become proficient in software relevant to job focus.
• General affinity and comfort level to work in an industrial food production environment.

• Must have regular and punctual attendance.

Physical Requirements

• Open to relocating to any empirical plant upon completion of the program.
• Ability to work any shift, including 2nd and 3rd shift, during and after the completion of the program.
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including weekends.
• Ability to travel to other locations as needed.
• This position requires walking, standing, twisting, reaching, bending, climbing, and lifting.
• Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 60lbs.

Experience:  Previous internship or co-op with the company is preferred. Student-related organizational leadership roles and/or other leadership experience is preferred.
Education:  Completion of a degree relevant to the program prior to the start of the job. Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering as well as Food or Animal Science, Agriculture, or other related disciplines.
Department:   Operations