Trainee Operations Management-1st Shift-Waldron Plant

Location: Waldron Plant - Waldron, Arkansas

Management Level

84

Work Shift

1ST SHIFT (United States of America)

The Operations Management Trainee (OMT) role is a developmental leadership position responsible for supporting and influencing day-to-day production and operational performance through the application of independent judgment, data-driven analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. This role contributes to the execution of plant and live operations priorities by identifying operational opportunities, recommending solutions, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. The OMT partners with leadership to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and compliance while building foundational leadership capability to manage teams and processes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze operational performance metrics and identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
• Recommend and help implement process improvements related to safety, quality, yield, and efficiency
• Exercise independent judgment in troubleshooting operational issues and proposing solutions
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives with HR, Maintenance, FSQA, and Accounting to support plant objectives
• Lead or direct teams in assigned situations (e.g., gap coverage, line oversight, project leadership)
• Support decision-making by providing insights and recommendations to supervisors and managers
• Monitor and evaluate compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements; escalate risks as needed
• Participate in planning and execution of operational priorities, including staffing, production flow, and resource allocation
• Drive continuous improvement efforts, including identifying cost savings, efficiency gains, or waste reduction opportunities
• Apply leadership principles to influence team performance, engagement, and accountability
• Develop working knowledge of equipment, processes, and systems to support operational decision-making

Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree, technical degree, or higher in a related field, or equivalent practical experience (1 year) required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Programs/degrees within Operations, Agriculture, Animal Science, poultry science, Food Science, or similar fields are examples.
• Demonstrated exposure through internships, hands-on work, or academic projects in production, agriculture, manufacturing, live operations, or production operations environments. Demonstrate analytical thinking, problem-solving, and independent judgment in operational settings.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification

None Required

Special Job Competencies

• Basic computer skills (Excel, SAP or related systems preferred)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in fast-paced, team-oriented environments
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Leadership potential and ability to influence without authority
• Adaptability and willingness to learn multiple functions
• Basic understanding of safety and quality standards (preferred) and critical thinking skills

Supervisory

This role does not have direct reports but is expected to exercise leadership responsibilities, including directing team members, coordinating workflow, and making real-time decisions to support operational continuity. The role may lead teams, projects, or production lines and is expected to influence performance and outcomes through leadership and decision-making.

Travel

Up to 12 trips per year

Internal Management & Management Support Applicants

Automatic notification to your current manager will be initiated upon selection for interview. This applies to all candidates who are level 79 or above.

All professional team members are expected to demonstrate responsible use of approved AI tools, including safeguarding sensitive information, adhering to company policies, and validating AI-generated outputs. Individual Contributors should demonstrate the ability to integrate AI into daily work, improve efficiency through AI-enabled solutions, evaluate outputs critically, and apply professional judgment when using AI. People Leaders should demonstrate the ability to drive responsible AI adoption, enable effective use of approved solutions, identify opportunities to improve team performance through AI, and ensure accountability for the quality and accuracy of AI-supported outcomes.

Relocation Assistance Eligible

No

Referral Payout Eligible

For Professional Management levels, internal applicants should either upload a resume to their application OR complete their application fully showing current and past work experience in the sections provided.

The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.

Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

CCPA Notice. If you are a California resident, and would like to learn more about what categories of personal information we collect when you apply for this job, and how we may use that information, please read our CCPA Job Applicant Notice at Collection, click here.