Production Management Trainee at McCain Foods

Production Management Trainee Leadership Development Program

In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences - together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.

The Production Management Trainee (PMT) Program is a dynamic, two-year accelerated leadership development program designed to cultivate the next generation of manufacturing leaders. Through a structured rotational framework, trainees gain immersive, hands‑on experience across critical manufacturing operations. By collaborating closely with senior experts, participants learn essential processes, procedures, and industry standards fundamental to effective leadership in manufacturing.

The PMT program provides trainees with comprehensive, cross‑functional experience across the entire product lifecycle, from “farm to fork.” By partnering with senior experts and engaging in a blend of formal, self‑guided, and hands‑on learning, participants develop a deep understanding of manufacturing systems, operational excellence, and best practices in safety, quality, and team management. This multifaceted training equips graduates with the technical skills, leadership abilities, and strategic vision needed to drive continuous improvement and support the organization’s long‑term success.

Aligned with our Leadership Principle,
We Think Big and Plan Ahead
, PMTs may choose to complete an optional 3rd‑Year Functional Track to build expertise in areas such as Safety, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, or Continuous Improvement. This additional year allows PMTs to deepen their knowledge and skills in a specialized area, enhancing their readiness for leadership roles within these critical functions.

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

• Idaho, in our Burley plant
• Nebraska, in our Grand Island plant

• 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).
• 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.

• A bachelor’s degree in:
  Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Food Sciences, Business, Supply Chain Management, or other related fields.
• Immediate ability to travel in the US and Canada for training and a willingness to be globally mobile post‑graduation.
• Interest in manufacturing, operations, engineering, food safety/food quality and/or health and safety in a manufacturing setting.
• Proven success in experience, leading, and influencing others.
• Experience in process design and productivity improvements.
• Ability to work rotating shifts as required, to operate production facilities,…