Manufacturing Management Trainee

Responsibilities

This program is scheduled to start June 2026. The ADS Manufacturing Management Trainee will participate in an 18‑month structured training program which includes overall plant operations, safety, quality, service, productivity, administrative and financial performance, employee development, staffing, project management and annual operating budget preparation. Trainees will be required to relocate at 9‑month rotation intervals during the program and must be willing to relocate to one of the locations in our network upon completion of the program.

This opportunity gives Management Trainees the skills needed to grow a career as future senior leaders in manufacturing. The program is designed to develop leadership and functional skills in our actual manufacturing plants. This training experience is designed to promote rapid growth through hands‑on experience in key plant operations. The diverse rotations include Material & Quality Management, Production, Safety, Inventory & Logistics, Project Management, Financial & Human Resources Management.

This program allows trainees to grow and learn in an accelerated development program designed to lead to a full‑time Management position within 18 months. Skilled instructors, mentors and senior leaders engage with Management Trainees throughout the program which sets them up for long‑term leadership success.

• Proactively manage and navigate a comprehensive training plan and coordinate with plant leadership teams to execute training tasks
• Through on‑the‑job training learn and perform the various manufacturing and yard positions, including supervisory roles
• Leverage background and education to make suggestions and implement ways of working that lead to process improvements at the rotation location
• Identify, prepare and implement solutions on a small, medium and large scale that positively improve efficiency, safety and/or culture in the manufacturing environment.
• Identify, build and implement large‑scale network‑wide solutions for real work challenges.
• Prepare, present and gain alignment of identified strategic initiatives from senior leaders with the purpose of implementing scalable solutions that drive improved results.
• Learn and perform the various management positions in the plant to include Production Manager, Quality Manager, Yard Manager, Inventory Manager and Freight Manager roles
• Learn plant financial and human resource management processes
• Learn key safety & quality management processes and techniques
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of overall plant operations; including manufacturing, inventory & logistics and customer service
• Learn key predictive and preventive maintenance strategies and techniques
• Actively participate and act as a member of the plant management team
• Successfully act and have the authority to lead as a backfill for leader absences
• Participate in various continuous improvement projects
• Provide leadership and set an example for other employees
• Learn, understand and practice ADS CORE VALUES

• Ability to multi‑task with excellent time management skills
• Strong computer skills and applications (internet, Microsoft Office Suite)
• Quick learner with initiative and self‑discipline
• Strong interpersonal skills and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to effectively communicate and problem solve with customers
• Ability to communicate with different levels within the organization
• Leadership skills
• Strong decision‑making skills

• Four‑year business or technical degree, with 0 to 2 years experience in a manufacturing or industrial work environment preferred

Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs.

Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short‑term and…