Position Overview
Palmer-Donavin’s Operations Leadership Development Program (OLDP) is a 12-18
month, full-time rotational program designed to develop future operations leaders through hands-on experience across distribution, manufacturing, and corporate operations.
OLDP participants rotate through multiple facilities and departments, gaining direct exposure to warehouse operations, production environments, inventory control, safety and quality systems, and front-line people leadership. The program emphasizes real operational responsibility, data-driven decision-making, and leadership development to prepare participants for placement into operations leadership roles upon program completion.
Key Responsibilities
During the program, participants will:
- Learn and execute daily operational processes within distribution centers and manufacturing facilities, including receiving, picking, loading, inventory control, production workflows, and quality control
- Participate in mid-shift and night-shift operations to gain full exposure to 24-hour operational environments
- Supervise front-line associates during designated supervisory experience rotations, including task delegation, productivity tracking, and safety oversight
- Monitor and analyze operational KPIs, reports, and dashboards to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities
- Apply root-cause analysis and structured problem-solving techniques to operational challenges
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Sales, Supply Chain, Transportation, Customer Service, Human Resources, Finance, and Marketing
- Participate in weekly management and execution meetings
- Complete regular written reports, reflections, and leadership development assignments
- Lead a capstone project focused on a real operational issue and present findings and recommendations to senior leadership
- Build working relationships with operations leaders, supervisors, and team members across multiple facilities
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or completion of coursework toward a bachelor’s degree in Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field
- Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including mid-shift and night-shift rotations
- Willingness to travel and relocate as required during and after the program
- Strong interest in pursuing a long-term career in operations leadership
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior internship, co-op, or work experience in operations, manufacturing, logistics, distribution, or supply chain
- Experience leading teams, projects, or student organizations
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
Program Requirements
- Ability to travel to Palmer-Donavin facilities throughout the Midwest and Southeast
- Ability to stand, walk, and work in warehouse and production environments for extended periods
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as required during operational rotations
- Valid driver’s license
Post-Program Placement
Upon successful completion of the OLDP, participants are expected to be placed into operations leadership roles (such as Operations Supervisor or Operations Manager) at one of Palmer-Donavin’s facilities. Placement location may be within the Midwest or Southeast and will be based on business needs and individual performance.
