Operations Consulting Intern - Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement - Summer 2027

At Wipfli, people count.
At Wipfli, our people are core to everything we do-the catalyst behind our ability to create exceptional impact and extraordinary results.
We believe in flexibility. We focus on relationships. We encourage each individual to follow their own path.
People truly matter and they feel it. For those looking to make a difference and find a professional home, Wipfli offers a career-defining opportunity.
This role requires a hybrid work arrangement. At Wipfli, hybrid is defined as associates regularly work in a Wipfli office, from home and at client sites. The client sites can vary locally, regionally, or nationally depending on the industry alignment. Note that scheduled meetings at the client and in the office will require in-person attendance.
Role Summary
Are you interested in learning how businesses improve the way they operate? Do you enjoy solving problems, working with data, and collaborating with others to create meaningful change?
As an Operations Consulting Intern - Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement, you will work alongside experienced consultants to help manufacturing clients improve productivity, quality, operational performance, and profitability. You'll gain hands-on experience with process improvement, Lean methodologies, operational assessments, data analytics, and client-facing consulting.
Responsibilities

• Observe and analyze manufacturing, supply chain, and business processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, waste, and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with operational assessments and process reviews, including developing current-state and future-state process maps and supporting value stream mapping activities.
• Gather, organize, and analyze operational and financial data to help identify trends, evaluate performance, and support client recommendations.
• Analyze key manufacturing metrics such as productivity, throughput, inventory, quality, on-time delivery, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Participate in client interviews, stakeholder meetings, workshops, and Kaizen or continuous improvement events alongside experienced consultants.
• Help develop practical recommendations to improve productivity, quality, efficiency, operational performance, and profitability.
• Assist in creating dashboards, reports, presentations, and other client deliverables that clearly communicate findings, recommendations, and action plans.
• Support implementation planning and change management, including evaluating technology, automation, and other process improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with consultants, client teams, project managers, and subject matter experts while building your consulting, analytical, technical, and professional skills.

Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Engineering Management, Industrial Technology, or a related field.

• Above average class performance as demonstrated by college GPA; Preferred 3.0 GPA or higher

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with clients and staff

• Detail-oriented with a commitment to delivering high-quality work.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to build and foster professional business relationships

• Desire to help companies maximize value by leveraging technology and process improvement

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis upon hire. Wipfli will not consider candidates for this position who require sponsorship for employment visa status now or in the future (e.g., H-1B status)

Grace Parker, from our recruiting team, will be guiding you through this process. Visit her LinkedIn page to connect!
#LI-Onsite #LI-GP
Additional Details:
Not fully prepared to apply for an internship or not sure where to start? Please join our Talent Community to explore how you can stay connected to Wipfli.
Wipfli is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All candidates will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identify, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Wipfli is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or participate in our recruiting process, please send us an email at [email protected]
Wipfli values fair, transparent, and competitive compensation, considering each candidate's unique skills and experiences. The estimated base pay rate for this role is $32.00/hour. The actual hourly rate at the time of offer depends on business related factors like location, skills, experience, training/education, licensure, certifications, business needs, current associate pay, and relevant employment laws.
Wipfli cares about our associates and offers a variety of benefits to support their well-being. Benefit offerings include paid sick leave; access to free, confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program.
"Wipfli" is the brand name under which Wipfli LLP and Wipfli Advisory LLC and its respective subsidiary entities provide professional services. Wipfli LLP and Wipfli Advisory LLC (and its respective subsidiary entities) practice in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. Wipfli LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients, and Wipfli Advisory LLC provides tax and business consulting services to its clients. Wipfli Advisory LLC and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.