PRODUCTION OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT INTERN - SUMMER 2026
Salina, KS
Schwan’s Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle company CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leading U.S. manufacturer and marketer of quality foods offered through retail-grocery and food-service channels. Its many popular brands include Red Baron®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizza; Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® desserts; and Pagoda® and Bibigo Asian-style snacks. To learn more about Schwan’s, visit www.schwanscompany.com.
Your Internship Experience:
- Dynamic 12-Week Internship (May 18 – August 7, 2026): Dive into a hands-on experience with real-world projects that align with your studies and make a real impact.
- Take Charge of Strategic Projects: Own exciting, high-stakes initiatives with direct relevance to your coursework and gain invaluable experience that goes beyond the classroom.
- Exclusive Access to Leadership: Engage with company executives and senior leaders through frequent interactions that offer unique insights and career inspiration.
- A Culture of Care: Join a company that prioritizes your health, safety, and well-being, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Guidance from Industry Experts: Receive guidance from skilled, genuine, and good-natured team members who are invested in your success.
- Pathway to a Thriving Career: Build your future with a leading food company where internships often pave the way to full-time roles after graduation.
Your Impact:
- Production Oversight: Lead and direct production, packaging, or bakery lines, ensuring that all products meet rigorous company and USDA standards for quality and safety.
- Employee Supervision: Manage and mentor production staff, focusing on skill development, safety protocols, housekeeping standards, and effective policy administration, while fostering a positive work environment.
- Leadership Development: Gain hands-on experience in managing front-line employees, including conducting interviews, hiring, and onboarding, all in compliance with EEO and Affirmative Action guidelines.
- Quality & Compliance: Collaborate closely with on-site USDA representatives to ensure full compliance with all company, state, and federal food safety regulations. Oversee and approve all Quality Assurance and HACCP documentation to maintain high standards.
- Problem Solving & Cost Control: Play an active role in problem-solving initiatives, cost control measures, and continuous improvement projects to enhance operational efficiency and reduce waste.
- Mentorship & Growth: Receive ongoing mentorship from experienced managers, providing insights into effective leadership and strategic decision-making within a production environment.
What You Bring:
- Education: Current enrollment in bachelor’s Business Administration, Operations, Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, or Logistics degree program with an anticipated graduation date of December 2026 or May 2027. GPA of 3.0+ preferred.
- Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Flexibility with placement location for full-time employment
- Proven leadership and interpersonal skills and flexibility to work various shifts
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Experience with supervision or manufacturing is a bonus
- Committed to safety and best practices
- Sharp analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Confident in sharing ideas and constructive feedback
- Masterful time management for on-time delivery in a dynamic environment
- Proactive and takes full ownership of projects
- Self-starter who thrives on overcoming challenges and making decisions in uncertainty
- Skilled at handling sensitive and confidential information
What We Offer:
The hourly rate for this role is $22.00/hr. Housing provided in Salina, KS.
CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [email protected].
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What We Do
As one of the fastest-growing leaders and producers in North America’s food industry, Schwan’s Company is dedicated to bringing people and cultures together through global flavors and delicious ethnic cuisine. Our commitment to this is reflected in the innovative foods we produce, our iconic brands and through a team of exceptional talent. Today, as a subsidiary of CJ CheilJedang, Schwan’s is a fast-paced, forward-thinking company that’s on its way to bigger and better things. We are a leading food marketer, with trusted brands like RED BARON®, FRESCHETTA®, BIG DADDY'S™ and TONY'S™ pizza, EDWARDS® and MRS. SMITH'S® desserts, and BIBIGO® and PAGODA® Asian-style foods. And, with manufacturing operations in California, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas, we are well-prepared to deliver a great experience to our consumers wherever they shop and eat.
