Production Management Trainee Leadership Development Program (38450) bei McCain Foods Global Corporate Website | McCain.com

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. 

About the role. 

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. 

Optional 3rd Year Functional Tracks 

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. 

Our next PMT cohort starts in June 2026 

We are hiring for the PMT program at the following McCain CA locations:  

• Alberta, in our Coaldale plant 

• New Brunswick, in our Grand Falls plant 

• Manitoba, in our Portage la Prairie plant 

 
What you’ll be doing.   

• 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 

What you’ll need to be successful.   

• A bachelor’s degree in: Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Food Sciences, Business, Supply Chain Management, or other related fields 

• Ability to travel in the US and Canada and willingness to be globally mobile 

• 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, and meet customer demands 

• Strong multi-cultural empathy and ability to work with diverse cultures and levels (Bilingual/Multi-lingual Preferred)  

• Must professionally represent McCain’s mission and values inside and outside the organization by following the McCain Code of Conduct 

• Demonstrated ability to provide sound, pragmatic solutions in resolving day-to-day operational challenges with people 

• Understanding of statistical process control, data management, and lean principles and methodologies 

• Strong organizational, written/oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and advanced mathematical skills  

Location & Travel: 

• This role is primarily located in a production environment. Still, it may be required to travel globally, which is contingent on the location of the subject matter expertise of the rotational assignments. 

• There is a requirement to work from a McCain office or facility location, and they may travel to the US and or Canada, as business needs require (the organization's mission may sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces). 

• May work a standard work week, but additionally, it may be required to work evenings and weekends to accommodate deadlines, unplanned requirements, and production shift schedules as requested. 

• Must be willing to relocate to other manufacturing operations within the McCain network for future career opportunities. Candidates with demonstrated leadership experience or experience in food and beverage manufacturing may be given preference. 

About the team. 

The PMT will be part of the operations team at the manufacturing facility, working directly with Plant Leaders. The plant provides a supportive team that will encourage you to do your best and provides a safe and flexible working environment that promotes work/life balance. 

About McCain.