Operations Leadership Development Program

DescriptionPosition 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

QualificationsRequired 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.

Benefits:

Our employee owners enjoy many benefits, such as:

Company performance bonuses
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Up to 112 Hours of PTO in first year
401(k) retirement plan with company matching
Employee discounts on wide range of home building materials
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Life & disability Insurance
Parental leave
Wellness program
Safety bonus for applicable positions
Ongoing training and development
And much more!