Manager Trainee

DescriptionManager Trainee - Elkhart, INRelocation required within 18-36 months for advancement Welch Packaging is seeking a driven, growth-minded operations leader who aspires to advance into plant leadership. This role is designed for high-performing talent who can excel in today’s responsibilities while preparing for broader operational and people leadership roles across our manufacturing network. As a Manager Trainee, you must first learn the full operations of the corrugator. This takes 9-12 months. Ultimately, this role will lead daily production activities, coach teams, and drive performance in a fast-paced corrugator environment. You will gain exposure to cross-functional partners, participate in leadership development assignments, and receive mentorship to accelerate your long-term career growth. At Welch Packaging, we invest in developing the next generation of plant leaders. You’ll experience:Training in manufacturing excellence, continuous improvement, and people leadershipOpportunities to relocate and broaden your experience across multiple facilitiesA culture that values innovation, safety, and growing talent from withinKey ResponsibilitiesLearn CorrugatorBecome proficient in all aspects from the sheet line to the control roomDemonstrate strong self-accountability and a desire to learn and be curiousPosition yourself as a coach encouraging the development of others and promoting safe practicesPerform at key performance levelsGrowth & Development OpportunitiesLead and coach hourly team members to achieve daily targets in safety, quality, and productivityOversee production activities on the corrugator or converting linePartner with maintenance, scheduling, and quality teams to optimize equipment uptime and minimize wasteSupport root cause analysis and implement corrective actionsCommunicate performance expectations clearly and hold team members accountableQualificationsRequired3–7 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, military leadership, or a related fieldDemonstrated experience leading teams or influencing othersStrong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressureStrong communication skills and ability to influence across levelsHigh degree of ownership, accountability, and follow-throughPreferredAbility and willingness to relocate for future advancementExposure to high-volume, fast-paced industrial or production environmentsCareer ambition to move into roles of increasing responsibilityThis Role Is Built For Someone Who DemonstratesLearning agility – quickly steps into new environments and picks up new conceptsLeadership drive – seeks responsibility, leads with integrity, and motivates othersResilience – maintains performance through challenges, change, and ambiguityBusiness curiosity – wants to understand how the plant runs and how they can improve itMobility – open to relocating to prepare for broader leadership rolesPhysical DemandsIndividuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required to pull stock sheets for samples or to store materials during the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. May include lifting up to 50 pounds stock sheets.Work EnvironmentIndividuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required to pull stock sheets for samples or to store materials during the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. May include lifting up to 50 pounds stock sheets.Welch Packaging is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran.