Assistant Production Manager Trainee

Assistant Production Manager Trainee - UniFirst Join to apply for the Assistant Production Manager Trainee - UniFirst role at UniFirst Corporation. This is not your average training program. At UniFirst, the Assistant Production Manager Trainee (APM‑T) role offers a hands‑on, high‑impact opportunity for individuals ready to step into operational leadership from day one. Over the course of this 9‑month immersive program, you won’t just observe — you’ll be actively performing the full scope of APM responsibilities alongside an experienced mentor. The structured, performance‑based program is designed to prepare you for an APM role upon successful completion. Willingness to relocate at the end of the program is required. What You’ll Do – Not Just Training, Real Responsibility Perform APM duties from day one, leading daily production operations, ensuring team performance, upholding safety standards, and meeting production goals. Take ownership of workflow management, employee supervision, scheduling, inventory control, and process optimization. Learn through doing—receive guidance and coaching while executing real responsibilities, not theoretical assignments. Drive efficiency and quality through lean initiatives and process improvements. Partner with Sales, Service, Office, and Maintenance to align production goals with company objectives. Conduct safety inspections, participate in training programs, and help build a culture of proactive safety and accountability. Learn and apply strategies for managing wastewater systems and reducing environmental impact. Key Responsibilities Leadership & People Management Supervise, coach, and evaluate Production Team Partners to ensure productivity, engagement, and compliance with company standards. Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management for Production staff. Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee development. Operational Oversight Manage day‑to‑day production operations, including workflow scheduling, inventory management, equipment utilization, and quality assurance. Make independent decisions regarding staffing allocation, process adjustments, and resource utilization. Monitor performance metrics and implement strategies to achieve or exceed operational targets. Strategic & Cross‑Functional Collaboration Partner with Sales, Service, Office, and Maintenance leaders to align production output with company‑wide goals. Contribute to strategic planning discussions around efficiency, cost savings, and long‑term operational improvements. Lead or participate in lean initiatives, process improvements, and compliance projects that impact company performance. Safety & Compliance Ensure adherence to OSHA, ISO, and company safety standards by conducting inspections, leading safety training, and modeling compliance. Promote a safe, productive workplace while managing environmental stewardship initiatives, including wastewater and waste reduction programs. Program Benefits Comprehensive Training: In‑depth training on all aspects of route service management, from customer relations to operational efficiency. Career Growth: Opportunity to transition into a full‑time Assistant Production Manager role upon successful completion of the program. Leadership Development: Valuable leadership experience and a strong foundation for a career with UniFirst. Competitive Compensation: Salary and benefits package during the training period. Job Security: Placement into a full‑time APM role after program completion. Upon Successful Completion Graduates will be fully equipped and eligible to step into a full‑time Assistant Production Manager role at a UniFirst Production facility—leading with confidence and capability from day one. What Success Looks Like In This Role Leadership & Team Development: Inspire trust, build high‑performing teams, and create a culture of accountability. Operational Excellence: Identify inefficiencies, implement solutions, and deliver measurable results. Strategic Agility: Adapt to change, align priorities across departments, and lead teams toward long‑term success. Why This Role Is Different Real work, real fast: Immediate contribution with meaningful impact—no busy work or sidelines. Mentorship + Ownership: Learn directly from experienced leaders while taking full responsibility for day‑to‑day production tasks. A launchpad for your career: Prepare for a permanent leadership role with UniFirst and opportunities for growth and advancement. Qualifications Required 21 years of age or older. High school diploma or GED. Valid driver’s license and safe driving record. At least 2 years of relevant leadership or supervisory experience. Physical ability to stand, walk, lift, and move items for extended periods. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Willingness and ability to relocate upon program completion. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Preferred Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years in a production/operations leadership role. Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or ISO standards. Financial literacy and experience using metrics to drive decisions. Bilingual in English and Spanish is highly preferred. Demonstrated commitment to safety and compliance. UniFirst is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti‑discrimination laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr