Job Description

Operations Management Development Associate (OMDA)

To save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters®, Skippy®, SPAM®, Hormel® Natural Choice®, Applegate®, Justin’s®, Wholly®, Hormel® Black Label®, Columbus®, Jennie-O® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ — to bring some of the world’s most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com.

Program Overview

The Operations Management Development Associate (OMDA) program offers hands-on leadership experience in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Over the course of a 33- to 36-month rotational program, participants will gain exposure to key operational functions and develop the skills necessary to become future leaders within Hormel Foods.

What You’ll Gain

• Exposure to core areas including Safety, Quality, Production/Manufacturing, Human Resources, Project Management, Business Acumen, and LEAN/Operations Excellence principles.
• Development of strong communication and leadership skills in a fast-paced environment.
• A comprehensive understanding of manufacturing processes through multiple functional lenses.
• Structured learning opportunities and professional development events.

• Upon successful completion, participants will be well-positioned for management roles within operations across Hormel Foods, based on business needs.

   

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage team members to execute plant processes and achieve production and quality goals.
• Ensure availability of necessary resources (materials, equipment, staffing) to maintain production schedules.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to meet safety, quality, cost, and customer service objectives.
• Foster an engaged, team-oriented workforce to drive business results.
• Maintain a strong presence on the production floor (approximately 80% of the shift). 

• Adapt to extended workdays or weekend work as needed based on operational demands.

   

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Management, or a related field, with expected graduation in December 2025 or May 2026.
• Willingness and ability to relocate within the United States.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and learn quickly.
• Strong interest in pursuing a career in Operations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for building collaborative relationships.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Ability to travel up to 15%.
• Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. 

• Must be 18 years of age or older (all plant positions)

   

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Proven problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership experience through work, campus involvement, community service, or extracurricular activities.
• Prior co-op or internship experience.
• Excellent written and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence and persuade others effectively.

• Strong interest in developing as a future leader.

   

Compensation:

• The starting rate for this role is $1,350.00 weekly ($70,200 annually).

Benefits:

• Other components of Hormel Foods’ total compensation package includes comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, discretionary annual merit increases, bonuses, 401(k) with employer match, stock purchase plan, relocation assistance, paid time off, FREE two-year community/technical college tuition for children of employees, and more.

  Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.