Assistant Production Manager Trainee – UniFirst NEW

Sumter, South Carolina
Unifirst
This is not your average training program.

At UniFirst, the Assistant Production Manager Trainee (APM-T) role is 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 in tandem with your mentor, an experienced Production Manager focusing on people leadership, operational oversight, and business decision-making. This structured, performance-based program is designed to prepare you to transition into 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: Work side-by-side with an experienced APM to lead daily production operations, ensure team performance, uphold safety standards, and meet production goals.
• Hands-On Operational Leadership: Take ownership of workflow management, employee supervision, scheduling, inventory control, and process optimization.
• Mentorship in Action: Learn through doing-receive guidance and coaching while executing real responsibilities, not theoretical assignments.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive efficiency and quality through active involvement in lean initiatives and process improvements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with other departments (Sales, Service, Office, Maintenance) to align production goals with company-wide objectives.
• Safety and Compliance: Conduct safety inspections, participate in training programs, and help build a culture of proactive safety and accountability.
• Environmental Stewardship: 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: Receive 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 Manger (APM) role upon successful completion of the program.
• Leadership Development: Gain valuable leadership experience and build a strong foundation for a career with Unifirst.
• Competitive Compensation: Receive a competitive salary and benefits package during the training period.
• Job Security: Upon successful completion of the program, you will be placed into a full-time APM role with Unifirst.

Upon Successful Completion:

Graduates of the program will be fully equipped and eligible to step into a full-time, Assistant Production Manager role at a UniFirst Production facility – where they will lead with confidence and capability from day one.

What Success Looks Like in This Role:

• Leadership & Team Development: You inspire trust, build high-performing teams, and create a culture of accountability.
• Operational Excellence: You take initiative to identify inefficiencies, implement solutions, and deliver measurable results.
• Strategic Agility: You adapt to change, align priorities across departments, and help lead your team toward long-term success.

Why This Role is Different:

• It’s Real Work, Real Fast: You’ll immediately contribute in a meaningful way-no busy work, no sitting on the sidelines.
• Mentorship + Ownership: Learn directly from experienced leaders while taking full responsibility for day-to-day production tasks.
• A Launchpad for Your Career: Prepare to move into a permanent leadership role with UniFirst, with opportunities for continued growth and advancement.

Qualifications
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.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including standing, walking, lifting, and moving 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.

Join Us and Lead the Way

At UniFirst, we don’t just train leaders-we build them. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, learn by doing, and take the fast track into a leadership role, apply now to join our Assistant Production Manager Trainee program.

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.