Operations Management & Continuous Improvement InternshipColony Brands

Job Description

Two Bakery Operations Management & Continuous Improvement/Engineering Internship positions are available in 2027. One will begin in January and end in August; the second will begin in May and end in December.

What You’ll Do & Learn:
This internship is designed for a student who wants meaningful, hands-on experience improving a complex food manufacturing operation. You will learn the business from the production floor upward, then apply continuous improvement, industrial engineering, data analysis, problem-solving and change-management skills to projects across Food Operations. Your work will focus on practical improvements that are documented, measurable and sustainable after the internship ends. In this internship, you’ll:
• Partner with production and support teams to learn food manufacturing products, processes, equipment, systems, constraints, and employee needs.
• Conduct time studies, process observations, capacity analyses, and data collection to identify waste, bottlenecks, variation, and performance losses.
• Analyze operating measures and translate findings into practical recommendations, dashboards, trackers, standard procedures, and training tools.
• Apply structured problem-solving, root-cause analysis, and maintenance practices to support corrective actions and sustainable improvements.
• Lead an assigned improvement project from problem definition through implementation, benefit validation, handoff, and final presentation.

Qualifications

We’re looking for a collaborative problem-solver who communicates clearly and enjoys working in a team environment. Ideally, you are pursuing a bachelor’s or associate degree in Production/Operations Management, Industrial Technology, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field. Qualifications include:
• Junior or senior standing in college; recent graduates are also encouraged to apply.
• A cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple assignments, follow through on commitments, and respectfully suggest changes to existing methods based on evidence.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Familiarity with AI, Power BI, statistical tools, process mapping, Lean, Six Sigma, or root-cause analysis is helpful but not required.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred. Bilingual interns are eligible for a $1,00 bonus upon completion of their internship.

This position will require you to work onsite at our headquarters in Monroe, WI.

Note: We do not offer sponsorship for any positions at this time.

About Us

Welcome to Colony Brands! As one of North America’s largest multi-channel, direct-marketing companies, we take pride in our diverse portfolio of affiliates, brands, and products. Despite our growth over the last century, we remain true to our roots as a private, customer-focused business based in Monroe, WI. Stability is just one aspect of our culture. What truly defines us is our commitment to our Core Values, fostering employee growth, and creating a better place to live and work. We are dedicated to supporting the communities we serve and offer a wide range of benefits and programs to enhance the well-being of our employees.

Benefits Details

Internship Perks:

Job Category: Supply Chain

Employment Type: Internship