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This is not your average
training
program .
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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.
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Willingness to
relocate at the end of the program is
required .
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What You'll Do - Not
Just Training, Real
Responsibility :
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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.
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Hands-On Operational
Leadership : Take ownership of workflow management,
employee supervision, scheduling, inventory control, and process
optimization.
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Mentorship in
Action : Learn through doing—receive guidance and
coaching while executing real responsibilities, not theoretical
assignments.
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Continuous
Improvement : Drive efficiency and quality through
active involvement in lean initiatives and process
improvements.
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Cross-Functional
Collaboration : Partner with other departments
(Sales, Service, Office, Maintenance) to align production goals
with company-wide
objectives.
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Safety and
Compliance : Conduct safety inspections, participate
in training programs, and help build a culture of proactive safety
and
accountability.
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Environmental
Stewardship : Learn and apply strategies for managing
wastewater systems and reducing environmental
impact.
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Key
Responsibilities
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Leadership & People
Management
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Supervise, coach, and evaluate
Production Team Partners to ensure productivity, engagement, and
compliance with company
standards.
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Participate in hiring,
onboarding, training, and performance management for
Production
staff.
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Foster a culture of accountability,
continuous improvement, and employee
development.
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Operational
Oversight
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Manage day-to-day production
operations, including workflow scheduling, inventory management,
equipment utilization, and quality
assurance.
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Make independent
decisions regarding staffing allocation, process
adjustments, and resource
utilization.
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Monitor performance metrics and
implement strategies to achieve or exceed operational
targets.
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Strategic &
Cross-Functional
Collaboration
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Partner with Sales, Service, Office,
and Maintenance leaders to align production output with
company-wide
goals.
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Contribute to strategic planning
discussions around efficiency, cost savings, and long-term
operational
improvements.
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Lead or participate in lean
initiatives, process improvements, and compliance projects that
impact company
performance.
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Safety &
Compliance
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Ensure adherence to OSHA, ISO, and
company safety standards by conducting inspections, leading safety
training, and modeling
compliance.
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Promote a safe, productive workplace
while managing environmental stewardship initiatives, including
wastewater and waste reduction
programs.
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Program
Benefits :
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Comprehensive
Training : Receive in-depth training on all aspects
of route service management, from customer relations to operational
efficiency.
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Career
Growth : Opportunity to transition into a full-time
Assistant Production Manger (APM) role upon successful completion
of the
program.
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Leadership
Development : Gain valuable leadership experience and
build a strong foundation for a career with
Unifirst.
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Competitive
Compensation : Receive a competitive salary and
benefits package during the training
period.
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Job
Security : Upon successful completion of the program,
you will be placed into a full-time APM role with
Unifirst.
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Upon Successful
Completion :
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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.
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What Success Looks Like
in This
Role :
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Leadership & Team
Development : You inspire trust, build
high-performing teams, and create a culture of
accountability.
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Operational
Excellence : You take initiative to identify
inefficiencies, implement solutions, and deliver measurable
results.
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Strategic
Agility : You adapt to change, align priorities
across departments, and help lead your team toward long-term
success.
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Why This Role is
Different :
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It’s Real Work, Real
Fast : You’ll immediately contribute in a meaningful
way—no busy work, no sitting on the
sidelines.
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Mentorship +
Ownership : Learn directly from experienced leaders
while taking full responsibility for day-to-day production
tasks.
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A Launchpad for
Your Career : Prepare to move into a permanent
leadership role with UniFirst, with opportunities for continued
growth and
advancement.
Qualifications
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Qualifications :
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Required :
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21 years of age or
older.
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High school diploma or
GED.
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Valid driver’s license
and safe driving
record.
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At least 2 years of
relevant leadership or supervisory
experience.
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Ability to perform
physical tasks including standing, walking, lifting, and moving
items for extended
periods.
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Strong communication and
interpersonal
skills.
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Willingness and ability
to relocate upon program
completion .
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Proficiency in Microsoft
Office
Suite.
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Preferred :
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Bachelor's degree or 2+ years in a
production / operations leadership
role.
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Familiarity with Lean,
Six Sigma, or ISO
standards.
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Financial literacy and
experience using metrics to drive
decisions.
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Bilingual in English and
Spanish is highly
preferred.
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Demonstrated commitment
to safety and
compliance.
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Join Us and Lead the
Way
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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.
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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.
Assistant Production Manager • Charlotte, NC, United States