Operations Development Associate

Ardent Mills

. Complete Ardent Mills’ 15-month Cultivate Operations Development Program .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeDenver • Colorado • United StatesMid-Level💰 $64,900 - $86,534 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates strong leadership capabilities and the ability to manage teams effectively while ensuring personnel and food safety. Possesses a solid foundation in operational processes and performance monitoring within a manufacturing environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor’s Degree In Milling ScienceLeadership ExperienceFood Safety ManagementProduction Performance MonitoringConflict Management Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Operational Process ManagementEquipment Reliability MaintenanceKey Performance Indicator MonitoringStaff SchedulingTeam Management

Soft Skills

Interpersonal Relationship BuildingConflict IdentificationAdaptabilityCommunication Skills

Industry Keywords

Food ScienceAg StudiesBiosystems EngineeringMechanized SystemsOperations Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Complete Ardent Mills’ 15-month Cultivate Operations Development Program
Gain hands-on experience with processes and people at an Ardent Mills facility
Develop into a role leading others and ensuring personnel and food safety
Ensure equipment reliability through sound maintenance practices
Monitor production key performance indicators and associated costs
Manage team members, schedules, and department staffing
Work varying hours according to facility needs in a 24/7 operation
Assist during off hours as required
Work hands-on alongside hourly team members
Develop conflict identification and management skills and nurture interpersonal relationships
Relocate to other Ardent Mills facilities within the United States as skills and experience are gained
Work long days, rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Milling Science, Ag Studies, Business, Operations, Food Science, Biosystems Engineering, Mechanized Systems or related studies, or 3+ years of leadership experience
Demonstrated leadership capabilities
Ability to travel up to 15% of the time
Willing to relocate as promotional opportunities exist throughout career
Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now and in the future
Must successfully pass a drug test and pre-employment background check
Must be clean shaven for tasks requiring respiratory protection and respirator use

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus - OIP, 5% Annual
Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
Health and Dependent Savings Accounts
Life and Disability Programs
Voluntary Benefit Programs
Company Sponsored Wellness Programs
Retirement Savings with Company Match
Team Member and Family Assistance Program (EAP)
Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
Employee Recognition Program with Rewards (RAVE)