Job Description:
Department Manager Intern - Summer 2027 Program Duration: End of May - Early August
Location: Murray, KY (on-site)
Pella Corporation is hiring Department Manager Interns in Murray, KY for Summer 2027. This is a hands-on, on-the-floor leadership internship in manufacturing. You will partner with a Department Manager to support safety, schedule, quality, and team engagement while learning daily management routines and contributing to continuous improvement. Interns gain practical experience in department operations and lead a scoped improvement project (for example, reducing defects, easing bottlenecks, or improving flow).
Compensation:
The starting pay rate for this position is $27.25 per hour. Compensation for this role is established through Pella Corporation's internship program. Eligible participants may receive transition assistance in accordance with company policies and program guidelines.
Responsibilities: Department Manager Interns:
- Support department safety, quality, productivity, and schedule alongside a Department Manager.
- Participate in daily floor huddles, visual management, and floor walks to maintain plan attainment.
- Assist with labor and performance tracking, providing simple updates on key metrics.
- Contribute to continuous improvement (Lean/Kaizen) by documenting standard work, 5S, and corrective actions.
- Build team culture by recognizing performance and offering timely, respectful feedback.
- Department Manager Interns will experience the following:
- Learning and applying continuous improvement (Lean/Kaizen) principles through a scoped project and team collaboration.
- Working side-by-side with Department Managers and cross-functional partners to support daily operations.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required:
Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations/Industrial Technology, Supply Chain, Business/Management, or a related field. On-site availability for a full-time summer internship (approximately 10-12 weeks).Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills; ability to build relationships and give/receive feedback. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint (e.g., data entry, sorting/filtering, basic charts; building simple slides).Demonstrated initiative and organization to manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred:
Leadership experience through work, athletics, student organizations, or projects. Exposure to continuous improvement/Lean concepts (e.g., 5S, standard work, Kaizen, root-cause analysis).Experience analyzing process or performance data Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not requiredCONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:Pella Corporation is committed to workforce diversity. Pella is a Tobacco-Free Work Environment. Post-offer background check and drug screen required. Pella participates in E- Verify. Pella will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Pella Corporation provides a working environment free of discrimination and harassment. Pella Corporation treats all persons equally, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability, as each is protected under federal law. A number of states in which Pella operates have laws protecting classifications of Team Members not necessarily protected under federal law. Therefore, Pella also treats all persons equally, regardless of political affiliation and belief, pregnancy, national origin, age, creed, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, mental disorder, veteran status, ancestry or handicap as each category is protected under a municipal ordinance or state law. About UsAbout Pella Corporation As the #1 most-preferred national window and door brand by homeowners across the country, Pella Corporation leads the industry in innovation and design. Founded in 1925, today the Pella Family of Brands encompasses a robust product offering sold and installed through various channels. We are a growing, privately owned company with 20 manufacturing locations and over 10,000 team members in the U.S. and Canada. Pella is consistently recognized as a great place to work by Newsweek, Forbes and Glassdoor, having most recently been named to America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity by Newsweek in 2024, as well as Forbes' 2024 Best Employers for Women and Best-In-State Employer in Iowa. We have also received numerous accolades for innovation and design, including Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2024 and Most Innovative Manufacturers for 2022 and 2023.At Pella, our team cares deeply, learns continuously and achieves results that go beyond. We encourage creative thinking that seeks out and includes diverse perspectives. And we empower you to do the work you're most proud of - that's why we offer individualized talent development plans, cross-functional experiences and opportunities for career advancement through personal and professional development. With talent just like you, we are imagining, building and fighting for a brighter future for generations to come. Ready to find a career that sparks your passion?
