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Junior Operations Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Packaging Engineer plays a critical role in driving operational excellence, influencing ... Associate Development: Mentor, coach, and support the technical development of junior Packaging ...

In addition to technical expertise, you will mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering a ... Our associates have access to growth opportunities, tuition reimbursement programs, and extensive ...

In addition to technical expertise, you will mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering a ... Our associates have access to growth opportunities, tuition reimbursement programs, and extensive ...

Fall 2026 People Development Intern

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

From welcoming experiences and warm associates to thoughtfully curated products, our brands are ... Upcoming junior, senior or recent graduate with a strong academic record pursuing a degree in Human ...

New

This role offers an exceptional opportunity for personal growth in operational leadership and large ... Mentor junior team members and promote exemplary standards of work - Build and maintain ...

Showing results 41-60

Junior Operations Associate information

See Tennessee salary details

$26.3K

$52.3K

$113K

How much do junior operations associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior operations associate in Tennessee is $52,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $54,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Junior Operations Associate vs Operations Coordinator?

AspectJunior Operations AssociateOperations Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer associate's degreeHigh school diploma; some roles may prefer associate's or bachelor's degree
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, supporting daily operational tasksOffice environment, coordinating between teams and departments
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in logistics, retail, and corporate sectorsUsed across various industries including healthcare, finance, and retail
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by entry-level candidates or those exploring operational rolesCompared for roles involving coordination and process management

The Junior Operations Associate typically handles basic operational tasks and supports team functions, often requiring minimal experience. In contrast, an Operations Coordinator may take on more responsibility in coordinating processes and communicating across departments. Both roles are common in office environments and serve as entry points into operations careers, but the Coordinator role often involves more organizational duties and cross-team collaboration.

What is a junior operations associate?

Junior Operations Associates are entry-level professionals who support the day-to-day functions of a company's operations department. Their responsibilities often include assisting with process optimization, data entry, reporting, and coordinating communication between different teams. They help ensure that business processes run smoothly by handling administrative tasks, troubleshooting minor issues, and supporting senior staff. This role is ideal for individuals looking to gain experience in business operations, project management, or administration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior operations associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Operations Associate, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a bachelor's degree in business, operations, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software, spreadsheets, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is commonly required. Effective communication, problem-solving, and adaptability are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial to ensure efficient workflows, accurate data handling, and smooth team collaboration in dynamic operational environments.

What typical challenges might a junior operations associate face when adapting to a fast-paced work environment?

As a Junior Operations Associate, you may encounter challenges such as quickly learning new processes, managing multiple tasks with tight deadlines, and adapting to shifting priorities. It's common to work with various departments, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively. Developing effective time-management strategies and being proactive in seeking guidance from team members can help you successfully navigate these challenges and grow in your role.
What are popular job titles related to Junior Operations Associate jobs in Tennessee? For Junior Operations Associate jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Junior Operations Associate jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Junior Operations Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Junior Operations Associate job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,325 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Engineer, Packaging Development

Mars

Franklin, TN

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Mars Inc. rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 435 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Description:

The Packaging Engineer leads the development and deployment of innovation, sustainability, and productivity initiatives across Mars Petcare North America's packaging portfolio. Operating in a pet-friendly, collaborative environment, this role provides cross-functional leadership to support existing products, drive new package development, and standardize processes across pilot and full-scale manufacturing sites.

Success in this role requires connecting innovative workstreams with high-quality, consistent manufacturing outcomes to deliver packaging solutions that meet evolving pet parent needs. The Senior Packaging Engineer is responsible for leading large, business-critical projects with regional or brand-wide impact, ensuring alignment from concept through commercialization.

This role provides strong technical expertise and strategic insight, while owning the management and implementation of key packaging processes, standards, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Senior Packaging Engineer plays a critical role in driving operational excellence, influencing stakeholders, and advancing scalable, sustainable packaging solutions across the portfolio.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in in Packaging, Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science, a related technical field or equivalent

  • 3-5 years' experience working on packaging projects and technology development

  • Demonstrated experience with retort, cans, and corrugated shipping containers

  • Strong understanding of machinery and scale-up risks

  • Willingness to travel up to 30%

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in in Packaging, Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science, or a related technical field

What will be your key responsibilities?

  • Technical Leadership: Lead and manage high-impact, complex packaging development projects (e.g., retort packaging, cans, pouches, bags, etc.) spanning across major portfolios.

  • Advanced Specifications: Develop complex specifications for multi-site and cross-functional projects, ensuring packaging robustness across the entire value chain.

  • Innovation & Scale-Up: Translate technology from virtual/working proof-of-principle models to full-scale working machinery in partnership with third-party builders and global teams.

  • Risk & Opportunity Management: Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks of regional or site-level impact. Cascade coaching on risk management tools to junior associates.

  • Associate Development: Mentor, coach, and support the technical development of junior Packaging Engineers and Technologists within the team.

What can you expect from Mars?

  • Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

  • Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

  • Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

  • An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

Mars does not sponsor visas for this role.

This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.

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Employment Type: Full time

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