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Production Manager Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

General Manager - Trainee

Fresno, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... products across five western states. Founded in 1930 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA ... General Manager Trainee As a General Manager Trainee, you'll go through a 30-week structured ...

General Manager Trainee

Visalia, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... products across five western states. Founded in 1930 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA ... General Manager Trainee As a General Manager Trainee, you'll go through a 30-week structured ...

General Manager Trainee

Fresno, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... products across five western states. Founded in 1930 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA ... General Manager Trainee As a General Manager Trainee, you'll go through a 30-week structured ...

General Manager - Trainee

Fresno, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... products across five western states. Founded in 1930 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA ... General Manager Trainee As a General Manager Trainee, you'll go through a 30-week structured ...

Store Manager Trainee

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$87K - $126K/yr

... productivity and overall performance of various stores through the optimization of talent ... Our Store Manager Trainees solve complex problems using good judgment and business acumen. They are ...

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Production Manager Trainee information

See California salary details

$5

$21

$34

How much do production manager trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for production manager trainee in California is $21.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a production manager trainee?

Production Manager Trainees are entry-level professionals who are being trained to oversee and coordinate the manufacturing process in a facility. They work under the supervision of experienced production managers to learn about production planning, workflow optimization, quality control, and staff management. Their goal is to gain the necessary skills and experience to eventually take on a full production manager role, ensuring that products are made efficiently, safely, and within quality standards. Typically, they participate in hands-on training, shadowing, and sometimes classroom instruction as part of their development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a production manager trainee?

To thrive as a Production Manager Trainee, you need a foundational understanding of manufacturing processes, a relevant degree (such as in engineering or business), and strong analytical abilities. Familiarity with production management software, lean manufacturing tools, and safety regulations is commonly required. Effective communication, leadership potential, and strong problem-solving skills help distinguish top candidates in this role. These skills ensure efficient production operations, support team leadership, and promote continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a production manager trainee, and how can they be addressed?

Production Manager Trainees often encounter challenges related to balancing production schedules, managing diverse teams, and adapting quickly to new processes or technologies. It's common to feel pressure when handling tight deadlines or unexpected supply chain issues. Proactively communicating with team members, seeking guidance from experienced managers, and staying organized with task management tools can help overcome these challenges. Building strong relationships across departments also fosters a supportive environment and smoother workflow.

What is the difference between Production Manager Trainee vs Production Supervisor?

AspectProduction Manager TraineeProduction Supervisor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in manufacturing, engineering, or related fieldOften requires experience in production or manufacturing, sometimes with certifications
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, learning management skills in production settingsOversees daily production operations on the shop floor
Employer UsageEntry-level training role within manufacturing companiesMid-level role responsible for supervising production staff
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry points and training roles in production managementLooking for supervisory roles in manufacturing

The Production Manager Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning management skills and gaining industry knowledge, often through training programs. In contrast, a Production Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily operations and managing production staff. While both roles are integral to manufacturing, the trainee role is more about development, whereas the supervisor role involves direct supervision and operational decision-making.

How do you become a production manager trainee?

To become a production manager trainee, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in manufacturing, engineering, or a related field, along with some experience in production or operations. Developing skills in leadership, problem-solving, and familiarity with production management tools can improve prospects, and some companies may require relevant certifications or on-the-job training programs.

What job categories do people searching Production Manager Trainee jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Production Manager Trainee jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Production Manager Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Production Manager Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Production Manager Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,752 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Production Manager Trainee

Mission Linen Supply

Salinas, CA • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Mission Linen Supply rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 492 rated business services


Job description

Responsibilities

Mission Linen Supply has immediate opportunities for our Production Manager Trainee  in state-of-the-art operating plants in California and Arizona. This program is designed to place high-potential new managers on a track for career opportunities in production and general management at Mission Linen Supply.

RELOCATION REQUIRED: All candidates must be willing to relocate during or after training to manage their own team within the first 3 years of the career to qualify for the program.

Management Trainee base salary is $70,304 - depending on experience. The starting salary is based on education, experience, other qualifications, and location of assignment.

We are seeking hard working, motivated, and energetic individuals to work for a great company! Mission's culture provides employees a professional, safe and positive work environment with numerous opportunities for growth and success.

BENEFITS: If you are seeking full-time employment with full benefits including; health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a retirement savings program, paid time off (sick, holiday, vacation) and MORE apply today.

Qualifications

This is a fast-track, nine-month program in which you are trained by the highest ranking operations managers in the company to lead your own production facility. In less than one year, you will learn what most of our production and service staff learn in five. After successful completion of the program, you move into a Production Manager position at one of our 25 facilities, and ultimately, grow into the General and District Manager role if desired. This is not a typical entry-level position- we want managers who are ready to learn our industry, understand our customer-base, and lead/motivate a successful team.

Production management experience gained during this program provides a strong foundation for understanding our business and assuming a leadership role in our Company. We will pair you closely with experienced operations managers and plant teams to learn all aspects of production management.

Specific areas include:

Production workflow utilizing Lean Six Sigma techniques

Boilers and hydraulics

Plant equipment

Production scoring methods

Inventory control

Quality control initiatives

Cost control

All along the way you'll have the support of senior management, complete progress reports from the learning and development department, and participate in company-sponsored management development workshops. Upon successful completion, you'll be qualified for promotion to a management position at a Mission facility. You'll be part of a management career track which includes opportunities for growth in key management positions throughout the Company.

Qualified candidates will have the education and experience that demonstrate intelligence, commitment, and a willingness to learn - all necessary to succeed at Mission. Industry experience is not required, as we look for dynamic individuals with leadership potential, and a strong business and customer orientation.

Four-year college degree highly desired

Military experience is welcomed

The ability to relocate after completion of the program is important for career growth

Overview

Mission Linen Supply is a family owned, privately held company, and a leading provider of products, services, and supplies to hospitality, medical, and industrial businesses. Founded in 1930 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, the company has grown from a one-man operation to a leading player in the linen rental and uniform business across five western states. Mission Linen Supply is widely recognized for its ability to understand, anticipate, and meet its customers 'needs while providing environmentally friendly goods and services.

Mission Linen Supply is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO), Affirmative Action Plan (AAP), VEVRAA Protected Veterans, Federal Contractor and Worker with Disabilities employer. Mission Linen Supply is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran or any other protected status with respect to recruitment, hiring, promotion and other terms and conditions of employment. Worker with Disabilities needing assistance applying please feel free to call HR Office at 805-730-3612.

To be considered for employment with Mission Linen Supply, you will need to apply online at missionlinen.com, select careers and apply for the position you are interested in.  We will review your qualifications and will contact you via email or phone if you are selected for an interview.

Employment Type: OTHER

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