Location: University Park, IL.
Departments: Quality
Reports To: Department Manager
Pay Range: $17.50 - $19.50
The Quality & Continuous Improvement Intern will gain hands-on experience supporting food safety, quality assurance, Lean improvement, and operational excellence at Dot Foods’ University Park distribution center. Working with the Quality Manager and cross-functional teams, the intern will analyze data, improve reporting and compliance tools, and complete a practical project with measurable business value.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Training and job-shadowing to understand workflows and business needs across the company
Leadership/ownership of assigned project(s)
Participation in a team project with other interns
Problem definition, research, data collection, analysis to determine best processes and methods for problem-solving
Gather, validate, and analyze operational and quality data.
Partner with Quality, Warehouse, Transportation, Safety, and site leadership.
Create clear dashboards, trackers, standard work, and recommendations.
Review, update, and track a variety of reports
Present project information at the culmination of the internship to communicate research, findings, analysis and any recommendations
Applies lean thinking and tools to identify and eliminate waste in all areas of the position.
WORK STATEMENT
Dot Foods is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status.
YOU MUST HAVE
Full-time student in good standing actively pursuing a degree at a local, accredited college/university
Minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs
YOU MAY ALSO HAVE
Degree work towards a Bachelor’s degree in food science, natural sciences, quality assurance, supply chain, operations, business analytics, or a related field.
Effective, professional verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
Leadership experience
Power BI, Microsoft Forms, SharePoint, Power Apps, Lean, or food safety experience.
ROLE SPECIFICS
Ability to work a minimum of 350 hours during internship tenure (Summer 2027)
Attend business, Dot specific, and personal development intern training events
Potential for minimal overnight travel; ability to travel without restriction by all modes of transportation
WHO WE ARE
Dot Foods makes products more accessible and affordable to the food industry. We streamline the supply chain and build valuable partnerships with distributors, suppliers, and operators. Our company was created on a foundation of respect and dependability. People who are open to input, ask questions, embrace diversity, and seek innovative solutions thrive here.
WHAT DOT CAN OFFER YOU
As a family-owned and -operated company since 1960, Dot Foods has created a strong family culture. We make everyone feel included and respected. In addition to an inclusive working environment, we will provide you with:
Future career opportunities
Impactful experiential learning
Great working relationships
Safety: This position assumes responsibility for the workplace safety of self and co-workers, and for the safety conditions of the work locations, exercise and promotes safe behaviors and show unyielding support of programs, rules and policies regarding safety.
EOE/AA Employer: Dot believes all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities. Dot will not discriminate against its employees or applicants for employment because of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status or other basic classes protected by applicable federal or state law provided they are qualified for employment or for existing positions.
