Entry Level Assistant Department Manager Jobs
New grad assistant department manager jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong internship background or hands-on retail or operations work can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Food & Beverage, with employers like Wayne State University, James Madison University, and University Of Washington hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 46+ Entry Level Assistant Department Manager jobs
Assistant Department Superintendent - Alcohol - Decatur, IL
Position Summary:
An Assistant Superintendent to the Refinery will lead day-to-day operations of the Sorbitol department in support of greater Refinery department to safely produce high quality products that provide value to customers and a return to shareholders. Safety and compliance are required meeting all state and federal laws and regulations. A successful candidate will partner with commercial business unit leaders to align on supply and demand needs of the product lines, communicating when slowdowns and upsets occur. The role will be a part of the Refinery Leadership Team reporting to the Refinery Superintendent.
Essential Job Functions:
- Display a dedication to lead, develop and support safety, promoting a safety culture. Promote continuous process safety improvement, with experience managing Process Safety Management programs a plus.
- Lead day-to-day operations and serve as primary contact of a Refinery Sorbitol process, producing high quality products that meet or exceed Quality and Food Safety specifications.
- Develop and deliver on a long term department strategy that delivers a safe and reliable operation meeting food safety expectations while meeting or exceeding production targets.
- Lead day-to-day employees to work safely with environmental awareness and good manufacturing practices that is compliant with all state and federal laws and regulations.
- Responsible for the department maintenance strategy, partnering closely with maintenance team to deliver reliable production systems including deployment of PdM, Preventative and corrective action maintenance practices.
- Manage department to insure adherence to established product, environmental, safety and housekeeping quality guidelines.
- Provide guidance to supervisors and technical support personnel to achieve short term and long term department performance.
- Utilize Continuous Improvement principles to drive department performance and focus improvement prioritization and alignment.
- Manage chemical usages, production costs and continuously focus on efficiency improvement.
- Interacts directly with Shift Supervisors to produce desired operational results and employee development.
- Accountable for training and development of all department employees, tracking progress to ensure timeliness of onboarding
- Involved in employee coaching and discipline.
- Dedication to working safely and to the awareness for the safety of others.
- Leading and developing high performing work teams including maintenance, engineering and non-technical employees.
- Strong knowledge of continuous chemical processes including Ion Exchange, Evaporation, Hydrogen systems and Batch reaction processes
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with plant engineers, maintenance and management.
- Willingness to spend time in plant areas – tolerate extreme temperatures, walk long distances, stand, climb stairs and ladders and move through close spaces.
- High level of motivation and results-oriented way of working.
- Bachelor's Degree in the field of Engineering, preferably Chemical.
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in a production leadership role.
- 4 years of experience in a continuous operation technical role.
- Leading candidates will have operations leadership experience in a Corn Wet Mill processing facility or continuous chemical operations.
- Experience with application of Continuous Improvement principles in a continuous production manufacturing environment.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
REF:114992BR
Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.
If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
The pay range for this position is expected to be between:
$52,200 - $113,000
Benefits and Perks
Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:
- Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
- Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
- Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).
- Paid time off including paid holidays.
- Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
- Tuition assistance.
- Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.
- Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.
#IncludingYou
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.
We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law
About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.
Req/Job ID
114992BR
#LI-Onsite
Ref ID
#LI-VL1
Assistant Department Superintendent - Alcohol - Decatur, IL | Archer Daniels Midland
Assistant Department Superintendent - Alcohol - Decatur, IL
Position Summary:
An Assistant Superintendent to the Refinery will lead day-to-day operations of the Sorbitol department in support of greater Refinery department to safely produce high quality products that provide value to customers and a return to shareholders. Safety and compliance are required meeting all state and federal laws and regulations. A successful candidate will partner with commercial business unit leaders to align on supply and demand needs of the product lines, communicating when slowdowns and upsets occur. The role will be a part of the Refinery Leadership Team reporting to the Refinery Superintendent.
Essential Job Functions:
- Display a dedication to lead, develop and support safety, promoting a safety culture. Promote continuous process safety improvement, with experience managing Process Safety Management programs a plus.
- Lead day-to-day operations and serve as primary contact of a Refinery Sorbitol process, producing high quality products that meet or exceed Quality and Food Safety specifications.
- Develop and deliver on a long term department strategy that delivers a safe and reliable operation meeting food safety expectations while meeting or exceeding production targets.
- Lead day-to-day employees to work safely with environmental awareness and good manufacturing practices that is compliant with all state and federal laws and regulations.
- Responsible for the department maintenance strategy, partnering closely with maintenance team to deliver reliable production systems including deployment of PdM, Preventative and corrective action maintenance practices.
- Manage department to insure adherence to established product, environmental, safety and housekeeping quality guidelines.
- Provide guidance to supervisors and technical support personnel to achieve short term and long term department performance.
- Utilize Continuous Improvement principles to drive department performance and focus improvement prioritization and alignment.
- Manage chemical usages, production costs and continuously focus on efficiency improvement.
- Interacts directly with Shift Supervisors to produce desired operational results and employee development.
- Accountable for training and development of all department employees, tracking progress to ensure timeliness of onboarding
- Involved in employee coaching and discipline.
- Dedication to working safely and to the awareness for the safety of others.
- Leading and developing high performing work teams including maintenance, engineering and non-technical employees.
- Strong knowledge of continuous chemical processes including Ion Exchange, Evaporation, Hydrogen systems and Batch reaction processes
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with plant engineers, maintenance and management.
- Willingness to spend time in plant areas – tolerate extreme temperatures, walk long distances, stand, climb stairs and ladders and move through close spaces.
- High level of motivation and results-oriented way of working.
- Bachelor's Degree in the field of Engineering, preferably Chemical.
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in a production leadership role.
- 4 years of experience in a continuous operation technical role.
- Leading candidates will have operations leadership experience in a Corn Wet Mill processing facility or continuous chemical operations.
- Experience with application of Continuous Improvement principles in a continuous production manufacturing environment.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
REF:114992BR
Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.
If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
The pay range for this position is expected to be between:
$52,200 - $113,000
Benefits and Perks
Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:
- Physical wellness – medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
- Financial wellness – flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers’ compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
- Mental and social wellness – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).
- Paid time off including paid holidays.
- Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
- Tuition assistance.
- Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.
- Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.
#IncludingYou
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM’s efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments — environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.
We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law
About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.
Req/Job ID
114992BR
#LI-Onsite
Ref ID
#LI-VL1
Assistant Department Superintendent - Alcohol - Decatur, IL | Archer Daniels Midland
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Entry Level Assistant Department Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level assistant department manager job?
Focus on any hands-on experience that shows you can support a team and keep operations moving, whether that comes from retail shifts, internships, or campus leadership roles. Employers hiring at this level look for candidates who understand basic inventory, scheduling, or customer service workflows. Tailoring your resume to highlight those moments, even from part-time work, gives you a clear edge over generalist applicants.
Which companies hire entry level assistant department managers?
Companies hiring entry level assistant department managers right now include Wayne State University, James Madison University, and University Of Washington, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this experience level, you'll find the most openings at large retailers, grocery chains, and consumer goods operators that run structured training programs for new managers.
Are there remote entry level assistant department manager jobs?
Yes, though the majority of these roles are on-site because assistant department managers typically oversee physical teams, floor operations, or inventory. About 20% of entry level assistant department manager openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, so candidates who need flexibility should filter carefully and check each listing's location requirements before applying.
Are these new grad assistant department manager jobs?
Yes, many of these postings are new grad and junior roles that explicitly welcome recent graduates and candidates with little or no professional management experience. A new grad friendly listing typically states it accepts zero to two years of experience, counts internships toward the requirement, or invites candidates who can demonstrate relevant skills through coursework, volunteer work, or part-time roles.
Which industries hire the most entry level assistant department managers?
Entry Level assistant department manager roles concentrate in Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Food & Beverage, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors hire heavily at the entry level because high turnover, seasonal demand, and constant store or department expansion create a steady pipeline of junior management openings for candidates just starting out.