JobsMercury Marine

Operations Management Development Program

Mercury Marine · Fond du Lac, WI

Posted Aug 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Tell me about an internship or co-op where you worked on a manufacturing floor. What was your role and what did you actually do day to day?

whether the candidate has real hands-on exposure to production environments versus classroom theory only

Describe a group project where you had to lead people who didn't report to you and weren't required to listen to you.

early leadership instinct and influence skills, since OMDPs supervise frontline staff without formal authority at first

Give me an example of a time you found a root cause for a problem that turned out to be different from what everyone initially assumed.

structured problem-solving discipline and intellectual honesty rather than jumping to the obvious fix

Tell me about a time your team missed a deadline or a target. What happened and what did you personally do about it?

accountability versus deflecting blame onto teammates or circumstances

Two years from now, this program ends and you get placed somewhere. What kind of operations role are you hoping to land in, and why?

genuine long-term interest in operations leadership versus using this as a generic stepping stone

What draws you to Mercury Marine and the marine industry specifically, versus another manufacturer?

whether interest in the company is specific or the candidate is applying broadly to any rotational program

Technical

Walk me through a time you used a Lean or continuous improvement tool, like a 5 Why or a value stream map, to solve a real problem.

actual familiarity with LSS methodology rather than just naming it on a resume

What's the difference between production planning and purchasing, in your own words, and why does the handoff between them matter?

baseline operations vocabulary and whether the candidate has studied what these rotations actually involve

Situational

This program means moving to whichever site needs you, possibly more than once. How do you feel about that, and what would make a relocation hard for you?

genuine openness to geographic mobility, which the posting flags as a selection factor, versus a rehearsed yes

Say you're three weeks into a rotation in Materials Management and the plant manager asks you to present a recommendation to leadership by Friday, but you don't yet have all the data you'd like. What do you do?

comfort operating with ambiguity and incomplete information, which the posting explicitly calls out

If you rotated onto the shop floor and a line supervisor told you your improvement idea would never work because 'that's not how we do it here,' how would you respond?

ability to challenge the status quo respectfully without alienating experienced operators

How would you explain a production metric or a root cause finding to a group of frontline employees who don't have your engineering background?

communication skills across audiences, since the role requires reports and presentations to both leadership and the shop floor

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Mercury Marine from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Mercury Marine.

Are you ready for what’s next?   Come explore opportunities within Brunswick, a global marine leader committed to challenging conventions and innovating next-generation technologies that transform experiences on the water and beyond.  Brunswick believes “Next Never Rests™,” and we offer a variety of exciting careers and growth opportunities within united teams defining the future of marine recreation.  Operations Management Development Program (OMDP)   Workplace Category: Onsite Travel Required: Yes Direct Reports: May be included through a rotational assignment Pay Range:  $75,000 / year Relocation: Yes Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.  This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.   Operations Management Development Program (OMDP) Location: • Fond du Lac, Wisconsin • Fort Wayne, Indiana • New York Mills, Minnesota • Lebanon, Missouri • Knoxville, Tennessee • Edgewater, Florida • Merritt Island, Florida (BIMC) Position Overview:  Your career is what you make it, and the same goes for Brunswick’s Operations Management Development Program (OMDP). The OMDP provides an exciting and challenging entry point into Operations Management. This 2-year program is intentionally designed as a structured rotational program for new graduates. The goal of the program is to build leadership skills and operational expertise that prepares participants for future leadership roles. We intend to develop strong leaders for our rapidly growing businesses by putting you in a position to make immediate contributions while working side-by-side with operations leaders. Along the way, OMDP members are provided with networking opportunities with multiple locations across the US. The OMDP is highly supported by Brunswick's executive leadership team, and they are personally involved with the program and its participants. In addition to on-the-job learning experiences, you will also be encouraged to join your cohort for our regular programming events which provide exposure to other divisions and locations.  At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.  Essential Functions • Must be a full-time undergraduate student graduating in Spring ’27 with a focus on Engineering Management, Operational Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, and Business Analytics • Must have a desire to build a career in Operations Leadership in a manufacturing environment • Willingness and ability to relocate (Fond du Lac, WI, Ft Wayne, IN, New York Mills, MN, Lebanon, MO, Edgewater, FL, Knoxville, TN, Merritt Island, FL – locations subject to modification)  • To be considered for this position, candidates must have permanent US Work authorization  Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way. Required Qualifications • 1-2 previous internships or co-ops in a manufacturing environment preferred • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, and Business Analytics Working Conditions • This position requires regular time spent on the manufacturing shop floor to support operations, observe processes, collaborate with production teams, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. • Managing and/or participating in project teams to support leadership in engineering, manufacturing, plant management, general operations, and program management • Evaluating performance and productivity • Acting as a leader for front line production employees • Helping create a Lean culture and promoting operations excellence • Building an understanding of operations methods within Brunswick • Generating reports and giving presentations • Making recommendations to our leadership team(s). • Problem Solving/Root Cause Correct Action follow-through • Challenging status quo by looking for areas of improvement What the ideal candidates will bring to our winning team • Ability to not only think strategically, but also to drive results through personal execution. • Ability to define business problems and frame answers in a logical and structured way • Familiarity with LSS/Continuous Improvement methodology • Comfortable with ambiguity and a fast-paced work environment • Ability and desire to take risks and challenge the status quo • Strong drive to develop innovative solutions • Creative problem solver with strong decision-making skills with the ability to overcome unforeseen obstacles • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Passion for our products and the marine industry Interview Process and Placement Candidates interview for acceptance into the overall program, and we will take division and/or location preferences into consideration the best we can. Offers will be division-specific (Mercury Marine and Brunswick Boat Group) and cohort start date will be early summer 2027.  Locations for first roles vary based on business needs but may include: • Fond du Lac, Wisconsin • Fort Wayne, Indiana • New York Mills, Minnesota • Lebanon, Missouri • Knoxville, Tennessee • Edgewater, Florida • Merritt Island, Florida (BIMC) Key Dates: Application Deadline: Friday, October 9, 2026 Final Interview Target Date: November 4, 2026 Given the company’s strategy to develop leaders for the entire corporation, candidates who demonstrate geographic mobility will be more attractive during the selection process. Geographic mobility also indicates a candidate's flexibility and willingness to adapt to new environments, which are essential qualities for leadership roles in a dynamic and globalized business landscape. This is a rotational program that lasts about 24 months. During that time, OMDPs will complete rotations in a variety of operational functions such as: Materials Management, Purchasing, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Production Planning, or frontline supervisor. These first experiences offer acclimation to the operational goals that the company faces as well as impactful work. Each rotation will support operations in a functional role and is determined based on individual goals, experience, and capabilities, as well as the business needs of the organization. Upon successful completion of the program, OMDPs can expect to pursue a career in Operations Management, Manufacturing, or Supply Chain. The anticipated pay range for this position is $75,000 annually. The actual base pay offered will vary depending on multiple factors including job- related knowledge/skills, relevant experience, business needs, and geographic location. In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. This position is eligible to participate in Brunswick's comprehensive and high-quality benefits offerings, including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k (up to 4% match), Health Savings Account (with company contribution), well-being program, product purchase discounts and much more. Details about our benefits can be found here . Why Brunswick:   Whatever tomorrow brings, we’ll be at the leading edge.  As the clear leader in the marine industry, we’re committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer and encourage growth opportunities within and across our many brands. In addition, we’re proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards !  Innovative, Driven, Exceptional, Authentic and United – these values are at the heart of all we do and what differentiates us as an employer of choice. We hope you share our belief that “Next Never Rests™” and consider the growth opportunities available with the global leader in marine recreation. Brunswick’s consumer-focused technology and bold innovation continue to transform experiences on the water and beyond. Home to more than 60 industry-leading brands across Marine Propulsion, Parts and Accessories, Boats and Business Acceleration, we are “one Brunswick.” About our Divisions: Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Mercury Marine® is the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury provides engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications. Mercury empowers boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world. The company’s industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury outboard engines, Mercury MerCruiser® sterndrive and inboard packages, Mercury propellers, Mercury inflatable boats, Mercury SmartCraft® electronics, Land 'N' Sea marine parts distribution and Mercury and Quicksilver® parts and oils. More information is available at MercuryMarine.com. Brunswick Boat Group is home to a diverse portfolio of iconic marine brands, including Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Crestliner, Harris, Heyday, Lowe, Lund, Navan, Princecraft, Protector, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Spartan, Thunder Jet, and Uttern. Each brand carries a legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and performance that has shaped the boating industry worldwide.   Across our fiberglass and aluminum manufacturing facilities, our team members are the driving force behind our success. We foster a culture rooted in safety, integrity, continuous improvement, and personal growth. Whether you're building unsinkable legends, pioneering wake sports, or crafting fishing and pontoon boats trusted for generations, you'll be part of a united team committed to delivering exceptional experiences on the water.  Next is Now!   We value growth and development, recognizing that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Brunswick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to innovation and inspiration and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.  If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hrsharedservices@brunswick.com  for support.  Brunswick and Workday Privacy Policies Brunswick does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors. For help, please contact our support team at: hrsharedservices@brunswick.com or 866-278-6942. All job offers will come to you via the candidate portal you create when applying through a posted position through https:///www.brunswick.com/careers .  If you are ever unsure about what is being required of you during the application process or its source, please contact HR Shared Services at 866-278-6942 or HRSharedServices@brunswick.com . #Brunswick Corporation - Mercury Marine For more information about EEO laws, - click here Brunswick Corporation participates in E-Verify as part of our commitment to a lawful and transparent hiring process. For additional information click here: https://www.brunswick.com/e-verify .

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