Undaunted: Developing Future Food Chain Leaders During a Global Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it many challenges. During a time when many industries seemed to be hitting the “pause” button, the cold chain was called upon to keep the world’s food supply moving safely and efficiently. For us, there was no better time to push forward and continue developing leaders of the cold chain through the Lineage Management Program.

Put your career on the fast track.

The Lineage Management Program (LMP) provides recent college graduates, early career civilian and military talent and high potential internal team members with a one-of-a-kind hands-on training experience in the cold chain. During the 20-week development program, participants are placed into rotational assignments designed to help them learn about the company, develop leadership skills, and execute key projects in a highly supportive environment.

Pushing ahead despite a global pandemic.

The LMP not only moved forward, but the program grew to welcome its largest group of trainees to date. The candidates appreciated Lineage’s willingness to continue with the program despite the challenges our world and economy faced during the early months of the pandemic.

As recent college grads, they were concerned with their future opportunities. To ensure the participants achieved a robust training program, the cohort increased its meeting cadence to gain knowledge and exposure to numerous senior leaders and subject matter experts. Additionally, incorporating virtual learning best practices such as the use of web cameras, chats, interactive learning platforms, and more. The trainees were also placed in mentorship regional pods led by an LMP graduate from cohort 1 or 2 to further engage at the local level. Additionally, the pods had the opportunity to select a topic of interest and present to their peers during a peer learning series.

More about the program.

Through the Lineage Management Program's cross-functional focus and on-the-job training, participants gain the experience and know-how to build a lasting future in the world of temperature-controlled logistics. Participants build financial acumen, learn the ins and outs of lean and gain the skills needed to lead a successful team. Participants receive direct coaching from facility and regional leaders who are invested in their success and development.

Build a network that will help you reach your goals.

LMP participants connect with and learn from leaders across the company—from operations leadership to cross-functional experts and the Lineage executive leadership team. On top of that, they join a competitive, dynamic group of other LMP trainees who are going through the same experiences.

Ultimately, this program is about taking high potential individuals and giving them the tools to become successful leaders in the food supply chain.

Currently, the Lineage Management Program takes place in the summer with one cohort.