Operations Manager Trainee

Salary Range: $65,000 - $73,000

Relocation: The 5-month training program will take place in Eau Claire, WI. While we aim to place candidates into an Operations Manager role at their training location, this is not guaranteed. Final placement is based on business needs, and candidates must be willing to relocate within the market area (Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota) if a position is not available at the training site upon completion.

The Operations Manager Trainee (OMT) program is a structured 5-month leadership development program designed to prepare you for a front-line Operations Manager (OM) role. During training, you will gain hands-on field experience leading employees, improving operational efficiency, supporting safety programs, and driving customer satisfaction.

Upon successful completion, trainees transition into an Operations Manager position responsible for coaching, mentoring, and managing frontline employees, overseeing daily route operations, and ensuring safety, performance, and service excellence.

If you’re looking for a clear path into leadership, not just a job, this program is designed for you.

What is the value of a WM Job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career.

We Are Always Working For A Sustainable Tomorrow®: Our mission is to leave the world a better place than we found it by helping its inhabitants find purpose in becoming its caretakers.

We Are People First: The members of the WM family are the foundation for our success. We foster an environment where all teammates feel welcomed, valued and seen.

We Are Committed to Your Growth: Your Tomorrow Education Assistance Program, paid on-the-job training, and established career progression.

We Are Stable: From the front line to the corporate offices, our team members perform essential and meaningful work.

We Are a Family: At WM we are over 60,000 people - from many places and many backgrounds, and it is our amazing differences that make us stronger.

We Are Investing in You: Amazing Medical, Dental & Vision, 401K with match, discounted stock options, dependent day care, and more!

Ready to roll with us? Click Apply to join the WM team today.

I. Job Summary

The Operations Manager Trainee (OMT) training program is intended to prepare individuals to become front-line Operations Managers. The majority of the day is spent in the field, interacting with front-line employees. Through our hands-on training program, we will teach you how to increase financial profitability, maximize operational efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and lead teams of people. Candidates must be willing to relocate within a certain geographic area at the end of the training program.

II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• DEVELOPING
• Provide timely and consistent touchpoints with frontline employees
• Regular review of best practices to enhance daily performance
• Partners with Drivers and Technicians to develop job-related skills
• Completes the assigned OMT training curriculum and all other assigned training
• COACHING
• Actively practice and seek feedback on coaching conversations
• Collaborates with all frontline managers to learn the day-to-day business operations (i.e., Operations Improvement Manager, Fleet Manager, Sales Manager, District Managers, Operations Managers)
• OTHER
• Develop knowledge of DOT & OSHA safety programs and systems; operational business processes, systems & tools; performance management; dispatch & routing; fleet maintenance processes

III. Qualifications

A. Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (accredited) or in lieu of a degree,
• High School Diploma or GED (accredited) and two (2) years of relevant work experience.
• 2 years of relevant work experience (in addition to education requirements) and
• Must be at least 18 years of age and
• Legally eligible to work in the country where the position is located
• Valid Driver's License Upon Hire and
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and clean driving record throughout the duration of employment in this position Upon Hire

B. Preferred Qualifications


IV. Physical Requirements

Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

☒ Combination: This job operates in a mix between an office environment and plant/field environment and routinely requires the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copy machines, etc.


V. Benefits
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site.

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.