Operations Manager Trainee

Job Description

Operations Manager Trainee | WM

The Tone:
This is a full-time Operations Manager Trainee position at WM, a company recognized for creating opportunities for its 60,000+ employees and their families while fostering a welcoming, valued, and seen environment for all teammates. WM is deeply committed to a sustainable tomorrow, with a mission to leave the world a better place by helping its inhabitants find purpose as caretakers. This essential role is designed to prepare individuals to become front-line Operations Managers, directly impacting the company’s financial profitability, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction while supporting WM’s people-first values and commitment to growth.

The TL;DR
• Role: Operations Manager Trainee
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, with required relocation within a certain geographic area upon completion of the training program.

• Team: Operates within the broader operations department, collaborating extensively with frontline managers such as Operations Improvement, Fleet, Sales, District, and Operations Managers.
• Mission: To successfully complete a hands-on training program designed to equip individuals with the skills to effectively increase financial profitability, maximize operational efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and lead diverse teams of people.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Employee Engagement: Provide timely and consistent touchpoints with frontline employees, fostering open communication and a supportive environment to enhance daily performance.
• Skill Development: Actively partner with Drivers and Technicians to develop their job-related skills, offering guidance and regularly reviewing best practices.
• Operational Mastery: Complete a comprehensive OMT training curriculum and all other assigned training, immersing yourself in the practical aspects of daily business operations.
• Managerial Collaboration: Collaborate with various frontline managers across departments—including Operations Improvement, Fleet, Sales, District, and Operations Managers—to gain a holistic understanding of the business.
• Safety and Systems Knowledge: Develop in-depth knowledge of critical areas such as DOT & OSHA safety programs and systems, operational business processes, tools, performance management, dispatch & routing, and fleet maintenance procedures.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Requires an accredited Bachelor’s Degree. Alternatively, candidates may qualify with an accredited High School Diploma or GED combined with two (2) years of relevant work experience.
• Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience is required for all applicants, in addition to meeting the educational requirements. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and possess legal eligibility to work in the country where the position is located.
• Skills: Must have a valid driver’s license upon hire and maintain a clean driving record throughout employment. Possesses foundational skills in communication, coaching, and a keen interest in learning operational efficiencies and safety protocols to lead teams effectively.