Distribution Center Management (DCM) Intern

Job Description

Position Summary:
Are you eager to launch your career in the exciting field of supply chain operations? Penske Logistics invites passionate and organized individuals with a strong team spirit to join our Distribution Center Management (DCM) Internship. This program provides an unparalleled opportunity for hands-on learning within a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry. As an intern, you will gain invaluable practical experience, directly contributing to the optimization and streamlining of logistical operations, playing a vital role in keeping businesses moving forward efficiently and effectively.

Major Responsibilities:

• People: As a key part of the team, you will be instrumental in fostering a high-performance culture. This involves clearly communicating specific and measurable performance standards to associates, diligently monitoring key performance indicators such as attendance and productivity, and providing timely feedback through constructive counseling or deserved recognition to drive continuous improvement and associate engagement.
• Operations: You will play an active role in enhancing operational efficiency by evaluating current work methods and recommending innovative changes to boost productivity within dispatch and warehouse functions. This includes providing essential relief coverage for various operational duties during associate absences. A core expectation is developing a strong working knowledge of the site’s proprietary operating systems to ensure unwavering operational compliance and adeptly resolve any exceptions. Furthermore, you will be responsible for the timely and accurate completion of all required operational records and reports.
• Finance: You will contribute to the financial health of the distribution center by ensuring strict adherence to financial policies and procedures. This encompasses critical areas such as maintaining high levels of inventory accuracy and control, meticulous management of returns, and proper handling of damaged goods. A fundamental aspect of this role is developing a keen understanding of how operational decisions directly impact the company’s overall profitability.
• Safety: Safety is paramount at Penske. You will be actively involved in ensuring that all daily management and associate activities strictly align with the location’s comprehensive safety strategy. Your responsibilities include providing clear safety communications, facilitating training, offering constructive feedback, and giving precise direction to associates to guarantee safe performance. You will also help ensure absolute compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies and rigorous company safety policies and procedures.
• Growth/Customer Experience: You will contribute to our commitment to customer excellence and continuous growth by gaining a deep understanding of location-specific customer goals and objectives. This insight will enable you to proactively identify and recommend areas that would significantly benefit from Continuous Improvement (CI) efforts, driving enhanced service delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Fleet/Assets: You will contribute to the efficient utilization of resources by meticulously planning work assignments, ensuring the effective and optimal use of both the vehicle fleet and all warehouse equipment.

Intern Qualifications:
To be considered for this enriching internship opportunity, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Foundation:
• Currently pursuing a business-related degree (e.g., Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Business Administration).
• Must possess a High School diploma or GED.
• Enrollment as a junior or senior in an accredited college or university at the time of the internship.
• A 3.0 GPA or higher is strongly preferred, demonstrating academic excellence.
• Availability & Work Environment:
• Ability to commute daily to the operational site.
• Commitment to regular, predictable, and full attendance, as this is an essential function of the role.
• Comfortable working in non-climate controlled conditions, typical of a distribution center environment.
• Flexibility to rotate through different shifts is preferred, offering a comprehensive understanding of operations across various times.
• Experience & Skills:
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience is preferred, showcasing your ability to guide and influence.
• Prior “blue collar” work experience is preferred, indicating a practical understanding of operational environments.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, is required.
• A proven ability to quickly learn and effectively utilize proprietary software is essential.
• Possess a strong combination of soft skills including: ability to lead a small team, capacity for independent work, exceptional multi-tasking abilities, strong organizational skills, adaptability and flexibility, effective time management, and a focus on execution.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills are paramount.
• Proven ability to build and develop positive working rapport and relationships across all levels within the department.
• Personal Attributes:
• A genuine commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Highly receptive to feedback and dedicated to self-awareness and personal development.
• Results-oriented with keen attention to detail and superior organizational skills.

Physical Requirements:
This role requires certain physical and mental capabilities to successfully execute its essential functions. While reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities, candidates should be prepared for the following:

• Cognitive Demands: The ability to read, comprehend, and communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing) is essential. This includes remembering, analyzing, and understanding complex information, instructions, and guidelines.
• Physical Activity: Associates will frequently be required to stand, walk, and sit throughout the workday. There will be frequent use of hands for touching, handling, and feeling, as well as reaching with hands and arms.
• Lifting: The ability to occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 lbs (12 kg) is required.
• Vision: Necessary vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus to safely and accurately perform tasks.

Penske is an Equal Opportunity Employer

About Penske Logistics:
Penske Logistics is a global leader specializing in engineering state-of-the-art transportation, warehousing, and freight management solutions. We are dedicated to delivering powerful, tangible business results for market-leading companies worldwide. With extensive operations spanning North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, Penske Logistics and our dedicated associates empower businesses to advance by significantly increasing supply chain visibility and effectively driving down logistical costs. We invite you to visit Penske Logistics to discover more about our innovative solutions and global reach.

Job Category: Logistics/Supply Chain
Job Family: General Administration
Primary Location: US-MI-Livonia (Address: 12950 Eckles Rd, Ste 250)
Employer: Penske Logistics LLC
Job Requisition ID: 2511933