Operations Manager Trainee (OMT) – Leadership Development

Job Description

Operations Manager Trainee | WM

The Tone:
This is a full-time leadership development role at WM, with a 5-month training program located in Charlotte, NC, requiring potential relocation within the Georgia, South Carolina, or North Carolina market area post-training. WM is a leading waste management and environmental services company committed to a sustainable tomorrow, striving to leave the world better than it was found. This program is designed for individuals seeking a clear path into leadership, preparing them for a front-line Operations Manager position. The role emphasizes hands-on field experience, focusing on operational efficiency, safety, and fostering a people-first environment.

The TL;DR
• Role: Full Time
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Charlotte, NC (training program) with potential relocation to GA, SC, or NC.
• Pay: $60000–$70000 yearly
• Mission: Prepare individuals to become front-line Operations Managers responsible for coaching, mentoring, and managing frontline employees, overseeing daily route operations, and ensuring safety, performance, and service excellence.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Leadership Development: Participate in a structured 5-month leadership development program, gaining hands-on field experience leading employees and supporting safety initiatives.
• Operational Improvement: Learn to increase financial profitability, maximize operational efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction through direct engagement with frontline employees and daily operations.
• Employee Coaching & Mentoring: Provide timely and consistent touchpoints with frontline employees, actively practice coaching conversations, and partner with Drivers and Technicians to develop job-related skills.
• Business Process Mastery: Complete the assigned OMT training curriculum to develop knowledge of DOT & OSHA safety programs, operational business processes, systems & tools, performance management, dispatch & routing, and fleet maintenance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with various frontline managers, including Operations Improvement Manager, Fleet Manager, Sales Manager, District Managers, and Operations Managers, to learn the day-to-day business operations.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s Degree (accredited) OR a High School Diploma or GED (accredited) combined with two (2) years of relevant work experience. This program is for individuals seeking a clear path into leadership.
• Experience: Two (2) years of relevant work experience (required in addition to education requirements if a degree is held). Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Skills: Legally eligible to work in the country where the position is located. Valid Driver’s License upon hire and the ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and clean driving record throughout employment. Willingness to relocate within the market area (Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina) post-training.