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Operations Management Trainee Jobs in California

$33/hr

Join us as an Operations Manager Trainee and embark on a dynamic learning journey. Through our structured, hands-on program, you'll immerse yourself in operations, mastering the skills to enhance ...

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Operations Management Trainee information

See California salary details

$12

$22

$29

How much do operations management trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for operations management trainee in California is $22.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operations Management Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operations Management Trainee, you need a solid understanding of business operations, analytical thinking, and a relevant bachelor's degree, often in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, Microsoft Excel, and process management tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities help trainees excel when interacting with teams and navigating operational challenges. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively learning the ropes, driving process improvements, and preparing for future leadership roles.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can an Operations Management Trainee expect during their first year?

As an Operations Management Trainee, you can anticipate working on a variety of hands-on projects that expose you to key operational functions such as process improvement, inventory management, and team scheduling. Trainees often rotate through different departments to gain a comprehensive understanding of the business, and participate in data analysis, workflow optimization, and cross-functional meetings. You'll likely collaborate closely with supervisors, team leads, and other trainees, which helps build strong communication and leadership skills. This immersive experience is designed to prepare you for future management roles by giving you practical exposure to both daily operations and strategic initiatives.

What is an Operations Management Trainee?

An Operations Management Trainee is an entry-level professional who undergoes a structured training program to learn the various aspects of operations management within an organization. The role is designed to prepare individuals for leadership positions by providing hands-on experience in areas such as process optimization, team management, and business logistics. Trainees typically rotate through different departments, gaining exposure to the company’s operational procedures and best practices. This training helps them develop the necessary skills to eventually oversee daily operations and contribute to process improvements. The position is ideal for recent graduates or those looking to build a career in operations management.

What is the difference between Operations Management Trainee vs Operations Supervisor?

AspectOperations Management TraineeOperations Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in daily operations, learning processes, supporting team tasksOverseeing daily operations, managing staff, ensuring efficiency
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in business, management, or related fieldExperience in operations, leadership skills, often a degree or diploma
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, entry-level tasks, collaborative teamsSupervisory roles, direct team management, operational oversight
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, logistics, retailUsed in similar industries, often as a step up from trainee roles

In summary, Operations Management Trainees focus on learning and supporting operational tasks, while Operations Supervisors take on leadership and management responsibilities. Both roles are essential in the operational hierarchy, with trainees gaining experience to advance into supervisory positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Management jobs in California? The most popular types of Operations Management jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Operations Management Trainee jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Operations Management Trainee jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Operations Management Trainee jobs? Cities in California with the most Operations Management Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Operations Management Trainee job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,115 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Operations Management Trainee

Operations Management Trainee

XPO Logistics

Santa Fe Springs, CA • On-site

$70.30K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


XPO rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 213 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

187th of 335 rated logistics


Job description

This 12-month rotational training program is an entry-level training program for candidates with limited or no prior LTL or transportation operations experience.
What you'll need to succeed as an Operations Management Trainee at XPO
Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent military experience
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA
  • High level of stamina, adaptability and grit - you'll be challenged daily, balancing operational demands, learning new skills quickly, and stepping into leadership situations in real time.
  • Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays
  • Willing to relocate within region upon successful completion of the program

Preferred qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business or a related field
  • Demonstrated leadership experience through internships, academic projects, athletics or work experience
  • Experience working on a dock or similar field operations environment
  • Strong communication, problem-solving and organizational skills

About the Operations Management Trainee job
Pay, benefits and more:
  • Competitive compensation package
  • Full health insurance benefits are available on day one
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Earn up to 15 days of PTO over your first year
  • 9 paid company holidays
  • 401(k) option with company match
  • Education assistance
  • Paid training and development, including required certifications

What you'll do on a typical day:
  • Expect long, active days primarily on the dock, working alongside frontline teams in a physically and operationally demanding environment.
  • Participate in a 12-month Management Training operations rotational program, with assignments lasting 1 - 5 weeks each across all major functions including field operations, linehaul, maintenance, and support functions
  • Participate in the internal Commercial Driver's License (CDL) school and forklift certification during the program
  • Learn and perform the foundational job functions, skills and responsibilities of each rotational assignment
  • Complete dedicated leadership training at key points to prepare you for leadership on the dock during and post-program
  • Work alongside freight operations supervisors, dockworkers and field leaders to gain hands-on operational experience
  • Communicate consistently with the program manager, reporting manager and mentor
  • Meet weekly goals, learning objectives and performance milestones
  • Take initiative to learn XPO operations through online resources, observation, and hands-on experience

Operations Management Trainees are required to:
  • Successfully complete all field rotation assignments with a strong foundational understanding of each functional area
  • Obtain all required certifications, including CDL and forklift certification
  • Develop and deliver a Capstone project and presentation at the conclusion of the 12-month program
  • Demonstrate readiness for frontline leadership

Program start date is July 6, 2026. Upon successful completion of the program, Operations Management Trainees will be promoted to Freight Operations Supervisors at a location within their assigned region.
Annual Salary: $70,304. Actual compensation may vary due to factors such as experience and skill set. This is an incentive-based position, which may include bonuses, incentive or commission plans.
About XPO
XPO is a top ten global provider of transportation services, with a highly integrated network of people, technology and physical assets. At XPO, we look for employees who like a challenge and can communicate effectively in all situations. We want to leverage your skills and years of experience to drive positive results while ensuring a bright future for yourself and XPO. If you're looking for a growth opportunity, join us at XPO.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, disability, veteran or other protected status.
All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to take and pass a pre-employment drug test.
The above statements are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties and skills for this job classification.
Review XPO's candidate privacy statement here.

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About XPO

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in Greenwich, Connecticut, XPO Logistics, Inc., operating under the brand name XPO, is a one of the leading companies in the transportation and logistics sector. Operating its services in 30 countries, the company employs the use of ground-breaking technology in providing a broad suite of logistics services including supply chain management, freight brokerage, last mile logistics, and intermodal and drayage transportation. XPO's impressive history dates back to 2011 and within its relatively short existence, it has made a series of acquisitions to consolidate its top-notch range of services. Their mission is to provide outstanding results to customers by envisioning and implementing significant advancements in freight transportation and logistics.

Industry

Import-export

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Greenwich, CT, US