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Operations Management Trainee Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Summary The Operations Management Trainee will support the shop management process and assist in cost savings, customer retention, and metric-based initiatives. This requires the Management Trainee ...

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Operations Management Trainee information

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$12

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How much do operations management trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for operations management trainee in Wisconsin is $22.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Wisconsin? The most popular types of Operations Management jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Operations Management Trainee jobs in Wisconsin? For Operations Management Trainee jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operations Management Trainee jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Operations Management Trainee jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Operations Management Trainee jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Operations Management Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Operations Management Trainee job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,164 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Operations Management Trainee

GFL Environmental

Hartland, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


GFL Environmental rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 172 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description

The Operations Manager Trainee II will work with all members of the branch, and management team to develop the technical and leadership skills necessary to assist with needed operational activities and to ensure the support of the branch's goals and objectives.


Are you an ambitious, high-energy problem solver who wants to lead people and build a career in an essential, recession-proof industry? Our Operations Management Trainee (OMT) Program is a fast-track, 9-to-12-month rotational leadership initiative designed to turn raw talent, work ethic, and leadership acumen into a critical management role at our hauling location. We don't care what your major was, and you don't need prior waste industry experience. We hire for aptitude, grit, and an eagerness to learn. We will teach you the business from the ground up. In return, we expect you to bring a fierce work ethic, sharp critical thinking, and the ability to connect with people from the dispatch office to the driver's seat.

Please Note: Upon successful completion of this 9-to-12-month program, you will graduate directly into a frontline leadership position (e.g., Operations Supervisor or Operations Manager). You must be willing to relocate within our Midwest territory (Wisconsin, Illinois, or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) based on where we have operational openings.

What Your 9-12 Month Journey Looks Like - You won't learn this business from behind a desk. You will rotate through every critical function of our hauling operations to understand how the gears turn:

Phase 1: The Frontline Foundation (Months 1-3): Ride along with our drivers, shadow our mechanics in the shop, and work alongside our dispatchers. You will learn the daily grit of route management, safety protocols,
and what it takes to keep our fleet moving.
Phase 2: The Tactical Core (Months 4-6): Dive into data, routing software, and customer service. You'll learn how to optimize routes for efficiency, manage labor costs, and handle customer escalations.
Phase 3: Leadership Transition (Months 7-9+): Step into a "co-pilot"; role. Under the mentorship of our General Manager, you will begin supervising small teams, running daily safety briefings, and owning specific operational
KPIs.
Graduation: Step into your permanent leadership role with accountability for a team, a budget, and a book of business.

Key Responsibilities
Learn Intensely: Absorb compliance regulations (DOT, OSHA), safety standards, and corporate financial metrics.
Earn Respect: Build genuine relationships with our driving and maintenance teams by demonstrating humility, curiosity, and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
Solve Complex Problems: Analyze daily route data to identify inefficiencies, reduce missed pickups, and improve safety scores.
Demonstrate Leadership: Lead by example. Step up to handle unexpected operational hurdles (weather delays, truck breakdowns, staffing shortages) with a calm, decisive attitude.
Who We Are Looking For (Position Requirements)
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree preferred (any major-Business, Logistics, Communication, Humanities, etc.), OR equivalent life/military experience that proves you know how to work hard and lead others.
Geographic Flexibility: Must be willing and able to relocate within the Midwest (Wisconsin, Illinois, or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) based on where we have operational openings


We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.


GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contactmyworkdayrecruitment@gflenv.com
Please note that GFL does not provide visa sponsorship
for this position. Valid work authorization in the country where the job is located is required.Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documentation confirming their eligibility to work in the country where the job is located prior to their start date.


This hiring process may utilize machine-based systems to assist in screening and assessing applicants. Final selection decisions are made by our recruitment team.



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