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Project Manager Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Manager Trainee

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$50.70K - $63.40K/yr

Manager Trainee Department: Supply Chain Country: United States of America State/Province ... projects related to optimizing fleet operations and achieving profitability Learn to utilize ...

Manager Trainee Department: Supply Chain Country: United States of America State/Province ... projects related to optimizing fleet operations and achieving profitability Learn to utilize ...

Manager Trainee

Stockton, CA · On-site

$46.20K - $69.30K/yr

Manager Trainee Department: Supply Chain Country: United States of America State/Province ... Fill in for absent or unavailable personnel and on special projects related to optimizing fleet ...

Manager Trainee Department: Supply Chain Country: United States of America State/Province ... projects related to optimizing fleet operations and achieving profitability Learn to utilize ...

Manager Trainee Department: Supply Chain Country: United States of America State/Province ... Fill in for absent or unavailable personnel and on special projects related to optimizing fleet ...

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Showing results 1-20

Project Manager Trainee information

See California salary details

$37K

$101.7K

$163.8K

How much do project manager trainee jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for project manager trainee in California is $101,675.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $123,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Project Manager Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Manager Trainee, you need foundational knowledge of project management principles, strong organizational skills, and typically a relevant degree or coursework in business or management. Familiarity with project management software such as Microsoft Project, Trello, or Asana, and any introductory certifications like CAPM are advantageous. Effective communication, attention to detail, and a proactive attitude help you navigate team dynamics and shifting project requirements. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting successful project delivery and building a solid foundation for advancement in project management roles.

What are some typical responsibilities a Project Manager Trainee can expect during their first year?

As a Project Manager Trainee, you'll likely assist with project planning, coordinate tasks among team members, and monitor progress to ensure deadlines are met. You may also be involved in preparing status reports, documenting meeting notes, and supporting risk and issue management. Working closely with experienced project managers, you'll gain hands-on experience in stakeholder communication and resource allocation, helping build a strong foundation for future advancement. Expect to collaborate regularly with cross-functional teams, including engineers, designers, and clients, as you develop your project management skills.

What is a Project Manager Trainee?

A Project Manager Trainee is an entry-level professional who is learning the skills and responsibilities required to manage projects effectively. Under the supervision of experienced project managers, trainees assist with planning, coordinating, and overseeing various project tasks. They learn about budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and communication within a project team. This role is designed to prepare individuals for a full project manager position by providing hands-on experience and mentorship.

What does a project management trainee do?

A project management trainee assists in planning, coordinating, and monitoring projects under the supervision of experienced project managers. They learn to use project management tools, support team communication, and help ensure project tasks are completed on time and within scope. The role often involves gaining skills in scheduling, documentation, and stakeholder communication.

What is the difference between Project Manager Trainee vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProject Manager TraineeProject Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in business, management, or related field; some certifications preferredSimilar educational background; often requires organizational or project management certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused, often in office settingsSupport role, coordinating tasks between teams and clients
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in construction, IT, marketing, and various industries as a training positionCommonly employed across industries to assist project teams

The Project Manager Trainee is an entry-level role focused on learning project management skills, often under supervision. The Project Coordinator supports project execution by organizing tasks and communication. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, the trainee position emphasizes training, whereas the coordinator role involves more direct support responsibilities.

What job categories do people searching Project Manager Trainee jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Project Manager Trainee jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Project Manager Trainee jobs? Cities in California with the most Project Manager Trainee job openings:
Manager Trainee

Manager Trainee

Jbhunt

Rancho Cucamonga, CA • On-site

$50.70K - $63.40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


J.B. Hunt rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 162 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 335 rated logistics


Job description

Job Title:

Manager Trainee

Department:

Supply Chain

Country:

United States of America

State/Province:

California

City:

Rancho Cucamonga

Full/Part Time:

Full time

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for learning the management of a small driver count and/or non-traditional shifts (including nights and weekends), ensuring safe and timely movement of freight, load assignment, and providing best-in-class customer service. This position will be trained to ensure compliance with DOT regulations. They are responsible for all drivers' compliance and company regulations while working with internal and external contacts to ensure the accurate planning, routing, monitoring, and delivery of freight and loads.

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities:

Learn to build and maintain positive professional relationships with drivers and safe, reliable outside carriers to ensure seamless new carrier set-up, minimize turnover, and maximize ongoing productivity

Fill in for absent or unavailable personnel and on special projects related to optimizing fleet operations and achieving profitability

Learn to utilize personnel management including training and orientation of drivers and/or employees including the training and assistance with internal and third party (customer) systems

Become proficient in maximizing efficiency of fleet operations and profitability and making recommendations for continuous improvement, measuring key performance indicators, and creating, maintaining and presenting customer specific reporting and financial analysis through face-to-face interactions at customer location

Gain knowledge on how to manage inventory, assets, customer pools and/or assignment of drivers to balance equipment in market

Learn to perform administrative duties such as payroll, management of the Net-Revenue budget, driver counseling, accident reviews, filing and documenting, resolving pay issues, analyzing P&L statements, invoicing and/or creating operational or financial reports

Learn to manage yard including checking/inspecting equipment, replacing parts (like mud flaps), completing repairs, etc., and coordinating with maintenance to ensure all regular preventative maintenance services are scheduled on time and all safety related mechanical issues are fixed for account equipment (as required)

Learn to work with drivers, customers, and company personnel to resolve service issues, routing and/or planning, mechanical problems, accessorial pay related issues, etc., as they occur throughout the day and, where necessary, when on call

Learn to maintain the Company's safety culture to include daily driver safety messages, monthly driver safety briefings, quarterly driver training, annual reviews, and enforce company policies to ensure DOT compliance and company safety requirements are being met

Learn to assign loads and plan, route, and monitor freight movement to provide safe, on-time service and meet customer requirements, including managing freight exceptions and driver ETA adjustments based on pick-up and delivery schedules, and other environmental factors on the road

ental factors on the road

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Transportation/Logistics, Supply Chain, or related field OR High School Diploma/GED with 1 year of experience in management, transportation/logistics, business administration, account management, or related field, and/or equivalent military experience

  • Willing to travel to account, customer, and company event locations when applicable

  • Ability to work across multiple shifts including nights and/or weekends if needed

  • Willingness to regionally relocate dependent on account assignment


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience managing a team

  • Anticipate, recognize, and deal effectively with existing or potential conflicts at the individual, group, or situation level

  • Ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment

  • Ability to adapt to changing environments

  • Ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationships with clients, vendors, and peers

  • Ability to meet or exceed team/driver needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner

  • Ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas through various mediums

  • Ability to recognize, anticipate, and resolve organizational, operational, or process problems

The expected starting pay for this position is between $50,700.00 - $63,400.00

This position is not eligible for employment-based sponsorship.

Compensation:

Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include skills, education, experience, geography, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position may be eligible for annual bonus and incentives based on profitability or volumes in accordance with the terms of the Company's bonus and incentive plans, as applicable and in effect from time to time.

Benefits:

The Company offers the following benefits for full-time positions, subject to applicable eligibility requirements, as may be in effect from time to time: medical benefit, dental benefit, vision benefit, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, paid time off commensurate with tenure (includes vacation and sick time), six weeks of paid maternity leave along with two weeks of paid parental leave, and six paid holidays annually.

Education:

Bachelors: Business Administration/Management, Bachelors: Supply Chain Management, Bachelors: Transportation Logistics, GED (Required), High School (Required)

Work Experience:

Business Administration, Customer Service/Account Manager, Management-Entry Level, Transportation/Logistics

Certifications:

Job Opening ID:

00627948 Manager Trainee (Evergreen) (Open)

"This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions."

J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. is committed to basing employment decisions on the principles of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, persons with disabilities, protected veterans or other bases by applicable law.


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