Operations Management Trainee-Columbus

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: $63,000 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.