Operations Intern (Summer 2027)

Werner; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive mentorship

Lean Six Sigma training/certification

Potential for year-long internship

Job summary

Werner, an established electrical distributor headquartered in Appleton, WI, offers a structured internship program designed to develop operations and supply chain skills. Interns receive executive mentorship, Lean Six Sigma training and certification, and participate in company-sponsored projects that deliver measurable business results.

Interns will shadow across departments, work on large-scale projects, and present outcomes with mentors.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an accredited program pursuing a degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Continuous Improvement, or another related field.
• Interest in Lean methodology and process improvement.
• Willingness to participate in training and certification programs.

Responsibilities

• Support initiatives to improve customer satisfaction, margins, and reduce operating expenses.
• Work with multiple departments to identify and reduce process waste and provide hands-on training.
• Formalize continuous improvement activities to drive Lean across the organization.
• Develop and implement performance metrics and track savings from projects.
• Participate in weekly safety, quality, or lean meetings.
• Contribute to Kaizen events and other improvement activities.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Mentorship

Education

Operations/Supply Chain/Industrial Engineering/Continuous Improvement program enrollment

Job description

Be Yourself. Build Your Career. Be Exceptional Together.

At Werner, we’re more than an electrical distributor — we’re a community that empowers people to grow, innovate, and truly make a difference. Our culture celebrates individuality, encourages creativity, and values each person’s voice; creating a space where you can be yourself, connect with others, and build a meaningful career. We believe in balance and flexibility, so you can thrive both professionally and personally. Together, we can make an impact and build something exceptional for our customers, families, communities, and each other.

Timeline and Expectations

Werner will be posting the internship positions starting in late September which will run through the end of November. We will be selecting candidates to move forward with from HR phone screen to virtual hiring manager interview during this time.

Internship Program

• Executive level mentorship and coaching
• Company-sponsored project management/Lean Six Sigma training and certification
• Up to $19 per hour (dependent on year in college)
• Networking events with internal and external customers and your intern team
• Individual and group projects that drive change and impactful business results
• Large-scale Summer long projects in collaboration with fellow interns and business leaders
• Opportunity to shadow with various departments to help determine your career path
• Potential for year-long internships and full-time employment post-graduation

Job Summary

Support initiatives that allow for Werner to improve customer satisfaction, improve sales margins levels and/or reduce operating expenses. This position is a learning position where the intern will have an opportunity to test skills learned in the classroom, learn skills/techniques from industry professionals, and experience a corporate environment. Projects will be assigned and while working with a mentor, it is expected that the project will be completed, and results of the project will be presented. The goal is to have the intern deliver tangible results while interacting with different functional areas within the DC and Custom Assembly & Services areas.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Recommend, prioritize, develop, and implement projects throughout Werner with input from Werner’s related companies and entities as well as other employees, suppliers, and customers to create opportunities for improvement. Set and achieve specific project goals.
• Work with all levels of employees within the organization to identify and eliminate process waste, initiate sustainable process improvement activities, and provide hands‑on training and technical support.
• Formalize and administer continuous improvement activities that will drive Lean methodology throughout the organization.
• Develop and implement performance metrics for processes in support of the overall business strategies and goals. Track and validate all savings attributed to the project deployment.
• Participate in a weekly safety, quality, or lean meetings.
• Participate in a Kaizen event.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Enrolled in an accredited program pursuing a degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Continuous Improvement, or another related field

Company Overview

Founded in 1948, Werner has grown from a small appliance store in downtown Neenah, WI into an award-winning employer and leading electrical distributor with 12 branch locations in Wisconsin and Upper-Michigan. Headquartered in Appleton, WI, we provide electrical, lighting, network, process, and inventory management solutions for a diverse group of industrial and construction customers. We are a growing, privately held company with over 450 employees who uphold a family culture built around exceptional customer service. As a recent New North Workplace Excellence Award winner, we’re dedicated to the continuous improvement of our people, products, and services to ensure the long-term success of our employees and customers.

Werner is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.