Operations Management Trainee

XPO Logistics, Inc.; Chicago Heights (IL); On-site; USD 57,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance from day one

Life and disability insurance

PTO 15 days first year

9 paid holidays

401(k) with match

Education assistance

Paid training & certs

Job summary

XPO Logistics, Inc. offers a 12-month Operations Management Trainee program designed for candidates with limited or no experience in LTL or transportation operations. You will rotate across major functions, gain hands-on dock exposure, and earn CDL and forklift certifications during the program.

The start date is 1/11/2027, with potential promotion to Freight Operations Supervisors upon completion. Annual salary is $63,000, with comprehensive benefits including health insurance from day one,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent military experience required.
• Leadership experience through internships, projects, athletics or work experience preferred.
• Experience on a dock or field operations environment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work long, active days on the dock with frontline teams.
• Participate in a 12-month rotational program across field operations, linehaul, maintenance, and support functions.
• Complete CDL and forklift certification during the program.
• Learn foundational skills for each rotation and deliver leadership training milestones.
• Collaborate with supervisors and leaders to gain hands-on operational experience.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Leadership experience

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent military experience

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Operations/Business

Job description

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

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent military experience
• 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 1/11/2027. 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.

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.