Operations Management Trainee

GFL Environmental Inc.; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

GFL Environmental Inc. is offering an Operations Manager Trainee program in the Midwest.

This 9–12 month rotational leadership initiative develops technical and leadership skills for frontline management roles at our hauling locations, with relocation to openings in Wisconsin, Illinois, or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan supported by the company. You will learn frontline operations, route management, safety compliance (DOT/OSHA), and financial metrics, progressing toward an Operations Supervisor

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (any major) or equivalent life/military experience demonstrating leadership.
• Willingness to relocate within the Midwest as openings arise.
• No prior waste industry experience required; aptitude and leadership potential emphasized.

Responsibilities

• Learn intensively by riding with drivers, shadowing mechanics, and working with dispatchers to understand daily route management and safety protocols.
• Demonstrate leadership by supervising small teams and leading daily safety briefings under GM mentorship.
• Analyze daily route data to identify inefficiencies, reduce missed pickups, and improve safety metrics.
• Lead by example to handle operational hurdles with a calm, decisive attitude.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Data analysis

Customer service

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Routing software

Fleet management software

Job description

The Operations Manager Trainee 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.

• 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 contact [e-mail]

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.