Operations Manager – Leadership Onboarding Program

WM; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision

401K with match

Paid vacation, holidays & personalDays

Job summary

WM is seeking experienced leaders for an Operations Manager Trainee program designed to develop frontline leaders through a structured 5‑month onboarding. You will gain hands‑on exposure to WM's operations, systems, culture, and leadership approach before transitioning into an Operations Manager role.

Training occurs in Casa Grande, AZ, with final placement potentially at a neighboring site. After onboarding, you will lead daily route operations, drive safety, performance, and service excellence

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant work experience.
• Valid drivers license required.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely and consistent touchpoints with frontline employees.
• Regularly review best practices to enhance daily performance.
• Partner with Drivers and Technicians to develop job-related skills.
• Complete the assigned OMT training curriculum and other trainings.
• Collaborate with frontline managers to learn day-to-day operations.

Skills

2+ years experience

Driver's license

Clean driving record

18+ years old

Legally eligible to work

Education

Bachelor's Degree (accredited)

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Salary Range: $68,000 - $83,000

This opportunity is designed for experienced leaders who are ready to bring their leadership skills to WM. As part of this opportunity, you will participate in a structured 5-month leadership onboarding program designed to provide hands‑on exposure to WM's operations, systems, culture, and leadership approach before transitioning into an Operations Manager role. Throughout the program, you will gain direct experience leading employees, improving operational efficiency, supporting safety initiatives, and driving customer satisfaction while developing a strong understanding of the WM Way and our day‑to‑day operations.

Following the 5-month onboarding, you will transition into an Operations Manager role. As an OM, you will lead and develop frontline employees while overseeing daily route operations and driving safety, performance, and service excellence.

If you're an experienced leader looking to take your operational leadership experience to build a long‑term career with WM, this opportunity is designed for you!

Training Location & Placement: The 5-month onboarding will take place in Casa Grande, AZ. While we aim to place candidates into an Operations Manager role at their onboarding location, placement at that specific site is not guaranteed. Final placement is based on business needs, and candidates may be placed at a neighboring site within a reasonable commuting distance of the training location upon completion of the program.

What is the value of a WM Job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career.

We Are Always Working For A Sustainable Tomorrow: Our mission is to leave the world a better place than we found it by helping its inhabitants find purpose in becoming its caretakers.

We Are People First: The members of the WM family are the foundation for our success. We foster an environment where all teammates feel welcomed, valued and seen.

We Are Committed to Your Growth: Your Tomorrow Education Assistance Program, paid on‑the‑job training, and established career progression.

We Are Stable: From the front line to the corporate offices, our team members perform essential and meaningful work.

We Are a Family: At WM we are over 60,000 people - from many places and many backgrounds, and it is our amazing differences that make us stronger.

We Are Investing in You: Amazing Medical, Dental & Vision, 401K with match, discounted stock options, dependent day day care, and more!

I. Job Summary

The Operations Manager Trainee (OMT) training program is intended to prepare individuals to become front‑line Operations Managers. The majority of the day is spent in the field, interacting with front‑line employees. Through our hands‑on training program, we will teach you how to increase financial profitability, maximize operational efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and lead teams of people.

II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• DEVELOPING
• Provide timely and consistent touchpoints with frontline employees
• Regular review of best practices to enhance daily performance
• Partners with Drivers and Technicians to develop job‑related skills
• Completes the assigned OMT training curriculum and all other assigned training
• COACHING
• Actively practice and seek feedback on coaching conversations
• Collaborates with all frontline managers to learn the day‑to‑day business operations (i.e., Operations Improvement Manager, Fleet Manager, Sales Manager, District Managers, Operations Managers)
• OTHER
• Develop knowledge of DOT & OSHA safety programs and systems; operational business processes, systems & tools; performance management; dispatch & routing; fleet maintenance processes

III. Qualifications

A. Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (accredited) or in lieu of a degree,
• High School Diploma or GED (accredited) and two (2) years of relevant work experience.
• 2 years of relevant work experience (in addition to education requirements) and
• Must be at least 18 years of age and
• Legally eligible to work in the country where the position is located
• Valid Driver's License Upon Hire and
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and clean driving record throughout the duration of employment in this position Upon Hire

B. Preferred Qualifications

IV. Physical Requirements

Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Combination: This job operates in a mix between an office environment and plant/field environment and routinely requires the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copy machines, etc.

Pay: The expected base pay range for this on‑site position is $68,000 - $83,000. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific salary offered to a successful candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location.

V. Benefits

At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short‑term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran