Operations (Rotational) Intern | Summer 2027

Van Meter Inc.; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Meter Inc. offers an Operations Rotational Internship in Cedar Rapids, IA. You will gain hands‑on experience in warehouse operations—receiving, shipping, inventory management—and rotate through departments to understand the full customer journey.

You will work with a dedicated coach, collaborate with leaders, and complete a capstone project that delivers value to the business. This internship emphasizes professional and leadership development.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree (Sophomore/Junior) in a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to learn new systems and processes.

Responsibilities

• Support daily warehouse operations: receiving, picking, shipping, inventory management.
• Analyze processes and identify opportunities for efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Assist with documenting and improving operational procedures.
• Collaborate on projects supporting operational excellence and business goals.
• Participate in departmental rotations to gain cross‑functional exposure.
• Complete and present a capstone project with learnings and recommendations.

Skills

MS Office

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Learning agility

Education

Pursuing Associate's or Bachelor's in Business/Supply Chain/Logistics/Operations

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Role Summary

If you’re looking to see the full life cycle of a sale within the world of electrical distribution, this internship is for you. As an Operations (Rotational) Intern, you will gain hands‑on, real‑world experience in warehouse and distribution center operations, including receiving, shipping, inventory management, and process improvement. Throughout the summer, you will contribute to meaningful work that supports daily operations while building skills that translate directly to your future career. Interns partner with leaders and team members across the organization, work alongside a dedicated coach and mentor for guidance and development, and complete a project that creates lasting value for the business. This experience provides insight into how operations drive business success while helping you strengthen your professional, technical, and leadership capabilities.

Description

Role Summary

If you’re looking to see the full life cycle of a sale within the world of electrical distribution, this internship is for you. As an Operations (Rotational) Intern, you will gain hands‑on, real‑world experience in warehouse and distribution center operations, including receiving, shipping, inventory management, and process improvement. Throughout the summer, you will contribute to meaningful work that supports daily operations while building skills that translate directly to your future career. Interns partner with leaders and team members across the organization, work alongside a dedicated coach and mentor for guidance and development, and complete a project that creates lasting value for the business. This experience provides insight into how operations drive business success while helping you strengthen your professional, technical, and leadership capabilities.

What sets this internship experience apart is the opportunity to be part of our Rotational Internship Program. In addition to developing expertise in Operations, you will rotate through other departments to gain a broader understanding of the business and customer journey. You'll collaborate with fellow interns, engage directly with executive leadership, participate in Place P volunteer events that give back to the communities we serve, and take part in an interactive onboarding and professional development program designed to help you learn more about yourself, your strengths, and your career interests. Through these experiences, you'll build meaningful connections, expand your network, and gain a well‑rounded view of what it means to be part of an employee‑owned organization.

Company Overview

At Van Meter, our purpose is to Create Lasting Value for Those We Serve while fostering a high‑performing, employee‑owned organization. The company’s culture is built around being “All‑In,” meaning employee-owners are encouraged to be the best in their roles, live the company’s values, and actively support and protect a strong, people‑centered culture. Employees are empowered through open communication, accountability, collaboration, and a shared commitment to delivering an exceptional employee and customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily warehouse operations, including receiving, picking, shipping, and inventory management.
• Analyze processes and identify opportunities for efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Assist with documenting and improving operational procedures.
• Collaborate on projects that support operational excellence and business goals.
• Participate in departmental rotations to gain exposure to multiple areas of the organization.
• Complete and present a capstone project highlighting key learnings and recommendations.

Internship Structure

As part of Van Meter's Hybrid Rotational Internship Program, interns spend half of each day building expertise in their core Operations role and half of each day gaining exposure to another department.

Daily Schedule | M-TH

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Core Operations Role

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Department Rotation

Interns Will Participate In

• Department rotation assignments
• Job shadowing opportunities
• Hands‑on learning experiences
• Exposure to business processes and customer‑facing functions
• Cross‑functional collaboration and networking
• Learning how departments work together to serve customers

Fridays May Be Dedicated To

• Internship projects, professional development activities, and community impact initiatives

Requirements

Qualifications

Education: Current Sophomore or Junior pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Warehouse Operations, or a related field.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn new systems, processes, and technologies.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Ability to move throughout a warehouse environment and use standard equipment as needed.
• Ability to lift and move materials as required for the role.
• Primarily on‑site position with a mixture of office and warehouse distribution environment.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Other duties may be assigned, changed, or removed at any time, with or without notice, based on business needs and consistent with applicable law. Nothing in this job description alters the at‑will employment relationship, where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

Van Meter is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants and employee-owners who require reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other employment benefits and privileges should contact Human Resources. Reasonable accommodation will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.