Scrap Yard Management Trainee

Smirecyclers; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Smirecyclers is seeking a Scrap Yard Management Trainee in the Kansas City area to join a developmental program that prepares high-potential individuals for future Scrap Yard Management roles. You will receive hands-on training across production, shipping and receiving, inventory, safety, and supervision.

Travel is required to locations in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and relocation may be needed after the training period based on business needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; college degree preferred but not required.
• Leadership or management experience is a plus but not required.
• Experience in manufacturing, recycling, industrial operations, construction, logistics, or similar environment preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are a plus.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured training program covering all aspects of scrap yard operations.
• Perform hands-on work in various operational positions to gain a comprehensive understanding of daily processes.
• Learn safe operating procedures and promote a culture of safety throughout the yard.
• Shadow and assist Yard Managers and other leaders with daily operations, scheduling, and employee supervision.
• Develop an understanding of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap materials, grading, purchasing, processing, and inventory management.
• Learn production workflows and key performance metrics.
• Assist with shipping, receiving, scale operations, and customer interactions.
• Learn to interpret production reports, operating metrics, and financial reports, including Profit & Loss (P&L) statements.
• Utilize company software systems to track production, inventory, and operational performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Build effective working relationships with employees, customers, vendors, and leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Leadership potential

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Willingness to learn

Education

High school diploma or GED

College degree

Bilingual English/Spanish

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

The Scrap Yard Management Trainee is a developmental position designed to prepare high-potential individuals for future Scrap Yard Management roles within Scrap Management Industries. This role provides hands-on training in all aspects of scrap yard operations, including production, equipment, shipping and receiving, inventory, safety, customer service, and employee supervision.

Management Trainees will work alongside experienced employees in every operational role to gain a thorough understanding of the business before transitioning into leadership responsibilities. Successful candidates must be willing and able to relocate to another company location upon completion of the training program based on business needs.

This position requires travel to company locations throughout the training program. Current operating locations include Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured training program covering all aspects of scrap yard operations.
• Perform hands‑on work in various operational positions to gain a comprehensive understanding of daily processes.
• Learn safe operating procedures and promote a culture of safety throughout the yard.
• Shadow and assist Yard Managers and other leaders with daily operations, scheduling, and employee supervision.
• Develop an understanding of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap materials, grading, purchasing, processing, and inventory management.
• Learn production workflows and key performance metrics.
• Assist with shipping, receiving, scale operations, and customer interactions.
• Learn to interpret production reports, operating metrics, and financial reports, including Profit & Loss (P&L) statements.
• Utilize company software systems to track production, inventory, and operational performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, quality, and safety.
• Build effective working relationships with employees, customers, vendors, and leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; college degree preferred but not required.
• Prior leadership or management experience is a plus but not required.
• Experience in manufacturing, recycling, industrial operations, construction, logistics, or a similar environment is preferred, or a strong desire to build a career in an industrial setting.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are a plus.
• Previous experience operating heavy equipment is helpful but not required.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to learn company software systems and operational technology.
• Ability to understand and analyze production reports, operational metrics, and financial information.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
• Positive attitude with a hands‑on approach to leadership.
• Strong problem-solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, vendors, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Good customer service skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Safety

• Strictly adhere to all health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Follow all safety guidelines and protocol, including wearing of all PPE.
• Adhere to all local, state, OSHA, and environmental regulations.

Physical Requirements

• Walk and stand for long periods of time; walk and stand on uneven surfaces.
• Communicate by speech and hear audible warning signals.
• Visual acuity needed for constant observation, computer utilization and scrap inspection where required.
• Be able to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects of 50 pounds or more.

NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the Company may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.