SkillBridge Operations Trainee - Midwest Region

srsdistribution; United States; On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

SRS Distribution offers an entry-level, hands-on program based at Midwest branch locations, giving you exposure to warehouse operations, logistics, and corporate functions through structured on-the-job training.

You will learn safety protocols, utilize WMS, and support daily receiving through delivery activities. This program is ideal for active-duty service members transitioning to civilian roles, with no required college prior to start.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: N/A.
• Preferred education: Some college or vocational training in logistics, supply chain, or related field; military training or MOS in logistics, warehousing, or transportation.

Responsibilities

• Support safety and compliance by following OSHA standards, PPE usage, and forklift safety protocols.
• Assist with warehouse logistics, including inventory control, cycle counting, stock rotation, and order fulfillment processes.
• Operate material handling equipment (e.g., forklifts) and ensure proper loading/unloading based on weight distribution.
• Receive, inspect, and store materials from suppliers and internal transfers with accurate records.
• Utilize Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and internal tools to track inventory, shipments, and safety compliance.
• Perform daily and weekly equipment inspections (forklifts, trucks) and document results per DOT and company standards.
• Support routing and delivery logistics, including GPS and scheduling tools.
• Conduct pre- and post-trip inspections, maintain DVIRs, and assist in ride-alongs with CDL drivers.
• Enter and manage purchase orders, vendor receiving documentation, and branch transfers.
• Monitor/unblock unbilled orders, backorders, APPO variances, and supplier disputes.
• Assist in daily cash reconciliation and participate in financial operations supporting branch performance.
• Deliver customer service through counter sales, order entry, inbound calls, and walk-ins.
• Learn pricing models and how overrides impact profitability.
• Build product knowledge and assist vendor relationship management, including vendor portals.
• Help market slow-moving or obsolete inventory (SLOB).
• Provide administrative support including scanning, filing, and organizing sales documents.
• Shadow branch leadership to gain insight into operations and career pathways.

Skills

Accountability & Dependability

Attention to Detail

Adaptability

Team Collaboration

Initiative

Customer Focus

Safety Awareness

Communication

Time Management

Technical Aptitude

Education

Some college or vocational training in logistics, supply chain, or related field; military training or military occupational specialty in logistics, warehousing, or transportation

Job description

Position Purpose:

Gain hands-on exposure to all aspects of our business-including warehouse operations, sales, finance, safety, supply chain, and human resources. You'll learn our business model, company culture, and core values while building on your existing skills through structured, on-the-job training to support a smooth transition into a civilian career.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support a culture of safety and compliance by following OSHA standards, proper PPE usage, and forklift safety protocols.


• Assist with warehouse logistics, including inventory control, cycle counting, stock rotation, and order fulfillment processes.


• Operate material handling equipment (such as forklifts), and ensure proper truck loading and unloading based on weight distribution guidelines.


• Receive, inspect, and store materials from suppliers and internal transfers while maintaining accurate records.


• Utilize Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and other internal tools to track inventory, shipments, and safety compliance.


• Perform daily and weekly equipment inspections (forklifts, trucks) and document results in accordance with DOT and company standards.


• Support routing and delivery logistics, including use of GPS systems and delivery scheduling tools.


• Conduct pre- and post-trip inspections, maintain driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs), and assist in ride-along with CDL drivers.


• Enter and manage purchase orders, vendor receiving documentation, and branch transfers.


• Monitor and resolve unbilled orders, backorders, APPO variances, and supplier disputes.


• Perform daily cash reconciliation and participate in financial operations that support branch performance.


• Deliver excellent customer service through counter sales, order entry, answering inbound calls, and assisting walk-in customers.


• Learn pricing models and understand how overrides impact profitability.


• Build product knowledge and assist in vendor relationship management, including use of vendor portals for receiving and tracking.


• Assist with marketing and sales of slow-moving or obsolete inventory (SLOB).


• Provide administrative support including scanning, filing, and organizing sales documents.


• Shadow branch leadership to gain insight into operations, management responsibilities, and career pathways within the company.

Direct Manager/Direct Reports:

• Reports to Branch Manager


• No Direct Reports

Travel Requirements:

• Local travel only; may assist with deliveries, vendor pickups, or support nearby branches using company vehicles.


• No overnight travel required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions


• Ability to properly and repeatedly lift up to 50-100 lbs on a daily basis


• Ability to work on sloped roofs of varying pitch and height

Working Conditions

• Primarily works in a warehouse environment with exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions.


• May involve working near moving mechanical parts and handling building materials.


• Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be an active-duty service member eligible to participate in a Department of Defense SkillBridge or approved military internship program.


• 180 days or fewer remaining on active duty at the time of program start


• Approval from Chain of Command


• Pay Grade E5 and above

Preferred Qualifications

• Self-motivated, creative, results-driven, solution-oriented, direct, and determined to succeed


• Demonstrated leadership and a strong work ethic


• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment


• Team-oriented with strong collaboration skills


• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities


• Proficient in computer systems with strong organizational, strategic thinking, and time management skills

Minimum Education:

N/A

Preferred Education:

Some college or vocational training in logistics, supply chain, or related field; military training or military occupational specialty in logistics, warehousing, or transportation.

Minimum Years of Work Experience:

0-1 years of relevant work experience (entry-level friendly).

Certifications:

Eligible to earn certifications in warehouse operations, safety compliance, and equipment handling as part of training program.

Competencies:

• Accountability & Dependability


• Attention to Detail


• Adaptability


• Team Collaboration


• Initiative


• Customer Focus


• Safety Awareness


• Communication


• Time Management


• Technical Aptitude

Work Location:

On-Site, Based at Branch Locations
Midwest Region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Dakota.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer SRS Distribution Inc., including all its subsidiaries, provides job opportunities to qualified individuals without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, citi