Management Trainee

Position Title – Management Trainee (Rotational Program) for Supply chain Management and Logistics

Why This Role:
This role is ideal for early-career professionals seeking a long-term leadership path within a growing, multi-affiliate logistics organization. The Management Trainee program offers accelerated development, real operational responsibility, and direct exposure to senior leadership. 

Position Summary:

The Management Trainee participates in a structured, multi-year rotational development program designed to build future operational leaders. This role provides hands-on exposure and training across all company affiliates, including Hardinger Warehousing, Hardinger Trucking, Hardinger Brokerage, Hardinger TMS, Hardinger Integrated Logistics, and EQPT Services.  Additionally, the Management Trainee will execute responsibilities in safety, business development, client service, sales, finance, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Management Trainee is responsible for independently executing assigned operational, supervisory, and improvement initiatives. This role is designed to develop future leaders through direct ownership of work, decision-making, and measurable results—not observation or support tasks.

Through progressive responsibility, mentorship, and formal training, the Management Trainee develops a comprehensive understanding of end-to-end supply chain operations, lean practices, and leadership fundamentals. The program includes structured phases with increasing responsibility, performance reviews, and development checkpoints. Upon successful completion of the Management Trainee Rotational program (approximately two- three years), the individual is expected to be prepared to step into a leadership role.

Impact Description Summary

The impact the Management Trainee will have:

Team

• Build credibility and trust by working alongside frontline teammates and supervisors across Hardinger affiliates. 
• Support leaders by applying lean principles, process documentation, and data analysis to drive measurable improvements in productivity, safety, and engagement.
• Develop foundational leadership capability through coaching, communication, and accountability practices that contribute to strong team performance.

Client

• Interpret and apply client expectations, service level agreements, and operational requirements in daily operations. 
• Execute client initiatives by completing  performance reporting, continuous improvement projects, and issue resolution. 
• Translate operational performance into client value, contributing to long-term relationship growth and satisfaction.

Company

• Apply cross-functional knowledge of the organization’s operating model, culture, and strategic objectives to operational decision-making. 
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance profitability. 
• Contribute directly to strategic growth initiatives and help shape scalable processes across affiliates.
• Serve as a pipeline for future leadership by demonstrating the skills, experience, and judgment necessary to successfully lead a site and uphold company standards. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

(Responsibilities will increase in scope and complexity throughout the rotational program.)

Rotational Development

• Complete structured rotations across all affiliates and functional areas, including operations, Trucking, EQPT, Warehousing, Brokerage, TMS, Sales, business development, finance, and administration.
• Complete assigned deliverables and deadlines for each rotation and deliver measurable results.
• Apply company policies, procedures, systems, and performance metrics.
• Engage in formal training, mentorship, and leadership development activities to support execution and performance.
• Expected to make decisions within defined authority limits and propose and implement solutions as opposed to just identifying issues.

Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Executes daily operations including receiving, warehousing, shipping, inventory control, and productivity measurement.
• Develop proficiency in McLeod Dispatch, Billing, and Settlements by executing real-time operational transactions.
• Develop proficiency in Manhattan office software and apply knowledge to daily operations.
• Monitor driver routines and routes to optimize truck utilization
• Apply lean principles to identify process improvements that enhance efficiency, safety, quality, and cost control.
• Track and trace truckload/ LTL freight, quote, and participate in resolving disputes.
• Collect, analyze, and report operational data to track performance and improvement initiatives.

Client Service

• Support client account activities including performance reporting, audits, meetings, and issue resolution.
• Interpret and apply contract requirements and service expectations in daily operational decision-making
• Lead process improvements that positively impact client satisfaction.

Business Development

• Execute assigned sales and marketing activities, including proposal development, facility tours, and operational input for new business opportunities.
• Support rate development, account growth initiatives, and value-added service opportunities.
• Apply an understanding of how operations, pricing, and service delivery impact profitability.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure Operational compliance with all industry regulations, safety standards, and internal policies in coordination with site leadership.
• Participate in audits, inspections, and corrective action planning.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Leadership & Professional Development

• Demonstrate effective communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills through real-world application.
• Build people management capability by coaching employees, delivering performance feedback, and holding teams accountable.
• Demonstrate increasing ownership, initiative, and leadership readiness over time.
• Engage with site leaders and senior management through regular reviews, project presentations, and mentorship sessions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management (preferred), Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field preferred
• Strong interest in logistics, supply chain operations, business development, and lean practices
• Demonstrated leadership potential, initiative, and ability to execute effectively in fast-paced environments
• Moves from instruction to execution quickly
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with PC applications, including spreadsheets and reporting tools
• Ability to analyze data and draw actionable insights
• Willingness to travel and rotate across affiliates as required by the program
• Successful completion of pre-employment background checks and drug screening
• Completion of all required company training, including safety and compliance modules