Operations Development Trainee

Operations Management Trainee

Columbus, OH

Launch your leadership career in manufacturing through our 18-month Operations Management Trainee program. Based in Columbus, Ohio, this structured development program is designed to prepare high‑potential individuals for promotion into Area Manager roles upon successful completion. This opportunity is ideal for recent college graduates or professionals with at least five years of operations experience who are motivated to grow into plant leadership.

You will receive hands‑on experience across production, maintenance, quality, EH&S, scheduling, supply chain, sales, and finance. This cross‑functional exposure builds the operational expertise, business acumen, and leadership capability required to manage plant performance and drive continuous improvement.

• Lead daily production activities to achieve safety, quality, and performance goals
• Supervise, coach, and develop frontline team members
• Identify and implement process and equipment improvements
• Drive continuous improvement and Lean initiatives
• Lead projects and coordinate resources to deliver results
• Support workforce planning and operational execution

• Standard hours 6:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Monday–Friday
• Occasional weekends as needed
• Temporary off‑shift assignments (up to one month at a time) may be required
• Relocation is required after program completion

• This role requires geographic mobility. Upon successful completion of the 18‑month program, participants will be expected to relocate to another facility based on business needs.
• Willingness and ability to relocate is a requirement for consideration and is essential for advancement into plant leadership roles.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or minimum five years of operations experience
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Hesitant to apply because you may not meet every specific requirement? If this role is something you are interested in, but your previous experience doesn’t exactly align, we encourage you to apply! At Worthington Steel we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We recognize that individuals with diverse experiences and backgrounds are essential to our success. You may be the perfect candidate for this role or others within our organization.

Worthington Steel (NYSE:

WS) is a metals processor that partners with customers to deliver highly technical and customized solutions. Worthington Steel’s expertise in carbon flat‑roll steel processing, electrical steel laminations and tailor welded solutions are driving steel toward a more sustainable future.

As one of the most trusted metals processors in North America, Worthington Steel and its 4,600 employees harness the power of steel to advance our customers’ visions through value‑added processing capabilities including galvanizing, pickling, configured blanking, specialty cold reduction, light weighting and electrical lamination. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Worthington operates 32 facilities in seven states and six countries. Following a people‑first Philosophy, commitment to sustainability and proven business system, Worthington Steel’s purpose is to generate positive returns by providing trusted and innovative solutions for customers, creating opportunities for employees, and strengthening its communities.

Worthington Steel Inc., and its subsidiaries, is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability or veteran’s status.

Worthington Steel (NYSE:

WS) is a metals processor that partners with customers to deliver highly technical and customized solutions. Worthington Steel’s expertise in carbon flat‑roll steel processing, electrical steel laminations and tailor welded solutions are driving steel toward a more sustainable future.

As one of the most trusted metals processors in North America, Worthington Steel and its 4,600 employees harness the power of steel to advance our customers’ visions through value‑added processing capabilities including galvanizing, pickling, configured blanking, specialty cold reduction, light weighting and electrical lamination. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Worthington operates 32 facilities in seven states and six countries. Following a people‑first Philosophy, commitment to sustainability and proven business system, Worthington Steel’s purpose is to generate positive returns by providing trusted and innovative solutions for customers, creating opportunities for employees, and strengthening its communities.