Operations Management Trainee in Des Moines, Iowa at Alter Trading Corp

Ready to Lead in Metal Recycling?

Alter Trading’s hands-on Management Trainee Program is your fast track to running a department, a facility or in a sales function at one of the nation’s leading scrap metal recyclers. Over the course of 8–12 months, you’ll rotate not only through operations, logistics, sales, safety, and leadership functions, but also across multiple facilities - gaining the broad perspective, skills, and real-world exposure needed to run a site or lead a functional team. This program is designed as a multi-location rotation across Alter's locations in multiple cities and states. The city where this posting is listed may not be the location where the training will occur.

What You’ll Do

• Learn the ins and outs of metal recycling—from the scale to the sale.
• Rotate through Operations, Commercial Sales, Inventory, Safety, and Equipment Maintenance.
• Support real production, scheduling, and transportation efforts.
• Shadow and learn from seasoned yard managers.
• Gain exposure to customer relationships, negotiations, and pricing.
• Learn to manage people, processes, and profits.
• Prepare to lead your own team or facility upon program completion.
• Rotate through various Alter locations to gain further exposure.

What We’re Looking For

• Associate's, Bachelor’s degree (preferred majors: Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Industrial Tech) or 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Strong communication, leadership potential, and business math skills.
• Willingness to relocate and work hands-on in a heavy industrial environment.
• Problem-solvers who are curious, adaptable, and ready to lead.
• Ability to relocate required. Assistance provided.

Program Perks

• Competitive pay and benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, PTO).
• 401(k) with company match.
• Relocation and temporary housing assistance, if eligible.
• Ongoing coaching, mentoring, and advancement opportunities.

About Alter Trading

Founded in 1898, Alter Trading Corporation is a family-owned, fifth-generation company and one of the nation’s leading scrap metal recycling firms. With more than 70 facilities across the Midwest and Southern U.S., we are committed to environmental sustainability, operational excellence, and developing leaders from within.

Ready to lead and grow with a company that values safety, teamwork, and operational excellence? Click Apply Now to start your journey with Alter Trading Corporation as a Management Trainee.