Operations Management Trainee

Operations Management Trainee

Nix Companies is a fifth-generation, family-owned business that has been building, fixing, and serving since 1902. Today, we operate across multiple locations through Nix Industrial and Fleet Service Partners, with continued growth and expansion into new markets, including Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas. As our company grows, so does our need for strong leaders. Rather than relying solely on outside hires to fill management positions, we're investing in developing our own. Our 12-month Operations Management Trainee Program is designed to prepare individuals to manage an entire location or business unit, with responsibility for team members, operations, financial performance, and overall business success. This isn't a traditional classroom-based training program. You'll gain hands-on experience throughout our operations, work directly with company leadership, and develop the skills necessary to eventually run a business.

What You'll Do Throughout the program, you'll gain experience in multiple areas of the business, including:

• Shop Floor Operations: Work alongside production teams to understand manufacturing processes, workflow, safety, and daily operations.
• Estimating & Project Management: Learn how projects are quoted, planned, executed, and managed for profitability.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and operational performance.
• Field Services: Gain hands-on exposure to customer-facing industrial and fleet service operations.
• Sales & Business Development: Participate in outside sales ride-alongs and learn how customer relationships contribute to business growth.
• Business Management: Develop an understanding of financial performance, team leadership, accountability, and operational decision-making.

Leadership Development & Mentorship This program goes beyond learning daily operations. You'll also receive:

• Enrollment in NIX's internal leadership development program (LEAD).
• One-on-one coaching with a professional executive coach.
• Biweekly mentorship meetings with the Nix Companies CEO.
• Additional external coursework and professional development opportunities.
• Direct exposure to leadership across multiple departments and business units.

Who We're Looking For We're looking for someone who has demonstrated leadership potential and is ready to take the next step toward managing an entire business operation. Ideal candidates will have:

• Typically 3–8 years of professional experience, including experience leading people, projects, or operations.
• A background in manufacturing, fabrication, coatings, industrial services, or business operations.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to take ownership of results.
• A hands-on approach to leadership and a willingness to learn the business from the ground up.
• A proven work ethic, integrity, dependability, and the ability to earn the trust of a team.
• Willingness to relocate for a future management assignment.

*A college degree is not required. We value relevant hands-on experience and demonstrated leadership ability just as much as formal education.

Career Growth & Advancement Our goal is to prepare trainees for future Operations Manager or General Manager positions throughout our growing company. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive priority consideration for available management positions. Depending on business needs, high-performing individuals may be considered for placement before completing the full 12 months. While placement within a specific timeframe cannot be guaranteed, this program is designed to develop leaders for future opportunities as Nix Companies continues to expand.

Relocation Requirement: Training will take place in Poseyville, Indiana. Future management assignments may be located in southern Indiana or another market, potentially requiring relocation. Candidates must be willing to relocate and commit to approximately 2–3 years at their assigned location. Relocation assistance is available.

Compensation & Benefits During the 12-Month Training Program:

• $70,000–$80,000 annual base salary, depending on experience.

After Placement into Management:

• Current Operations and General Management positions range from $75,000–$125,000 in annual base salary.
• Additional annual bonus potential of $15,000–$30,000, depending on the position, experience, and size of the operation.

Benefits Include:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Structured bonus opportunities
• Professional development and leadership training

Why NIX? At NIX, our philosophy is simple: Be Big, Act Small. We're a growing company with the resources and opportunities of a larger organization, while maintaining the relationships and culture of a family-owned business. If you're an ambitious, hands-on leader who wants more than just another management position, this is an opportunity to learn how a business operates from the ground up and prepare to eventually lead one.