Management Trainee (Rotational Leadership Program)

Fast-Track Your Career Into Leadership in 3 Years or Less

Location: Erie, PA
Full-Time | Leadership Development Program | Multi-Affiliate Rotation

Why This Role Exists

If you’re a graduating senior looking for more than just a job, this is your launchpad.

This role is designed for high-potential early career professionals who want to build a strong foundation, gain real operational experience, and fast-track into a leadership role within 3 years or less.

At Hardinger, we don’t believe in waiting years to “earn your way in.” We believe in investing in you from day one — with real responsibility, real mentorship, and real opportunity to lead.

About the Program

This is a 360° Rotational Leadership Program designed to give you full exposure to every part of our business, including:

• Hardinger Integrated Logistics (Sales & Marketing)
• Hardinger Warehousing
• Hardinger Brokerage
• Hardinger TMS
• EQPT Services
• Hardinger Trucking

You won’t just observe — you’ll participate, execute, and lead real initiatives across every area of our organization.

Each rotation is structured to build your understanding of the full supply chain ecosystem, while developing the leadership skills needed to run a site or business unit in the future.

What Makes This Different

This is not a shadowing program. This is not “entry-level busy work.”

This is a hands-on leadership development experience where you will:

• Be assigned real initiatives by leadership and expected to execute them with support and mentorship
• Own projects that directly impact operations, clients, and business performance
• Work alongside frontline teams, supervisors, and executives across all affiliates
• Receive a dedicated mentor throughout the entire program
• Participate in leadership meetings, strategy sessions, and business reviews

You will be challenged, supported, and developed every step of the way.

Your Impact

Team

• Build credibility by working directly with frontline employees and leaders across all affiliates
• Support performance improvements through data, lean thinking, and process optimization
• Develop real leadership capability through coaching, communication, and accountability

Clients

• Help execute client requirements, reporting, and service level expectations
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen client relationships
• Turn operational performance into measurable client value

Company

• Identify inefficiencies and help improve operational performance and profitability
• Contribute to strategic growth initiatives across multiple business units
• Become part of the leadership pipeline shaping the future of the organization in Erie and beyond

What You’ll Do (Rotational Experience)

Throughout the program, you will rotate through key areas of the business, including:

• Operations (Warehousing, Trucking, Brokerage, TMS)
• Sales & Business Development
• Finance & Administration
• Safety, Compliance & Quality
• Continuous Improvement & Lean initiatives

You will:

• Execute real operational responsibilities (not observation-based learning)
• Analyze performance data and recommend improvements
• Support dispatch, billing, tracking, and logistics systems
• Participate in client meetings, audits, and solution development
• Help drive efficiency, safety, and service improvements across the organization

As you progress, responsibilities increase — along with your leadership exposure and decision-making authority.

What You Will Gain

By the end of this program (approximately 2–3 years), you will:

• Have full working knowledge of end-to-end logistics operations
• Be prepared for a leadership role within the company
• Have experience leading projects, teams, and operational initiatives
• Build a strong professional network across Erie’s business community
• Be positioned as a future leader in a growing, multi-affiliate organization

Benefits

• Strong work-life balance with 80 hours of paid time off (prorated in your first year)
• 10 paid holidays, including your birthday
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance coverage
• Short-term disability fully paid by the company
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) eligibility after 1 year
• Weekly salaried pay

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for graduating seniors who are ready to grow fast and think big.

You should be someone who:

• Wants to build a strong career foundation with a company that invests in you from day one
• Is motivated to grow into leadership within a few years, not a decade
• Thrives in a hands-on, fast-paced, team-powered environment
• Is curious, driven, and not afraid to ask questions or take initiative
• Wants to build a long-term career in Erie and contribute to a growing local company
• Brings a growth mindset, accountability, and a desire to drive real results

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field preferred)
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Interest in logistics, operations, and business leadership
• Ability to analyze data and take action
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and reporting tools
• Willingness to rotate across departments and learn quickly
• Ability to take feedback, execute direction, and grow through experience

Why Join Us

At Hardinger, we are building something bigger than a job — we are building leaders, systems, and careers that last.

If you’re ready to step into a program that will challenge you, support you, and prepare you for leadership in 3 years or less, this is your opportunity.