Operations Intern (Summer 2027)

Company Overview

Founded in 1948, Werner has grown from a small appliance store in downtown Neenah, WI into an award‑winning employer and leading electrical distributor with 12 branch locations in Wisconsin and Upper‑Michigan. Headquartered in Appleton, WI, we provide electrical, lighting, network, process, and inventory management solutions for a diverse group of industrial and construction customers. With over 450 employees, we uphold a family culture built around exceptional customer service and continuous improvement. Werner is an equal‑opportunity employer.

Internship Program

• Executive‑level mentorship and coaching
• Company‑sponsored project management/Lean Six Sigma training and certification
• Up to $19 per hour (dependent on year in college)
• Networking events with internal and external customers and your intern team
• Individual and group projects that drive change and impactful business results
• Large‑scale summer‑long projects in collaboration with fellow interns and business leaders
• Opportunities to shadow various departments to help determine your career path
• Potential for year‑long internships and full‑time employment post‑graduation

Timeline and Expectations

Internship positions will be posted in late September and run through the end of November. Candidates will move from an HR phone screen to a virtual hiring‑manager interview during this period.

Job Summary

The intern will support initiatives that improve customer satisfaction, sales margins, and operating expenses. This learning position allows the intern to apply classroom knowledge, acquire industry skills, and experience a corporate environment. Projects are assigned, completed with mentor guidance, and results are presented to demonstrate tangible impact across distribution center and Custom Assembly & Services areas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Recommend, prioritize, develop, and implement projects throughout Werner with input from related companies, employees, suppliers, and customers.
• Set and achieve specific project goals.
• Work with all employee levels to identify and eliminate process waste, initiate sustainable improvements, and provide hands‑on training and technical support.
• Formalize and administer continuous‑improvement activities that drive Lean methodology organization‑wide.
• Develop and implement performance metrics for processes in support of overall business strategies and goals.
• Track and validate all savings attributed to project deployment.
• Participate in weekly safety, quality, or Lean meetings.
• Participate in Kaizen events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Enrolled in an accredited program pursuing a degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Continuous Improvement, or a related field.

Pay

Up to $19 per hour, dependent on year in college.