Jobs › Zekelman Industries

Intern, Supply Chain

Zekelman Industries · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Zekelman Industries

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a project where you cleaned up or analyzed a messy dataset. What did you find?

What they are checking: Whether they have real hands-on data skills and can turn numbers into a clear takeaway.

This internship is on-site at a manufacturing plant. What interests you about supply chain in that setting?

What they are checking: Whether they are genuinely curious about manufacturing operations and not just looking for any internship.

Tell me about a time you had to learn something new quickly for a class or job.

What they are checking: Whether they can ramp up fast, which an eleven-week internship requires.

Tell me about a time you made a mistake on a project. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they own errors quickly and honestly, which matters when data drives customer orders.

What would you do

You notice inventory data that doesn't match what a customer says they have. What would you do?

What they are checking: Whether they investigate carefully and flag the issue to their manager rather than guessing or ignoring it.

You'll work with Sales, IT, Operations and Customer Experience. How would you get information from people who are busy?

What they are checking: Whether they can ask clear, respectful questions and follow up without being pushy.

How would you present a finding to your manager so it's useful, not just interesting?

What they are checking: Whether they connect analysis to a recommended action, which is what a supply chain team values.

About the work

You'd support our Automated Inventory Management program, or AIM. What do you think automated replenishment means in a steel tube business?

What they are checking: Whether they grasp the basic idea of restocking customers based on usage and data rather than manual orders.

How comfortable are you with Excel? Walk me through how you'd use it to spot inventory that's running low.

What they are checking: Whether they can use practical tools like lookups, pivot tables and conditional formatting.

What's the difference between having too much inventory and too little, and why do both cost money?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the basic tradeoff between carrying costs and stockouts.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Zekelman Industries from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Zekelman Industries.

You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday. Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development. We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more. Come build a career you believe in. About the Role Atlas Tube, a division of Zekelman Industries, is seeking a highly motivated Supply Chain Intern to join our team for Summer 2027. This on-site internship opportunity is based at our Atlas Chicago plant in Chicago, IL, and the official Zekelman internship program runs from May 24, 2027 through August 13, 2027. Reporting directly to the Manager, Inventory and Replenishment, you will gain hands-on experience supporting inventory management, automated replenishment processes, supply planning, and data-driven decision-making within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Working closely with Supply Chain, Sales, IT, Operations, Customer Experience, and other cross-functional teams, you will support the organization's Automated Inventory Management (AIM) program through data analysis, reporting, process improvement, and inventory management activities. This internship offers an excellent opportunity to learn how technology, analytics, and supply chain strategy work together to support customer service and operational excellence. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and eager to learn. This role is well suited for students interested in supply chain management, operations, business analytics, or manufacturing who want to develop real-world experience while contributing to meaningful projects. What You'll Do • Assist with maintaining and updating customer, inventory, and replenishment data within the AIM program. • Help identify, investigate, and resolve data discrepancies, reporting issues, and system exceptions. • Collaborate with Supply Chain, IT, Sales, Operations, and Customer Experience teams to support inventory and replenishment processes. • Help develop reports, dashboards, presentations, and documentation to support business decisions. • Participate in process improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, data accuracy, and customer service. • Gather, analyze, and report on inventory consumption, replenishment activity, and AIM program performance metrics. • Review inventory trends and help evaluate supply planning recommendations to support inventory optimization. • Assist with monitoring replenishment processes to help ensure materials are available to meet customer demand. • Work with internal stakeholders to support ongoing inventory management and continuous improvement efforts. • Perform other duties as assigned. Who You Are • Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Analytics, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. • Strong analytical mindset with a passion for solving problems using data and process improvement. • Detail-oriented and capable of managing multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy. • Effective communicator who enjoys collaborating with cross-functional teams. • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. • Comfortable analyzing data and translating findings into actionable insights. • Strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. • Experience with SAP, data analytics tools, EDI systems, or automation technologies is a plus. • Interest in pursuing a career in supply chain, inventory management, operations, or manufacturing. What You'll Get Zekelman Industries offers a PAID internship experience with meaningful work, professional development, and the opportunity to make a real impact. Interns also enjoy: • Hands-on exposure to supply chain in a manufacturing environment. • Access to company-wide networking events, team-building activities, and learning sessions. • Regular coaching and feedback to support personal and professional growth. • Participation in a company-wide Intern Summit. Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits.  In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more. M/F/D/V We are Zekelman Industries. We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers. We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.

Apply at Zekelman Industries