Management Training Program

About the Role

The Management Trainee position is responsible for fulfilling the mission statement: "to create the most enjoyable shopping experience possible for our Guests." This role involves performing sales, merchandising, and operational tasks. The trainee will work with the Store Manager to develop sales, recruiting, and leadership skills to become a Store Manager, and will share responsibility for training and motivating Teammates, acting as the Store Manager in their absence.

Key Responsibilities

Sales Generation and Guest Service

• Greet Guests with a friendly, engaging attitude and provide legendary service.
• Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.
• Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on Guest needs.
• Anticipate and fulfill Guest needs by suggesting additional items and creating a wardrobing experience.
• Demonstrate product utilizing product knowledge and sales education.
• Maintain and share knowledge of current sales, promotions, payment/exchange policies, and security practices.
• Achieve personal sales-per-hour, average sales, and total net sales goals.
• Fill out and effectively use the Sales Presentation Guide (SPG) daily.
• Meet or exceed performance standards in fit appointments, Buckle credit card, and guest connect.
• Maintain and build good Guest relationships to develop a client-based business.
• Model, encourage, and demonstrate leadership in customer service and selling skills.
• Consistently perform leadership actions and maintain high standards, whether or not the Manager is present.

Teammate Recruiting, Training and Development

• Develop skills and assist in leading, directing, motivating, and educating new Teammates to meet Buckle’s accountability, shift orientation, loss prevention, and sales presentation standards.
• Motivate Teammates to initiate and complete daily tasks.
• Assist Store Manager with coaching and counseling Teammates.
• Actively recruit for the store and participate in interviews.
• Support Store Manager by setting up interviews.

Visual Merchandise Management

• Develop skills and educate Teammates to implement, evaluate, and create visual displays based on Buckle guidelines.
• Manage product categories including denim, shoes, promotions, and supplies.
• Maintain store standards of excellence.
• Ensure the sales floor is consistently sized and new freight is appropriately displayed.

Operations

• Work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and the day of/day after Thanksgiving and Christmas.
• Set goals and expectations to complete the Management Trainee Program.
• Review completed Management Trainee assignments with the District Manager.
• Establish relationships and excellent communication with the Area Manager, District Manager, and Corporate Office.
• Accurately and efficiently complete store opening and closing procedures.
• Implement Buckle developments with the direction of the Store Manager.
• Complete register balance and bank deposits accurately, daily, and on time.
• Adhere to Loss Prevention policies and store key controls.
• Handle returns, exchanges, and operational/Loss Prevention duties in the Store Manager’s absence.
• Convey feedback to Store Manager regarding sales and Teammate performance.
• Monitor and maintain adequate inventory of supplies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and shoppable store.
• Communicate store repair needs to Store Manager.
• Handle emergencies in Store Manager’s absence.
• Provide feedback to Store Manager and Leadership Team regarding merchandise handling concerns.
• Communicate policy violations and Teammate or Guest concerns to Store Manager, District Manager, and/or Human Resources.
• Understand and apply the Buckle’s Code of Ethics and all Buckle’s policies, procedures, and handbooks.

Supervisory and Leadership

• Support Store Manager by planning and leading the Team, daily reviewing with Teammates, and participating in Team meetings.
• Partner with Store Manager to ensure all OnBoarding new hire paperwork is promptly and accurately completed.
• Prepare to be a Store Manager by collaboratively supervising Teammates with guidance from store management.
• Act as the Store Manager in their absence.
• Ability to travel and cover other Stores within the District based on business needs.
• Fulfill mission statement with a high level of customer service and contribute to a positive team spirit.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

Full-time Benefits (after applicable waiting period)

• Insurance
• Spending and Savings Accounts
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Teammate Discount
• Performance Bonuses
• Leave Options
• Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in a relevant field of study is preferred.
• One to three months of related retail experience and/or training.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and jump; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to sit.
• Physical ability to lift and maneuver 50 lbs throughout the store and backroom.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Regularly works in a retail store setting.
• The noise level is usually moderate.

Objective Qualifications

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel, including overnight as required.
• Relocation may be required.