Merchandising Trainee Program

About the Role

The Merchandising Trainee Program at DICK'S Sporting Goods offers comprehensive training and development opportunities within the merchandising function. Trainees will gain foundational knowledge and practical experience across various critical areas of the business, with the goal of placement into an Assistant Inventory Planner or Assistant Buyer role upon program completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze multiple data points to make recommendations that drive sales, gross margin, and inventory turnover.
• Build collaborative relationships with vendor partners, store teams, and fellow associates.
• Partner with associates across merchandising groups, product development, sourcing, eCommerce, supply chain, visual merchandising, marketing, and stores to deliver a great customer experience.
• Make data-driven recommendations on the product assortment available to customers in stores and online.
• Receive support and formal mentorship from peers and director-level or above associates.
• Develop a strong business and mentor relationship with the Program Managers.
• Interact with associates across all levels of the company, including Senior Executives.

Assignments may include

• Assistant Inventory Planner (Allocations and Replenishment): Develop skills for accurate execution and optimization of systems to ensure the right product reaches the right store at the right time.
• Buying: Gain insight into department-level strategy, assortment selection (including private brands), and alignment with financial expectations.
• Supply Chain: Build foundational knowledge of inventory flow paths, timing to market, and internal processes through the distribution network.
• Planning: Enhance financial and business acumen by assessing business results and reacting accordingly.
• Product Development: Understand the processes for developing internal brands and products.
• eCommerce: Gain baseline knowledge of leveraging Omni-channel analytics, channels of distribution, and customer-facing platforms to maximize business results.
• Stores: Gain insight into the consumer base, differentiating products and services, and how corporate actions impact field associates.

Professional Development Series includes

• Functional overviews of various departments.
• Intensive Excel training.
• Creation of an Individual Development Plan.
• Other developmental offerings to enhance professional skills and retail knowledge.

Qualifications

• Graduation date of Winter 2026 or Spring 2027, or 1-2 years post-grad.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Management, or other related business or retail major from an accredited college or university.
• GPA of 3.2 or better.
• Interest and confidence in working with data and numbers; strong mathematical/quantitative skills highly preferred.
• Curiosity and desire to learn about consumer and retail trends, including customer demographics, purchasing influencers, and emerging technology.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Ability to independently make data-driven recommendations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
• Willingness to relocate to Pittsburgh, PA.

Technical Skills & Tools

• Excel

Program Placement

• Upon program completion, trainees will be placed as an Assistant Inventory Planner or Assistant Buyer.

Relocation & Start Dates

• Relocation assistance will be provided for non-local candidates accepting full-time positions at DICK’S Sporting Goods Corporate Office.
• Start Date: February or June 2027.

Virtual Requirements

• Cameras must be on during all virtual interviews.
• AI tools are not permitted to be used by the candidate during any part of the interview process.
• Offers are contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include ID verification.