Assistant in Training

About the Role

The Assistant in Training (AIT) and Assistant Manager position’s primary responsibility is to fulfill our mission statement, “to create the most enjoyable shopping experience possible for our Guests.” This role performs a variety of sales, merchandising, and operational tasks assigned by store management, including cashiering, merchandise display, register procedures, and routine cleaning. The AIT and Assistant Manager work directly with the Store Manager and Leadership Team to develop sales, recruit new Teammates, and provide leadership. They also share responsibility for training and motivating Teammates and act as the Store Manager in their absence. The Assistant Manager position is a progression from the AIT role and includes additional high-level duties, though most responsibilities are shared.

Responsibilities

• Sales Generation and Guest Service
  • Greet Guests with a friendly, engaging attitude and provide legendary service.
  • Answer questions about the store and merchandise, recommend and locate products based on Guest needs.
  • Anticipate and fulfill Guest needs by suggesting additional items and creating a wardrobing experience.
  • Demonstrate product knowledge and sales education, sharing this with the Team.
  • Maintain knowledge of current sales, promotions, payment policies, exchanges, and security practices.
  • Achieve personal sales-per-hour, average sales, and total net sales goals set by Store Management.
  • Provide legendary service in key areas: Front 5, sales floor, fitting rooms, and register area.
  • Follow exchange and return procedures, turning them into showmanship opportunities.
  • Use the Sales Presentation Guide (SPG) daily to accomplish goals.
  • Meet or exceed performance standards in Buckle business builders and guest loyalty (fit appointments, Buckle credit card, guest connect).
  • Expand Guest selection through inventory management, advanced product search, and iPad apps.
  • Maintain and build Guest relationships to develop a client-based business.
  • Lead by example with high-level showmanship, customer service, and attentiveness.
  • Recognize and communicate Guest Levels with the Team.
  • Ask business-driven and showmanship questions to improve sales presentations.
  • Welcome feedback from the Manager to improve performance.
  • Plan sales goals with the Store Manager and demonstrate ownership of store sales performance.
• Teammate Recruiting, Training, and Development
  • Recognize recruiting opportunities using Jobs & Careers cards, email referrals, and Teammate recommendations.
  • Develop skills and assist in leading, directing, motivating, and educating new Teammates.
  • Maintain a positive attitude to create a positive floor culture.
  • Demonstrate personal dress code to encourage and coach the latest fashion.
  • Participate in daily setup, training, and reviewing using the Performance Tracker.
  • Motivate Teammates to complete daily tasks set by Store Management.
  • Demonstrate, coach, and influence denim showmanship and fit cards.
  • Create and develop results in your department while balancing actions within your segment.
  • Execute actions from department calendars and track them on the Weekly Delegation Worksheet.
  • Demonstrate leadership during segments and involve Guests with product.
  • Remember and use Guest names effectively.
  • Understand and show merchandise for both Gals and Guys’ sides to benefit the Team and Guests.
  • Partner with the Store Manager to pick the store’s education focus and implement it.
  • Assist the Store Manager in recruiting all store staffing needs.
  • Explain pay and Buckle Benefits to Teammates.
  • Maintain an up-to-date contact list and add top talent consistently.
  • Execute and train on the Leadership playbook and accountability of characteristic pieces.
  • Conduct SPG Teammate/leader training shifts.
  • Train and coach with the Manager on all non-sales positions.
  • Execute actions with constantly changing sales focuses.
  • Identify and follow through on all Teammate training needs.
• Visual Merchandise Management
  • Own and influence product through zone ownership, assigning Zones and projects to Teammates daily.
  • Execute and demonstrate all new tools and videos related to zone ownership.
  • Partner with the Store Manager to delegate, demonstrate, and review all 4 zones.
  • Ensure Teammates follow Visual Standards, Visual Library, and Weekly Visual Checklist.
  • Recognize merchandising opportunities from freight to floor and communicate recommendations.
  • Give informational and influential store tours.
  • Ensure the sales floor is consistently sized and new freight is appropriately displayed.
  • Use the Performance Tracker to improve store performance.
  • Anticipate changes in product and act independently to improve visual results.
  • Maintain visual standards on the floor and in the backroom.
• Operations
  • Work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays (e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas).
  • Understand and utilize the planner, including Opening and Closing Checklists.
  • Recognize security risks and thefts, and follow Loss Prevention guidelines.
  • Execute and teach all Point of Sale (POS) procedures.
  • Handle calls from the Corporate Office appropriately.
  • Maintain a positive attitude when dealing with challenging situations.
  • Execute all policies regarding payments, returns, exchanges, and Loss Prevention.
  • Navigate and execute all tools on the home page.
  • Provide guidance and feedback to all non-sales positions.
  • Complete all scheduled shifts and cover shifts when needed.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and shoppable store.
  • Provide feedback to the Store Manager regarding merchandise handling concerns.
  • Communicate policy violations, Teammate, or Guest concerns to the Store Manager, District Manager, or Human Resources.
  • Apply the Buckle’s Code of Ethics and all policies, procedures, and handbooks.
  • Ensure all New Hire paperwork and tasks are completed accurately and promptly.
• Planning (Week/Month/Year)
  • Execute and train others on opening/closing checklists.
  • Complete markdowns, pulls, inbound/outbound freight, recalls, and Return to Vendors (RTVs).
  • Establish relationships and communicate effectively with Corporate Office departments.
  • Monitor and maintain adequate inventory of supplies.
  • Handle emergencies in the Store Manager’s absence according to Company guidelines.
• Supervisory and Leadership
  • Give and receive feedback from peers and Management.
  • Promote personal and store growth.
  • Maintain a professional, mature, and stable relationship with all Teammates.
  • Conduct daily interviews to support Team Development and growth.
  • Overcome objections and problem-solve.
  • Self-educate on company tools (videos, pieces, books) and share this information with others.
  • Understand and administer Buckle’s Commitment to Success.
  • Travel and cover other stores within the District based on business needs.
  • Handle schedule changes professionally.
  • Fulfill the mission statement by performing job duties with high customer service while contributing to a positive team spirit.
• Other Duties
  • Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Assists the Store Manager in supervising the store team.

Benefits

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

Qualifications

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months of related retail experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger/handle/feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, jump, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to sit.
• Must be able 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

The Teammate regularly works in a retail store setting with moderate noise levels.