Management Trainee Program

About the Role

The Management Trainee position's primary responsibility is to fulfill our mission statement, "to create the most enjoyable shopping experience possible for our Guests." Management Trainees perform a variety of sales, merchandising, and operational tasks assigned by store management, such as cashiering, merchandise display, register procedures, and routine cleaning. The role involves working directly with the Store Manager to develop sales, recruiting, and leadership skills to eventually become a Store Manager. The Management Trainee shares responsibility for training and motivating Teammates and acts as the Store Manager in their absence.

Responsibilities

• Sales Generation and Guest Service
  • Greet Guests with a friendly, engaging attitude and provide legendary service.
  • Answer questions about the store and its merchandise, recommend and select items 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 insights 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.
  • Use the Sales Presentation Guide (SPG) daily to meet goals and meet performance standards in Buckle business builders and guest loyalty (e.g., fit appointments, Buckle credit card, guest connect).
  • Maintain and build Guest relationships to develop a client-based business.
  • Model and demonstrate leadership in customer service and selling skills.
• Teammate Recruiting, Training, and Development
  • Develop skills to lead, direct, motivate, and educate new Teammates to meet accountability, shift orientation, loss prevention, and sales presentation standards.
  • Motivate Teammates to complete daily tasks and assist the Store Manager with coaching and counseling.
  • Actively recruit for the store and participate in interviewing with the Store Manager.
• Visual Merchandise Management
  • Develop skills to implement, evaluate, and create visual displays based on Buckle guidelines.
  • Manage product categories such as denim, shoes, promotions, and supplies.
  • Maintain store standards of excellence and ensure the sales floor is consistently sized and new freight is appropriately displayed.
• Operations
  • Work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays (e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas).
  • Complete an extensive Management Trainee Program with weekly topics, assignments, and reviews.
  • Establish relationships and communicate effectively with Area Manager, District Manager, and Corporate Office.
  • Accurately complete store opening/closing procedures, register balance, and bank deposits.
  • Adhere to Loss Prevention policies and key controls, handling returns, exchanges, and emergencies in the Store Manager's absence.
  • Maintain adequate inventory of supplies and ensure the store remains clean, organized, and shoppable.
  • Communicate store repair needs, policy violations, and Teammate/Guest concerns to leadership.
  • Understand and apply Buckle's Code of Ethics and all policies, procedures, and handbooks.
• Supervisory and Leadership Support
  • Support the Store Manager by planning and leading the Team, reviewing performance, and participating in Team meetings.
  • Ensure all new hire paperwork is completed promptly and accurately.
  • Supervise Teammates collaboratively in preparation for becoming a Store Manager.
  • Act as the Store Manager in their absence and travel to cover other stores within the District as needed.
  • Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in a relevant field preferred; or 1-3 months of related retail experience/training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel, including overnight as required.
• Relocation may be required.
• No visa sponsorship is available.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, jump, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to sit.
• Ability to lift and maneuver up to 50 lbs throughout the store and backroom.
• Specific vision abilities 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 a moderate noise level.

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.