2026 Management Development Program - Retail Performance Enablement

M&T Bank • Buffalo, NY

18h • $30 - $44 • Hybrid

About The Position

Overview: Serves as a member of the Management Development Program (MDP) and participates in ten weeks of Core Training and one year of On-the-Job (OJT) training. Core Training responsibilities include participation in classroom training, observations of departmental presentations, interaction with senior management, peer networking, and working in teams on two group project assignments. OJT responsibilities vary by department and are assigned by the department manager. The position may be responsible for additional projects as assigned by the department manager or Leadership Development Manager-MDP. Location: Buffalo, NY (Hybrid), Located within M&T Footprint Department Description: The Retail Performance Enablement team empowers our branch network with the tools, processes, and guidance needed to deliver exceptional sales and service experiences. As a Management Development Program (MDP) Associate, you will rotate through key areas of our Retail Performance Enablement function—gaining exposure to change management, sales and service enablement, sales planning, and field execution. This role is designed for highly motivated early‑career talent who are curious, collaborative, and passionate about solving ambiguous business problems to connect the enterprise needs with frontline employees. The work you do will directly impact our branch employees, customer experience, and overall retail performance strategy. Department Responsibilities Sales & Service Enablement Support the development, testing, and rollout of sales tools, frameworks, and performance solutions. Contribute to improving the Lead Management Framework, including process optimization, reporting, and field feedback loops. Assist in designing and refining branch-facing resources that enhance productivity, customer engagement, and sales effectiveness. Participate in annual and quarterly sales planning activities, including data review, field insights gathering, and materials preparation. Help coordinate cross-functional workstreams to ensure alignment between strategy and branch execution. Support the development of standardized processes to drive consistency across the branch network. Change Management & Communications Collaborate on change initiatives that impact the field—ranging from new tools to updated sales practices. Draft field communications such as playbooks, talking points, updates, and rollout guides. Help support readiness planning, pilot design, feedback gathering, and adoption measurement. Field Engagement & Partnership Work with business partners across Retail, Marketing, Product, Analytics, and Education to understand needs and drive solutions. Assist with field listening sessions to identify challenges and opportunities. Provide support for branch leaders implementing new initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree candidate at a school where M&T Bank recruits MDPs pursing a degree in Business, Communications, Economics, marketing, or related fields (or an MBA student with no work experience).
• Outstanding academic credentials (GPA of 3.0 or better).
• Up to 1 years' work experience.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated analytical skills.
• Demonstrated computer skills.
• Demonstrated presentation skills.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities.
• Work/internship experience.

Responsibilities

• Participate in and complete a one-year long, non-rotational training program while creating and adding value to assigned department.
• Receive job specific training, general training in banking, communication and leadership, and personalized coaching and feedback.
• Participate in ten weeks of training throughout the one-year assignment to learn banking, basic financial skills, technical skills, and leadership/interpersonal skills.
• Develop a solid understanding of banking functions, processes, and operations.
• Participate in two group project assignments, working with a team of their peers to build relationships within their teams as well as with project sponsors, internal and external contacts, and senior management.
• Teams make a presentation to senior management at the conclusion of each project providing recommendations and potential project solutions.
• Complete tasks in a manner that are compliant with applicable laws and regulations and/or that serve to help the Company be in compliance with laws and regulations that apply to the business line the position supports.
• Understand and adhere to the Company's risk and regulatory standards, policies and controls in accordance with the Company's Risk Appetite.
• Identify risk-related issues needing escalation to management.
• Promote an environment that supports belonging and reflects the M&T Bank brand.
• Maintain M&T internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• As an employer of choice, we are proud to offer competitive benefits ranging from medical and retirement to forty hours of paid volunteer time, each year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees