Assistant in Training

Woodfield Mall•Schaumburg, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant in Training (AIT) supports the Store Manager and Leadership Team in fulfilling Buckle’s mission to create the most enjoyable shopping experience possible for Guests. The role combines sales, merchandising, operational, recruiting, training, and leadership responsibilities. The AIT helps develop sales, recruit and motivate Teammates, supports store operations, and acts as Store Manager in the Store Manager’s absence. The Assistant Manager role is a progression from the AIT position and includes additional high-level duties, while most duties and responsibilities are shared. The position involves providing knowledgeable, attentive Guest service; achieving individual and store sales goals; developing Guest relationships; recruiting, training, and coaching Teammates; maintaining visual merchandising standards; and supporting store planning, inventory, and daily operations. The AIT assists the Store Manager with staffing, education, delegation, and store performance, and may travel to or cover other stores within the District based on business needs. The stated pay range is $18–$22 per hour, including estimated base rate plus commission for sales positions. Final offers depend on factors such as skills, experience, location, and qualifications. Buckle describes benefits for both full-time and part-time Teammates; eligibility and benefit details vary by employment status and other qualifying requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or general education degree (GED), or one to three months of related retail experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and the day of or day after Thanksgiving and Christmas, based on store and business needs.
Ability to travel to and cover other stores within the District based on business needs.
Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the job, including standing, walking, reaching, climbing or balancing, jumping, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, and lifting and maneuvering up to 50 pounds.
Ability to perform sales, merchandising, operational, training, and leadership duties and to communicate effectively with Guests and Teammates.

Responsibilities

Greet Guests and provide friendly, engaging, knowledgeable service throughout the store.
Recommend, locate, and demonstrate merchandise based on Guest needs; suggest additional items and create a wardrobing experience.
Maintain knowledge of products, sales, promotions, payment and exchange policies, and security practices.
Achieve personal sales-per-hour, average-sale, and total-net-sales goals, and contribute to store sales performance and Guest loyalty.
Use the Sales Presentation Guide (SPG) and other company tools to meet sales and service goals.
Build Guest relationships and develop a client-based business; recognize and communicate Guest levels to the Team.
Plan sales goals with the Store Manager and demonstrate ownership of store sales results.
Identify recruiting opportunities and assist the Store Manager with recruitment and staffing needs.
Train, coach, motivate, and develop Teammates in sales presentation, customer service, accountability, loss prevention, and store procedures.
Maintain a positive floor culture, demonstrate dress-code expectations, and provide and receive feedback professionally.
Help select and implement the store’s education focus, delegate work, track department actions, and support business goals.
Own and influence product zones; assign projects, demonstrate zone ownership, and ensure visual standards are followed.
Partner with the Store Manager to delegate, demonstrate, and review visual zones; identify merchandising opportunities and communicate recommendations.
Maintain a well-sized, organized, clean, and shoppable sales floor and backroom, and ensure freight is appropriately displayed.
Work a flexible schedule that may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and the day of or day after Thanksgiving and Christmas, based on business needs.
Use the planner and complete opening and closing checklists; execute and train others on store procedures.
Complete markdowns, pulls, inbound and outbound freight, recalls, and returns to vendors (RTVs).
Execute and teach point-of-sale procedures; follow payment, return, exchange, and loss-prevention policies.
Recognize security risks and theft, follow loss-prevention guidelines, and complete daily bag and purse checks.
Complete scheduled shifts and cover shifts when needed; handle schedule changes professionally.
Maintain communication with the Store Manager, Leadership Team, Corporate Office departments, and appropriate company contacts about store operations and concerns.
Promptly and accurately complete new-hire paperwork and tasks in accordance with Human Resources guidelines and legal policies.
Handle emergencies in the Store Manager’s absence in accordance with company guidelines.
Assist the Store Manager in supervising and supporting the Team; conduct daily interviews as needed and handle other assigned duties and special projects.
Travel to and cover other stores within the District when required by business needs.
Follow Buckle’s Code of Ethics, policies, procedures, and handbooks, and report policy violations or Teammate and Guest concerns through appropriate channels.

Benefits

Full-time Teammates: medical coverage with a choice of two plans, preventive care covered at 100%, and virtual care access.
Dental and vision insurance for full-time Teammates.
24/7 virtual care access for general, behavioral, and dermatology consultations.
Employee Assistance Program with confidential counseling, wellness coaching, and self-care tools.
401(k) with traditional and Roth options and discretionary company matching contributions for qualifying Teammates.
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts; Buckle contributes to the HSA for Teammates enrolled in the high-deductible medical plan.
Performance-based incentive bonuses for eligible Teammates.
40% discount on Buckle products and 25% discount on Buckle gift cards.
Vacation time earned on a progressive schedule based on role and years of service, with amount depending on employment status.
40 hours of sick time per year, or more where required by law, subject to stated proration and carryover limits.
One floating holiday and up to three days of bereavement leave.
One paid volunteer day for salaried Teammates.
Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; optional Teammate-paid supplemental life and short- and long-term disability plans.
Paid and unpaid leave of absence for qualifying situations, with Benefits Team guidance.
Medical leave pay for eligible salaried Teammates, which may be used as paid parental leave for qualifying Teammates.
Optional accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage.
Legal services, identity theft protection, and pet insurance for eligible Teammates.
Part-time Teammates: access to two medical plans for eligible Teammates, 401(k) with discretionary matching contributions for qualifying Teammates, Employee Assistance Program resources, and paid leave where required by law.