Management Trainee Program

The Buckle, Inc.•Bellingham, WA

4d•$23 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

The Management Trainee’s primary responsibility is to fulfill Buckle’s mission of creating the most enjoyable shopping experience possible for Guests. The role performs sales, merchandising, and operational tasks assigned by store management, including cashiering, merchandise display and pulls, register procedures, and routine cleaning. The trainee works directly with the Store Manager to develop sales, recruiting, and leadership skills in preparation for becoming a Store Manager. The trainee also shares responsibility for training and motivating Teammates and acts as Store Manager in the manager’s absence. The position includes a structured Management Trainee Program with weekly topics, assignments, and reviews. The trainee supports sales and guest service, recruiting and teammate development, visual merchandising, store operations, and leadership activities. The role may involve travel to cover other stores within the district, overnight travel as required, and relocation may be required. The position is performed in a retail store setting, with a usually moderate noise level. The listed estimated pay range is $23–$27 per hour. For sales positions, Buckle pays a base rate plus 3% commission; the listed range is the estimated base rate plus commission for Teammates in this position. Final offers depend on factors including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. Buckle describes benefits for both full-time and part-time Teammates. Full-time benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; virtual care; mental health resources; a 401(k) with company match; HSA and FSA options; performance bonuses; a Teammate discount; vacation and sick time, a floating holiday, and bereavement leave; company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; leave-of-absence support; supplemental insurance options; legal services, identity theft protection, and pet insurance. Salaried Teammates may also receive a paid volunteer day and qualifying medical leave pay. Part-time benefits include a Teammate discount, eligible access to medical plans, a 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and paid leave where required by law. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred; alternatively, the posting accepts one to three months of related retail experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The posting states that visa sponsorship is unavailable. The physical demands include standing, walking, handling objects, reaching, climbing or balancing and jumping, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, talking and hearing, and lifting and maneuvering up to 50 pounds throughout the store and backroom.

Requirements

Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and the day of and day after Thanksgiving and Christmas, based on store and business needs.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel, including overnight as required.
Ability to lift and maneuver 50 pounds throughout the store and backroom.
Ability to perform the listed physical duties, including standing, walking, handling and reaching, climbing or balancing and jumping, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, and talking or hearing.
No visa sponsorship is available.
Relocation may be required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in a relevant field of study.
One to three months of related retail experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Provide friendly, engaging service to Guests; answer questions and recommend, select, and locate merchandise based on their needs.
Anticipate Guest needs, suggest additional items, create wardrobing experiences, and build Guest relationships and a client-based business.
Demonstrate product knowledge and sales education, share knowledge with the Team, and maintain knowledge of promotions, payment and exchange policies, and security practices.
Meet personal sales-per-hour, average sales, total net sales, and other sales and guest-loyalty goals; use the Sales Presentation Guide daily and support Teammate presentations.
Model leadership in customer service and selling, and maintain high standards whether or not the Manager is present.
Develop skills and assist in leading, directing, motivating, and educating new Teammates on accountability, shift orientation, loss prevention, and sales presentation standards.
Motivate Teammates to complete daily tasks; assist the Store Manager with coaching and counseling; recruit candidates, participate in interviews, and set up interviews.
Develop skills and educate Teammates in implementing, evaluating, and creating visual displays according to Buckle guidelines.
Manage product categories including denim, shoes, promotions, and supplies; maintain store standards and ensure the sales floor is sized and new freight is displayed appropriately.
Complete the Management Trainee Program’s weekly topics, assignments, and reviews, and review completed assignments with the District Manager.
Build communication and working relationships with the Area Manager, District Manager, and Corporate Office to support store operations.
Complete store opening and closing procedures; implement company policies, procedures, organizational changes, and merchandise offerings as directed by the Store Manager.
Complete register balancing and bank deposits accurately, daily, and on time; follow loss prevention policies and store key controls.
Handle returns, exchanges, and operational and loss-prevention duties in the Store Manager’s absence; respond to emergencies in accordance with company guidelines.
Monitor supply inventory, maintain a clean, organized, and shoppable store, communicate repair needs, and provide feedback about sales, Teammate performance, and merchandise handling concerns.
Report policy violations and Teammate or Guest concerns to the Store Manager, District Manager, and/or Human Resources in a timely, confidential manner; understand and apply the Code of Ethics and company policies, procedures, and handbooks.
Support the Store Manager in planning and leading the Team, daily Teammate reviews, Team meetings, and timely, accurate completion of new-hire onboarding paperwork.
Prepare for Store Manager responsibilities by collaboratively supervising Teammates under store management’s supervision, including recruiting, interviewing, training, reviewing, delegating, scheduling, and leading.
Act as Store Manager in the manager’s absence and travel to cover other stores within the District based on business needs.
Fulfill the company mission through high-level customer service and a positive team spirit; perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical coverage, including two plan options, preventive care covered at 100%, and virtual care access.
Dental and vision insurance.
24/7 virtual care 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 an HSA for Teammates enrolled in the high-deductible medical plan.
Performance bonuses for eligible Teammates.
40% discount on Buckle products and 25% discount on Buckle gift cards.
Vacation time, sick time, one floating holiday, and up to three days of bereavement leave for eligible Teammates.
Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance, with optional supplemental life and short- and long-term disability plans.
Paid and unpaid leave-of-absence support for qualifying situations; eligible salaried Teammates may receive medical leave pay that can be used as paid parental leave.
Optional accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage.
Legal services, identity theft protection, and pet insurance for eligible Teammates.
Salaried Teammates receive one paid volunteer day.
Eligible part-time Teammates may access medical plans and paid leave in applicable states.