Program Management Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Summary

The Management Trainee position’s primary responsibility is to fulfill our mission statement, “to create the most enjoyable shopping experience possible for our Guests.” Additionally, Management Trainees perform a variety of sales, merchandising and operational tasks assigned by store management (e.g. cashiering, merchandise display and pulls, register procedures, and routine cleaning of facilities). Work directly with Store Manager to develop sales, recruiting and leadership skills in order to become a Store Manager. The Management Trainee will also share responsibility for training and motivating Teammates and act as the Store Manager in their absence. 

Compensation & Benefits: 

Pay range: $18-$22/hr   

The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.  

For sales positions, Buckle pays a base rate plus commission on sales. The range listed is the estimated base rate plus commission for Teammates in this position.   

Full-Time Teammate Benefits: 

Health 

Your physical well-being matters. We provide health options that empower you to take control of your care and make informed decisions for you and your family. 

Medical Coverage Choose between two comprehensive plans. Preventive care is covered at 100%, and all plans include access to virtual care. 

Dental and Vision Insurance Preventive and routine dental and vision care to support your everyday health. 

Virtual Care 24/7 access to general, behavioral, and dermatology consultations. 

Mental Health Resources Through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), teammates have access to free confidential counseling, wellness coaching, and self-care tools. 

Wealth 

We are committed to helping you build financial security, recognize your contributions, and invest in your future. 

401(k) with Company Match Start planning for the future with traditional and Roth options. Teammates may contribute after meeting eligibility requirements. To further support Teammates, Buckle provides discretionary matching contributions to qualifying Teammates. 

Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Pre-tax options for qualified medical and dependent care expenses. Buckle contributes to your HSA if enrolled in the high-deductible medical plan. 

Performance Bonuses Eligible teammates may earn incentive-based bonuses in recognition of their performance. 

Teammate Discount 40% off Buckle products and 25% off Buckle gift cards to support your personal style. 

Peace of Mind 

We recognize the importance of stability, security, and time to recharge. 

Time Off Vacation time is earned on a progressive schedule based on your role and years of service, starting at 80 hours or 120 hours, depending on employment status and prorated for the first partial year. Teammates earn 40 hours of sick time per year (or more where required by law), prorated for the first partial year; up to 80 hours of sick time may be carried over from one year to another with a maximum of 80 hours of sick time per year including carryover. Teammates also receive one floating holiday and up to three days of bereavement leave. Salaried teammates receive one paid volunteer day.

Income Protection Buckle provides company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance, with options to add Teammate-paid supplemental life and disability plans (short term and long term), helping to protect your income if you are unable to work. 

Leave of Absence Support Paid and unpaid time away is available for qualifying situations, with guidance from our Benefits Team to help navigate your options.  Salaried teammates who meet eligibility requirements are eligible for medical leave pay, which can be used as paid parental leave for qualifying Teammates. 

Supplemental Insurance Options Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage is available for added financial protection. 

Additional Benefits Legal services, identity theft protection, and pet insurance are available to eligible teammates.  

Part-Time Teammate Benefits 

We value every teammate and offer meaningful benefits—even for those working fewer hours. 

Medical Plan Access Eligible part-time teammates may choose between two comprehensive medical plans. Preventive care is covered at 100%, and all plans include access to virtual care.  

401(k) with Company Match Start planning for the future with traditional and Roth options. Teammates may contribute after meeting eligibility requirements. To further support Teammates, Buckle provides discretionary matching contributions to qualifying Teammates.  

Mental Health Resources Through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), teammates have access to free confidential counseling, wellness coaching, and self-care tools.  

Paid Leave in Applicable States Paid leave accrues where required by law; one hour of leave is accrued for every 30 hours worked.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This description intends to describe the general nature and level of work performed by Teammates assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties, responsibilities and qualifications. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sales Generation and Guest Service

• Greet Guests with a friendly, engaging attitude, and is consistently prepared to provide legendary service to each Guest
• Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise
• Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on Guest needs and desires
• Anticipate and fulfill Guest’s needs by suggesting additional items and creating a wardrobing experience
• Demonstrate product utilizing product knowledge and sales education, consistently sharing that knowledge and education with Team
• Maintain and share knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices
• Remain consistent on personal sales, as well as looking for opportunities to impact Teammates’ presentations with the Sales Presentation Guide (SPG)
• Achieve personal sales-per-hour, average sales and total net sales goals set by Store Management
• Fill out and effectively use the Sales Presentation Guide (SPG) daily to accomplish goals
• Meets or above performance standards in all Buckle business builders and guest loyalty including fit appointments, Buckle credit card and guest connect.
• Maintain and build good Guest relationships to develop a client based business
• Model, encourage and demonstrate leadership in customer service and selling skills
• Consistently perform leadership actions and maintain high standards, whether or not the Manager is present

Teammate Recruiting, Training and Development

• Develop skills and assist in leading, directing, motivating and educating new Teammates to meet and achieve Buckle’s accountability, shift orientation, loss prevention and sales presentation standards on a daily basis
• Motivate Teammates to initiate and complete daily tasks
• Assist Store Manager with coaching and counseling Teammates in accordance with Buckle policies
• Actively recruit for the store and participate in interviewing with Store Manager
• Support Store Manager by setting up all interviews

Visual Merchandise Management

• Develop skills and educate Teammates to implement, evaluate and create visual displays based on Buckle guidelines
• Responsible for managing product categories such as: denim, shoe, promotions and supplies
• Maintain store standards of excellence at all times
• Ensure sales floor is consistently sized and new freight is appropriately displayed

Operations

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include mornings, evenings, and weekends, and the day of/day after Thanksgiving and Christmas, based upon store and business needs
• Set goals and expectations to complete an extensive Management Trainee Program with weekly topics, assignments and reviews
• Review completed Management Trainee assignments with District Manager
• Establish relationships and excellent communication with Area Manager, District Manager and Corporate Office to assist Store Manager in effective operation of the store
• Accurately and efficiently complete store opening and closing procedures according to Buckle procedures
• Implement Buckle developments with the direction of the Store Manager – Policies, procedures, organizational changes, merchandise offerings
• Complete register balance and bank deposits accurately, daily and on time
• Adhere to Loss Prevention policies and store key controls at all times
• Confidence in handling returns, exchanges and additional operational and Loss Prevention duties in Store Manager’s absence
• Convey feedback to Store Manager with regard to sales and Teammate performance
• Monitor and maintain adequate inventory of supplies
• Consistently maintain a clean, organized and shoppable store to fulfill Buckle’s mission statement.
• Communicate store repair needs to Store Manager
• Immediately handle emergencies in Store Manager’s absence, in accordance with Company guidelines
• Provide feedback to Store Manager and Leadership Team regarding merchandise handling concerns
• Communicate any policy violations and Teammate or Guest concerns to Store Manager, District Manager, and/or Human Resources in a timely, confidential manner
• Understand and apply the Buckle’s Code of Ethics and all Buckle’s policies, procedures, and handbooks.

Supervisory and Leadership

• Support Store Manager by planning and leading the Team, daily reviewing with Teammates and participation in Team meetings
• Partner with Store Manager to ensure that all OnBoarding new hire paperwork is promptly and accurately completed
• Prepare to be a Store Manager by collaboratively supervising Teammates in their store location with supervision from store management. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include recruiting, interviewing, training, reviewing, delegating, scheduling, and leading Teammates
• Act as the Store Manager in their absence
• Ability to travel and cover other Stores within District based on business needs
• Fulfill mission statement by performing job duties with a high level of customer service while contributing to a positive team spirit.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in relevant field of study preferred; or one to three months related retail experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Teammate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the Teammate is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and jump; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.  The Teammate is occasionally required to sit. Physical ability to lift and maneuver 50 lbs throughout the store and backroom. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the Teammate regularly works in a retail store setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Objective Qualifications

• No visa sponsorship is available
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel, including overnight as required
• Relocation may be required

Equal Employment Opportunity
Buckle is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified Teammates from the available workforce in the communities we serve.

Equal employment opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at Buckle, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination and retaliation because of veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, color, national origin or ancestry, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), or any other protected characteristic as established by applicable local, state, or federal law. For state specific information, refer to the Teammate Center.

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*Please contact jobpostings@buckle.com if you have questions or concerns about Buckle’s pay and benefits transparency.