Assistant in Training

The Buckle, Inc.; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company is seeking an Assistant in Training and Assistant Manager to enhance the shopping experience for guests. Responsibilities include sales generation, guest service, teammate training, and operational tasks. Ideal candidates will have a passion for service and teamwork, contributing to a positive store culture and achieving sales goals.

Benefits

Insurance

Spending and Savings Accounts

Paid Time Off

401(k) Retirement Plan

Performance Bonuses

Leave Options

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• 1-3 months retail experience or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent service and achieve sales goals.
• Train and motivate new Teammates.
• Assist in supervising the team.

Skills

Customer Service

Sales

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

The Assistant in Training (AIT) and Assistant Manager positions are primarily responsible for fulfilling our mission statement: “to create the most enjoyable shopping experience possible for our Guests.” Additionally, they perform various sales, merchandising, and operational tasks assigned by store management, such as cashiering, merchandise display, register procedures, and routine cleaning of facilities.

Work directly with the Store Manager and Leadership Team to develop sales, recruit new Teammates, and provide leadership. The AIT and Assistant Manager will also share responsibility for training and motivating Teammates and acting as the Store Manager in their absence. The Assistant Manager position is a progression from the AIT role, including additional high-level duties specific to that position, though most job duties are shared.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by Teammates in this role. It does not include all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. To succeed, individuals must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Sales Generation and Guest Service

• Greet Guests with a friendly, engaging attitude and provide legendary service.
• Answer questions regarding store and merchandise confidently.
• Help locate or obtain merchandise based on Guest needs.
• Anticipate and fulfill Guest needs by suggesting additional items and creating a memorable shopping experience.
• Demonstrate product knowledge and share sales education with the Team.
• Maintain knowledge of current sales, promotions, policies, and security practices.
• Consistently perform personal sales and impact Teammates’ presentations using the Sales Presentation Guide (SPG).
• Achieve personal sales goals and contribute to store sales performance.
• Provide excellent service across all store areas, including front, sales floor, fitting rooms, and register.
• Understand exchange and return procedures and turn them into showmanship opportunities.
• Utilize the SPG daily to meet sales goals.
• Meet or exceed performance standards in all Buckle business metrics, including loyalty programs.
• Expand Guest selection through inventory management tools and product search apps.
• Build and maintain good Guest relationships to develop a client-based business.
• Lead by example with showmanship, customer service, and attentiveness.
• Recognize Guest levels and communicate with the Team.
• Ask business-driven and showmanship questions regularly.
• Be coachable and open to feedback for continuous improvement.
• Perform leadership actions and uphold high standards independently of management presence.
• Collaborate with the Store Manager to set sales goals and demonstrate ownership of store performance.
• Demonstrate passion for product education and showmanship to drive results.

Teammate Recruiting, Training, and Development

• Recognize recruiting opportunities using various tools and referrals.
• Develop relationships through Guest Loyalty and Guest Preferred programs.
• Lead and motivate new Teammates to meet standards in sales, loss prevention, and store policies.
• Maintain a positive attitude to foster a positive store culture.
• Demonstrate and coach fashion trends and product knowledge.
• Participate in daily setup, training, and review using the Performance Tracker.
• Motivate Teammates to complete daily tasks.
• Show results in denim showmanship and fit cards.
• Create departmental results and track progress.
• Execute department calendar actions and delegate tasks effectively.
• Engage Guests with product demonstrations and store tours.
• Ensure consistent freight management and visual standards.

Operations

• Work flexible schedules, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holiday shifts.
• Utilize planning tools and complete opening/closing checklists.
• Recognize security risks and follow Loss Prevention guidelines.
• Handle POS procedures and customer calls professionally.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and shoppable store environment.
• Provide feedback on merchandise handling and policy adherence.
• Complete all scheduled shifts and cover shifts as needed.
• Assist in inventory management and emergency situations.

Supervisory and Leadership

• Give and receive feedback professionally.
• Support Leadership and promote store growth.
• Demonstrate professionalism and stability with all Teammates.
• Conduct interviews and support team development.
• Overcome objections and solve problems.
• Self-educate on company tools and share knowledge.
• Implement Buckle’s Commitment to Success.
• Travel within the District as needed.
• Handle schedule changes positively.
• Perform duties with high customer service standards and foster team spirit.
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Assist the Store Manager in supervising the team.

Benefits

• Insurance
• Spending and Savings Accounts
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Performance Bonuses
• Leave Options
• Employee Assistance Program

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED; 1-3 months retail experience or equivalent.

Physical Demands

Regularly stand, walk, handle, reach, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; occasionally sit. Must lift/maneuver 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required. Work environment is typically moderate noise.

Buckle is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment, fostering an inclusive environment free from discrimination based on protected characteristics.