The Assistant in Training (AIT) and Assistant Manager positions' primary responsibility is to fulfill our mission statement, “to create the most enjoyable shopping experience possible for our Guests.” Additionally, AIT and Assistant Managers 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). They 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 act as the Store Manager in their absence. The Assistant Manager position is a progression from the AIT position and includes additional high-level duties specific to that role, though most responsibilities are shared.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by Teammates in this role. It is not exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. To perform this job successfully, 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 consistently provide legendary service
- Answer questions regarding the store and merchandise confidently
- Help locate or obtain merchandise based on Guest needs and desires
- Anticipate and fulfill Guest needs by suggesting additional items and creating a wardrobe experience
- Demonstrate product knowledge and share sales education with the Team
- Stay informed about current sales, promotions, policies, and security practices
- Maintain personal sales goals and look for opportunities to impact Team presentations with the Sales Presentation Guide (SPG)
- Achieve sales goals set by Store Management
- Provide excellent service across all store areas: Front 5, sales floor, fitting rooms, and register
- Understand exchange and return procedures and turn them into showmanship opportunities
- Use the SPG daily to meet or exceed sales goals
- Participate in all Buckle business builders and guest loyalty programs
- Expand Guest selection through inventory management and product search tools
- Build and maintain good Guest relationships to develop a client-based business
- Lead by example with showmanship, customer service, and attentiveness
- Recognize and communicate Guest Levels with the Team
- Ask business-driven questions to Managers, Team Leaders, and Teammates
- Be coachable and open to feedback to improve sales presentations
- Consistently perform leadership actions and uphold high standards, even when Managers are absent
- Collaborate with the Store Manager to plan sales goals
- Demonstrate ownership of store’s sales performance and product education
Teammate Recruiting, Training, and Development
- Identify recruiting opportunities via Jobs & Careers cards, referrals, and Teammate recommendations
- Coach and develop relationships through Guest Loyalty and Guest Preferred programs
- Assist in leading, motivating, and educating new Teammates on standards and policies
- Create a positive floor culture with a positive attitude
- Model and encourage current fashion trends and dress code
- Participate in daily setup, training, and reviews using the Performance Tracker
- Motivate Teammates to complete daily tasks
- Demonstrate and coach denim showmanship and fit card results
- Develop results within your department and complete weekly check-ins
- Execute department calendar actions and track progress
- Engage Guests with product demonstrations
- Update fellow leaders and Team regularly
- Remember and use Guest names effectively
- Understand and showcase merchandise for both Gals and Guys’ sides
- Partner with Store Manager to focus on store education and delegate tasks
- Assist in recruiting efforts and explain pay and benefits
- Maintain up-to-date contact lists and top talent recruitment
- Train and coach on the Leadership Playbook and characteristic pieces
- Identify and address Teammate training needs
- Own product zones and execute related questions and initiatives
- Delegate, demonstrate, and review zones with the Store Manager
- Ensure adherence to visual standards and merchandising opportunities
- Conduct store tours and maintain visual standards on the floor and backroom
Operations
- Work flexible schedules, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Use planners and complete opening/closing checklists
- Recognize and handle security risks and thefts
- Follow Loss Prevention guidelines and procedures
- Handle POS transactions and customer calls appropriately
- Maintain a positive attitude with challenging situations
- Follow policies for payments, returns, and exchanges
- Navigate and utilize store tools effectively
- Complete shifts and cover when needed
- Keep the store clean, organized, and shoppable
- Report merchandise concerns and policy violations promptly
- Complete all HR and legal documentation accurately and timely
- Plan weekly, monthly, and yearly store activities
- Coordinate merchandise markdowns, freight, and recalls
- Maintain relationships with Corporate Departments for store operations
- Monitor inventory supplies and handle emergencies in the Store Manager’s absence
Supervisory and Leadership
- Give and receive feedback professionally
- Support Leadership and promote growth
- Maintain professional relationships with all Teammates
- Conduct interviews to support team development
- Overcome objections and solve problems effectively
- Self-educate on company tools and share knowledge
- Understand and promote Buckle’s Commitment to Success
- Travel and support other stores as needed
- Handle schedule changes professionally
- Perform job duties with high customer service standards and team spirit
- Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities
Assist the Store Manager in supervising the team.
Full-time Benefits (after waiting period):
- Insurance
- Spending and Savings Accounts
- Paid Time Off
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Performance Bonuses
- Leave Options
- Employee Assistance Program
Education and/or Experience
High school diploma or GED; or 1-3 months related retail experience or training; or equivalent.
Physical Demands
Regularly stand, walk, handle objects, reach, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear. Occasionally sit. Must lift and maneuver up to 50 lbs. Visual abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment. Work environment is a retail store with moderate noise.
Buckle is committed to equal opportunity employment, hiring the most qualified candidates without discrimination based on protected characteristics.