The Assistant in Training (AIT) and Assistant Manager position’s 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). 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 duties are shared.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by Teammates assigned to this role. It does not include all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. To succeed, an individual 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 store and merchandise eagerly and assertively
- Help locate or obtain merchandise based on Guest needs and desires
- Anticipate and fulfill Guest needs by suggesting additional items and creating a wardrobing experience
- Demonstrate product knowledge and sales education, sharing knowledge with the team
- Maintain knowledge of current sales, promotions, policies, and security practices
- Consistently meet personal sales goals and impact team presentations with the Sales Presentation Guide (SPG)
- Achieve sales-per-hour, average sales, and total net sales goals set by management
- Provide excellent service across all areas: Front 5, sales floor, fitting rooms, and register
- Be knowledgeable of exchange and return procedures and turn them into showmanship opportunities
- Utilize the SPG daily to meet goals
- Meet or exceed performance standards in all business areas including loyalty programs
- Expand Guest selection through inventory management and product search tools
- Maintain and build good Guest relationships to develop a client-based business
- Lead by example with showmanship, customer service, and attentiveness
- Recognize and communicate Guest Levels to the team
- Ask business-driven questions regularly to managers and team members
- Be coachable and open to feedback to improve sales presentations
- Perform leadership actions consistently, regardless of management presence
- Collaborate with the Store Manager to plan sales goals
- Take ownership of store’s sales performance and demonstrate product education passion
Teammate Recruiting, Training, and Development
- Recognize recruiting opportunities using various tools and referrals
- Coach and develop relationships through Guest Loyalty programs
- Lead and motivate new Teammates to meet standards in sales, loss prevention, and training
- Create a positive floor culture with a positive attitude
- Model and coach the latest fashion trends and store dress code
- Participate in daily training, impact sessions, and reviews using the Performance Tracker
- Motivate Teammates to complete daily tasks
- Demonstrate and coach denim showmanship and fit cards
- Create departmental results and track progress with the Weekly Delegation Worksheet
- Engage Guests with product demonstrations
- Update fellow leaders and team members regularly
- Remember and use Guest names effectively
- Understand and display merchandise for both men's and women's sections
- Partner with the Store Manager to select educational focus areas and delegate accordingly
- Support all segments to meet business goals
- Assist in recruiting store staff and explaining pay and benefits
- Maintain an up-to-date contact list of top talent
- Implement leadership tools and execute zone ownership responsibilities
- Recognize merchandising opportunities and communicate solutions
- Conduct informative store tours and ensure proper freight and visual standards
- Use performance data to improve store performance and visual standards
Operations
- Work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays as needed
- Utilize planners and complete opening/closing checklists
- Recognize security risks and follow Loss Prevention guidelines
- Handle POS procedures and communicate with corporate office when needed
- Maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations
- Follow policies on payments, returns, and exchanges
- Navigate store tools effectively
- Complete shifts as scheduled and maintain a clean, organized store
- Provide feedback on merchandise handling and policy adherence
- Complete all required paperwork promptly and accurately
- Support store planning, markdowns, freight, and inventory management
- Establish and maintain communication with corporate departments
- Handle emergencies in the absence of the Store Manager
Supervisory and Leadership
- Give and receive feedback professionally
- Support leadership initiatives
- Promote growth for personal and store development
- Maintain professional relationships with teammates
- Conduct interviews and support team development
- Overcome objections and solve problems
- Self-educate on company tools and share knowledge
- Administer Buckle’s Commitment to Success
- Travel within district as needed
- Manage schedule changes professionally
- Perform duties with high customer service standards and foster team spirit
- Handle special projects and other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities
Assist the Store Manager in supervising the team.
Benefits (after waiting period):
- Insurance
- Savings Accounts
- Paid Time Off
- 401(k) Retirement
- Performance Bonuses
- Leave Options
- Employee Assistance Program
Education and Experience
High school diploma or GED; or 1-3 months retail experience and/or training; or equivalent.
Physical Demands
Regularly stand, walk, handle items, reach, climb, stoop, kneel, and talk. Occasionally sit. Capable of lifting 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment. Work environment is a moderate noise retail store setting.
Buckle is committed to fair hiring practices and equal opportunity employment, prohibiting discrimination based on protected characteristics.