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, including 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 does not 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 for individuals with disabilities.
Sales Generation and Guest Service
- Greet Guests with a friendly, engaging attitude, and provide legendary service to each Guest
- Eager and assertive in answering questions regarding the store and merchandise
- Recommend, select, and assist in locating or obtaining 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 that knowledge with the Team
- Maintain and share knowledge of current sales, promotions, policies, and security practices
- Consistently meet personal sales goals and look 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
- Provide legendary service throughout the store, including Front 5, sales floor, fitting rooms, and register area
- Know all exchange and return procedures and turn them into showmanship opportunities
- Use the SPG daily to accomplish sales goals
- Meet or exceed performance standards 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 high showmanship, customer service, and attentiveness
- Recognize and communicate Guest Levels with the Team
- Ask business-driven and showmanship questions regularly to Managers, Team Leaders, and Teammates
- Be coachable and welcome feedback to improve sales presentations
- Perform leadership actions and maintain high standards, whether or not the Manager is present
- Plan sales goals with Store Manager
- Demonstrate ownership of store’s sales performance (Sales, Average Sale, Business Builders, Denim)
- Show passion for product education and showmanship to create results
Teammate Recruiting, Training, and Development
- Recognize recruiting opportunities using Jobs & Careers cards, email referrals, and Teammate Recommend
- Coach and develop relationships through Guest Loyalty and Guest Preferred programs
- Lead, motivate, and educate new Teammates to meet Buckle’s standards
- Maintain a positive attitude, creating a positive store culture
- Participate in daily setup, training, and reviews using the Performance Tracker
- Motivate Teammates to complete daily tasks set by Store Management
- Demonstrate and coach denim showmanship and fit card results
- Create results in your department and complete weekly checks
- 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 demonstrate merchandise from both Gals' and Guys' sides
- Partner with Store Manager on education focus and delegate accordingly
- Support all segments to meet business goals
- Assist in staffing recruitment efforts
- Explain pay and Buckle benefits to Teammates
- Maintain updated contact lists and recruit top talent
- Train on the Leadership Playbook
- Ensure all characteristic pieces are accounted for
- Train and coach non-sales positions with the manager
- Execute actions with changing sales focuses
- Identify and address Teammate training needs
- Own zone and project recognition, with specific learning goals
- Demonstrate new tools and videos related to zone ownership
- Delegate, demonstrate, and review all 4 zones with the Store Manager
- Ensure Teammates follow visual standards and checklists
- Recognize merchandising opportunities and communicate recommendations
- Conduct informational store tours
- Maintain store size and freight displays
- Improve store performance via the Performance Tracker
- Anticipate product changes and improve visual results independently
- Maintain visual standards on the sales floor and in the backroom
Operations
- Work flexible hours, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
- Use planners and complete opening/closing checklists
- Recognize and handle security risks and thefts
- Follow Loss Prevention policies, including bag checks
- Execute and teach POS procedures
- Handle calls from Corporate Office professionally
- Maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations
- Follow policies on payments, returns, exchanges, and Loss Prevention
- Navigate and utilize store tools effectively
- Provide feedback on merchandise handling
- Report policy violations and concerns promptly and confidentially
- Adhere to Buckle’s Code of Ethics and policies
- Complete all scheduled shifts and cover shifts as needed
- Maintain a clean, organized, and shoppable store environment
- Provide feedback to Store Manager and Leadership on merchandise concerns
- Communicate concerns to relevant departments
- Follow all legal and HR guidelines for new hire paperwork
- Execute opening/closing procedures and manage freight and markdowns
- Build relationships with Corporate departments
- Monitor and maintain supplies inventory
- Handle emergencies in the absence of the Store Manager
Supervisory and Leadership
- Give and receive feedback professionally
- Support Leadership and promote growth
- Maintain professional relationships with Teammates
- Conduct interviews for team development
- Overcome objections and solve problems
- Self-educate on company tools and share knowledge
- Support Buckle’s Commitment to Success
- Travel and cover other stores as needed
- Handle schedule changes professionally
- Perform job duties with high customer service standards
- Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities
Assist the Store Manager in supervising the team.
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 Experience
High school diploma or GED; or 1-3 months related retail experience or training; or equivalent.
Physical Demands
Regularly stand, walk, handle, reach, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; occasionally sit; lift and maneuver 50 lbs; specific vision abilities required.
The environment is a retail store with moderate noise levels. Buckle is committed to equal employment opportunity and diversity.