Assistant in Training

The Buckle, Inc.; Ponca City (OK); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant in Training and Assistant Manager to enhance the shopping experience for guests. This dynamic role involves leading sales initiatives, training and motivating teammates, and maintaining operational excellence. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional customer service skills, foster a positive store culture, and contribute to achieving sales goals. Join a team that values growth and development, where your contributions will directly impact the store's success. If you are passionate about retail and leadership, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k) Retirement Plan

Performance Bonuses

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; retail experience preferred.
• Ability to lift and maneuver 50 lbs; strong customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead sales and provide legendary service to guests.
• Train and motivate new teammates; assist in recruiting.
• Maintain store operations and uphold high standards.

Skills

Customer Service

Sales Generation

Team Leadership

Merchandising

Education

High School Diploma or GED

1-3 months related retail experience

Job description

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 therefore 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 does not include all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. To succeed, individuals must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Sales Generation and Guest Service

• Greet Guests with a friendly, engaging attitude, and consistently provide legendary service
• Answer questions regarding store and merchandise confidently
• Help locate or obtain merchandise based on Guest needs
• Anticipate and fulfill Guest’s needs by suggesting additional items and creating a wardrobe experience
• Demonstrate product knowledge and share sales education with 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 set by Store Management
• Provide legendary service across all store areas
• Know exchange and return procedures and turn them into showmanship opportunities
• Use the SPG daily to meet sales goals
• Meet or exceed performance standards in all Buckle business metrics
• 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 in showmanship and customer service
• Recognize and communicate Guest Levels with the Team
• Engage in business-driven and showmanship questions regularly
• Be coachable and seek feedback for improvement
• Perform leadership actions and uphold high standards, whether or not the Manager is present
• Collaborate with Store Manager to plan sales goals
• Take ownership of store’s sales performance
• Share passion for product education and showmanship to drive results

Teammate Recruiting, Training, and Development

• Recognize recruiting opportunities using various tools and referrals
• Coach and build relationships through Guest Loyalty programs
• Lead, motivate, and educate new Teammates on standards and procedures
• Maintain a positive attitude to foster a positive store culture
• Demonstrate and coach on the latest fashion and dress code
• Participate in daily setup, training, and performance tracking
• Motivate Teammates to complete daily tasks
• Show passion for denim showmanship and fit cards
• Create departmental results and track progress
• Execute departmental actions and delegate tasks effectively
• Engage guests with product and update team regularly
• Remember and use Guest names effectively
• Understand and demonstrate product knowledge for both Gals and Guys’ sides
• Partner with Store Manager on education focus and delegate accordingly
• Assist in store staffing recruitment and explain pay and benefits
• Maintain up-to-date contact lists and recruit top talent
• Train and coach on the leadership playbook and characteristic pieces
• Identify and address teammate training needs
• Own and recognize product zones and execute zone ownership with learning goals in mind
• Demonstrate new tools and videos related to zone ownership
• Delegate, demonstrate, and review all zones with the Store Manager
• Ensure visual standards are maintained on the sales floor and backroom
• Recognize merchandising opportunities and communicate recommendations
• Conduct informational store tours and ensure freight and displays are up to standard
• Use the Performance Tracker to improve store performance and visual results

Operations

• Work flexible schedules, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holiday shifts
• Utilize planners and complete opening/closing checklists
• Recognize security risks and handle theft prevention
• Follow Loss Prevention guidelines and POS procedures
• Handle calls from Corporate Office professionally
• Maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations involving Guests or Teammates
• Follow policies for payments, returns, exchanges, and Loss Prevention
• Navigate store tools and complete scheduled shifts
• Maintain a clean, organized, and shoppable store environment
• Provide feedback on merchandise handling and policy violations
• Complete all new hire paperwork promptly and accurately
• Execute opening/closing procedures and manage freight and inventory
• Establish and maintain effective communication with Corporate Office
• Monitor and maintain supplies and handle emergencies in the Store Manager’s absence

Supervisory and Leadership

• Effectively give and receive feedback
• Support leadership initiatives and promote store growth
• Maintain professionalism and stability with all Teammates
• Conduct interviews to support team development
• Overcome objections and problem solve
• Self-educate on company tools and share knowledge
• Administer Buckle Commitment to Success
• Travel as needed within district
• Handle schedule changes professionally
• 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; or 1-3 months related retail experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Demands

Regularly stand, walk, use hands, reach, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Occasionally sit. Able to lift and maneuver 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment. Work environment is a retail store with moderate noise levels.

Buckle is committed to equal opportunity employment and diversity in the workplace, prohibiting discrimination based on protected characteristics.