Merchandising Trainee Program

DICK'S Sporting Goods; Coraopolis (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Professional development series

Excel training

Mentorship from program managers

Job summary

DICK’S Sporting Goods invites applications for a Merchandising Trainee program starting February or June 2027. Participants will rotate through Assistant Inventory Planner, Assistant Buyer, and related roles, gaining hands-on experience in planning, buying, and eCommerce.

The program emphasizes data-driven decision making, cross-functional collaboration, and rapid growth opportunities. Relocation assistance is available for non-local candidates to Pittsburgh, PA, with a clear path to full-time

Qualifications

• Graduation date of Winter 2026 or Spring 2027 or 1-2 years post-grad
• GPA of 3.2 or better
• Interest and confidence in working with data and numbers; strong quantitative skills preferred
• Curiosity about consumer and retail trends and technology
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to make data-driven recommendations
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Willingness to relocate to Pittsburgh, PA

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning assignments to optimize inventory and replenishment
• Learn department strategy and alignment with private brands
• Develop knowledge of inventory flow paths and distribution processes
• Engage with cross-functional teams to understand merchandising decisions
• Support data-driven recommendations for product assortment in stores and online
• Relocation assistance provided for non-local candidates entering full-time roles

Skills

Data analysis

Leadership

Collaboration

Relocation willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Management or related business

Tools

Excel

Job description

At DICK’S Sporting Goods, we believe in how positively sports can change lives. On our team, everyone plays a critical role in creating confidence and excitement by personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce, reflecting the communities we serve.

Overview

Assignments include:

• Assistant Inventory Planner (Allocations and Replenishment) - Develop a skill-set that allows for accurate execution and optimization of available systems to ensure the right product, gets to the right store, at the right time.
• Buying - Gain insight on how a department level strategy is built, an assortment is chosen to support the strategy (including the private brands) and how these align to meet the financial expectations.
• Supply Chain - Create foundational knowledge of inventory flow paths, timing to market, and internal processes through the distribution network.
• Planning - Enhance financial and business acumen through assessing business results and reacting accordingly.
• Product Development - Understand the processes used to develop internal brands and products
• eCommerce - Gain baseline knowledge of how to leverage Omni-channel analytics, channels of distribution, and customer facing platform to maximize business results.
• Stores - Gain insight into our consumer base, the products and services that differentiate us from the competition and define how actions taken at the SSC impact our field associates

Skills

In addition to your assignment-specific training, you will also have the opportunity to take part in the Professional Development Series offered exclusively to Merchandising Trainees. This series will include various opportunities to develop your professional skills and retail knowledge including; Functional Overviews of various departments at DSG, intensive Excel training, the creation of an Individual Development Plan to help you identify and maximize your strengths, as well as many other developmental offerings. Key program experiences:

• Analyzing of multiple data points to make recommendations to help drive three key business metrics; sales, gross margin, and inventory turnover
• Building strong collaborative relationships with our vendor partners, store teams and fellow associates
• Partnership with fellow associates in all merchandising groups, product development, sourcing, eCommerce, supply chain, visual merchandising, marketing, and stores to deliver a great customer experience
• Make data-driven recommendations on the product assortment available to our customers both in our stores and through our online portal
• Support and formal mentorship from both peers and director-level or above associates
• A strong business and mentor relationship with the Program Managers
• Interaction with associates across all levels of the company, including Senior Executives
• At the conclusion of the program, trainees will be placed as an Assistant Inventory Planner or Assistant Buyer
• Relocation assistance will be provided for non-local candidates who accept full-time jobs requiring them to be located at DICK’S Sporting Goods Corporate Office.

Start Date:

February or June 2027 (start date will be determined based on the candidate's expected graduation date).

Qualifications

• Graduation date of Winter 2026 or Spring 2027 or 1-2 years post-grad
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Management or other related business or retail major from an accredited college or university
• GPA of 3.2 or better
• An interest and confidence in working with data and numbers; strong mathematical/quantitative skills highly preferred
• A curiosity and desire to learn about consumer and retail trends, including customer demographics, purchasing influencers and emerging technology
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to independently make data-driven recommendations
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
• Willingness to relocate to Pittsburgh, PA

Virtual Requirements

At DICK’S, we thrive on innovation and authenticity. That said, to protect the integrity and security of our hiring process, we ask that candidates do not use AI tools (like ChatGPT or others) during interviews or assessments.

To ensure a smooth and secure experience, please note the following:

• Cameras must be on during all virtual interviews.
• AI tools are not permitted to be used by the candidate during any part of the interview process.
• Offers are contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include ID verification.

If you have any questions or need accommodations, we’re here to help. Thanks for helping us keep the process fair and secure for everyone!