Retail Manager in Training

Malley; Brunswick (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Employee discounts

Paid time off and holidays

Training and career development

Job summary

Malley’s Chocolates is seeking a Store Manager in Training (MIT) in Ohio. This hands-on program develops leadership and operational skills across store operations, merchandising, and customer service, with exposure to multiple locations and leadership coaching.

As an MIT, you will learn scheduling, inventory control, loss prevention, POS systems, and financial reporting while supporting a positive, customer-first store environment. Progression to a Store Manager is available for top performers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent retail management experience will be considered.
• 1–3 years of supervisory or leadership experience in a retail or food service environment preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to motivate a team.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by retail operations.
• Travel to various retail locations within the region to gain expertise and knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a training program focused on leadership, store operations, merchandising, and customer service.
• Shadow experienced Store Manager(s) to learn day-to-day responsibilities and best practices.
• Oversee daily operations including scheduling, inventory, cash handling, and loss prevention.
• Gain proficiency in point-of-sale systems, financial reporting, and corporate communication tools.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures and store reporting.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and training of new team members.
• Analyze sales trends and performance and motivate the team to meet targets.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Customer service

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Team motivation

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

POS systems

Financial reporting tools

Corporate communication tools

Job description

Position Overview: The Store Manager in Training (MIT) is a hands-on development role designed to prepare candidates for advancement into a Store Manager position within Malley’s Chocolates. This role combines on-the-job training, leadership development, working in other locations with other store managers, and operational responsibilities to ensure success in managing a high-performing retail store. The MIT will learn all aspects of store operations while supporting the company’s mission to deliver exceptional customer experiences and uphold Malley’s tradition of quality.Key ResponsibilitiesTraining & DevelopmentParticipate in a training program focused on leadership, store operations, merchandising, and customer service.Shadow experienced Store Manager(s) to learn best practices and gain exposure to day-to-day responsibilities.Complete assigned training modules, leadership projects, and performance check-ins.Meet regularly with training managers for feedback, coaching, and progress reviews.Store OperationsLearn to oversee daily operations, including scheduling, inventory management, cash handling, and loss prevention.Assist with opening and closing procedures.Gain proficiency in point-of-sale systems, financial reporting, and corporate communication tools.Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards.Leadership & People ManagementSupport and practice leadership of store associates by providing direction, coaching, and performance feedback under the guidance of a Store Manager.Participate in interviewing, onboarding, and training new team members.Learn to recruit, interview, hire, and train new team members in alignment with Malley’s values and customer-first philosophy.Foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging work environment for team members.Assist in scheduling and workforce planning to balance customer service, labor efficiency, and employee satisfaction.Sales & Customer ExperienceLearn to set and achieve sales goals by analyzing business reports and identifying opportunities for growth.Support merchandising standards, seasonal product transitions, and visual presentation.Model and deliver exceptional customer service, ensuring every customer has a positive and memorable experience.Support merchandising standards, product displays, and seasonal transitions to drive sales and brand consistency.Learn to analyze sales trends and business reports to identify opportunities for growth and improved performance.Assist in monitoring performance and motivating the team to meet or exceed targets.Career PathThe Store Manager in Training program is designed as a steppingstone to a Store Manager role. Successful MITs will be considered for promotion to Store Manager positions across Malley’s Chocolates locations. Future opportunities may include advancement into Multi-Unit Store Manager or Retail Leadership positions.BenefitsCompetitive starting wage with opportunities for advancement.Health, dental, and vision insurance.401(k) with company match.Employee discounts on Malley’s Chocolates.Paid time off and holiday pay.Training and career development opportunities.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in business, retail management, or related field preferred, but not required; equivalent retail management experience will be considered.Travel to various retail locations within the region to gain expertise and knowledge from other store managers and locations.1–3 years of supervisory or leadership experience in a retail or food service environment preferred.Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to motivate a team.Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and solve problems effectively.Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by retail operations.Passion for chocolate and commitment to delivering the Malley’s customer experience.