Retail Operations Leadership Intern

Pilotcompany; West Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fuel Discount

Nation-wide Medical Plan/Dental/Vision

401(k)

Flexible Spending Accounts

Adoption Assistance

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Schedule

Weekly Pay

Job summary

Pilot Company offers a Field Leadership Academy Internship Program for Summer 2027, a 10-week, paid, full-time internship hosted in select Pilot markets across the United States. You will gain hands-on experience in store operations, guest service, and leadership development, with structured mentorship and career development support.

Participants shadow leaders, work across cross-functional areas, and complete a capstone project to drive business impact, while crafting a personalized plan for

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree with expected graduation date within 6 to 12 months following the internship.
• Strong interest in retail operations, hospitality, business management, or leadership development.
• Desire to pursue a long-term career in store or field leadership.
• Demonstrated leadership experience through work, student organizations, athletics, volunteer activities, or other experiences.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Ability to travel within assigned host markets during the internship program.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured 10-week rotational leadership experience across key areas of Pilot's operations.
• Gain hands-on experience supporting daily store operations, team leadership, guest service, and operational execution.
• Shadow and learn from store, regional, and divisional leaders to better understand Pilot's leadership culture and business strategy.
• Explore cross-functional areas including store operations, food operations, Human Resources, and field support functions.
• Complete a capstone project that showcases your learning and provides recommendations to support business objectives.
• Build relationships with leaders and mentors who will support your professional growth throughout the internship and beyond.
• Create an individualized career development and conversion plan focused on future leadership opportunities within Pilot Company.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Initiative

Education

Bachelor's degree (pursuing)

Job description

Are you passionate about leadership, operations, and creating exceptional experiences for guests and team members? Pilot Company is seeking ambitious and driven students to join our Field Leadership Academy Internship Program for Summer 2027. This unique leadership development experience is designed for students interested in pursuing a long-term career in retail operations and store leadership.

What You'll Do

• Participate in a structured 10-week rotational leadership experience across key areas of Pilot's operations.
• Gain hands-on experience supporting daily store operations, team leadership, guest service, and operational execution.
• Shadow and learn from store, regional, and divisional leaders to better understand Pilot's leadership culture and business strategy.
• Explore cross-functional areas including store operations, food operations, Human Resources, and field support functions.
• Complete a capstone project that showcases your learning and provides recommendations to support business objectives.
• Build relationships with leaders and mentors who will support your professional growth throughout the internship and beyond.
• Create an individualized career development and conversion plan focused on future leadership opportunities within Pilot Company.

Why Pilot Company?

At Pilot, our purpose is to show people they matter at every turn. We believe our future success depends on leaders who can create exceptional guest experiences, build strong teams, and deliver operational excellence. The Field Leadership Academy was designed to help develop the next generation of those leaders by providing meaningful experiences, executive exposure, and a structured path toward future career opportunities.

Our culture is built on four core virtues: Driven, Reliable, Authentic, and Welcoming. Throughout the internship, you'll see these values in action while learning from leaders who are committed to your growth and development.

This is a full-time, paid, 10-week summer internship hosted in select Pilot markets across the United States. Participants will receive ongoing mentorship, career development support, and a personalized conversion plan designed to prepare them for future store leadership opportunities following graduation.

Potential Career Path

Field Leadership Academy Intern | Store Leadership Opportunity | Assistant Manager Development | General Manager | Field Leadership

What We're Looking For

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree with an expected graduation date within 6 to 12 months following the internship.
• Strong interest in retail operations, hospitality, business management, or leadership development.
• Desire to pursue a long-term career in store or field leadership.
• Demonstrated leadership experience through work, student organizations, athletics, volunteer activities, or other experiences.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Ability to travel within assigned host markets during the internship program.

Benefits

• Fuel Discount
• Nation-wide Medical Plan/Dental/Vision
• 401(k)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Adoption Assistance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Schedule
• Weekly Pay