Store Manager in Training

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 19,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The Salvation Army is seeking motivated leaders for its Manager-in-Training (MIT) program in Kansas City, MO. This 12‑week paid training prepares high‑potential individuals to advance to Store Manager I, overseeing a thrift store with annual sales up to $1M.

MIT participants gain end‑to‑end operations experience, staff recruitment and coaching, cash handling, and safety standards, with progression to leadership and mission‑driven impact within the ARC network.

Qualifications

• Previous retail or supervisory/management experience preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop store staff through training and coaching.
• Oversee donation, production, and sales workflows for efficiency and compliance.
• Ensure store appearance, safety standards, and customer experience.

Job description

Manager-in-Training (MIT) – Path to Store Manager I

The Salvation Army – Adult Rehabilitation Centers Command

Location: Kansas City, MO

Pay Rate: $16.75/hour

Employment Type: Full-Time | Non-Exempt

Now Hiring: Manager-in-Training (MIT)

Advance Your Retail Leadership Career with Purpose

The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC) is seeking motivated, high‑potential leaders for our Manager-in-Training (MIT) program in Kansas City, MO. This 12‑week structured development program prepares future leaders for promotion into a Store Manager I role.

If you’re ready to grow into store leadership while making a meaningful impact in your community, this is your next step.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international movement and evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name—without discrimination. Through our Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC), we provide recovery, structure, and purpose to individuals rebuilding their lives.

Position Overview

The Manager‑in‑Training (MIT) role is designed to prepare candidates to become Store Managers (Level I) through hands‑on training, leadership development, and structured performance evaluations.

Upon successful completion of the program, MITs are eligible for promotion to Store Manager I, leading a thrift store generating up to $1M annually in sales.

MIT Program Overview

12‑Week Paid Training Program

(Classroom Instruction, Hands‑On Store Training & Evaluated Progress Checkpoints)

MIT Program – CFB Approved 03/31/20

What You’ll Learn

• End‑to‑end store operations management, including sales, production, and donation flow
• Recruitment, training, supervision, and coaching of retail staff
• Cash handling, daily deposits, and budget adherence
• OSHA safety standards, store maintenance, and visual merchandising
• Customer service excellence, loss prevention, and inventory rotation
• Professional communication and reporting to Regional Management and ARC Leadership
• Training progress is reviewed at 30‑, 60‑, and 90‑day checkpoints, ensuring clarity, accountability, and readiness for promotion.

Upon Promotion: Store Manager I Responsibilities

As a Store Manager I, You Will

• Lead daily retail operations to achieve sales and production goals
• Recruit, train, and develop staff while fostering a positive, mission‑driven culture
• Oversee donation, production, and sales workflows for efficiency and compliance
• Ensure store appearance, safety standards, and customer experience excellence
• Manage financial controls, including bank runs, deposits, and cash accountability
• Monitor expenses, inventory, and asset protection
• Communicate effectively with Regional Managers and ARC leadership

Qualifications

Experience & Leadership

• Previous retail or supervisory/management experience preferred
• Strong internal candidates encouraged to apply
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative, and communication skills

Requirements

• Commitment to The Salvation Army mission and values
• Ability to qualify for TSA Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) requirementsValid driver’s license and ability to perform bank runs
• Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs (occasionally up to 100 lbs)

Why Join Us

• Paid on‑the‑job training with a defined pathway to store leadership
• Career advancement within a respected nonprofit organization
• Meaningful work supporting life‑changing rehabilitation programs
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Supportive, faith‑centered team environment rooted in service and integrity

Keywords for Search Visibility

Manager in Training, Retail Management Trainee, Assistant Store Manager, Store Manager in Training, Retail Supervisor, Thrift Store Management, Nonprofit Retail Jobs, Leadership Development Program, Retail Manager Jobs, The Salvation Army Jobs, ARC Program, Full-Time Management Jobs, Kansas City MO Jobs