Store Manager in Training

Rural King; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

401(k) with company match

Associate discounts

Training and professional development

Career advancement opportunities

Collaborative, team-focused enviroment

Job summary

Rural King in Lafayette, IN is seeking a Store Manager in Training (SMIT) to develop leadership and operational skills under a Store Manager, with hands-on training in store operations, sales, merchandising, associate development, customer service, safety, and loss prevention. The average training period is 6 months, with relocation upon promotion to Store Manager.

You will recruit, train, coach, and develop associates, lead by example, and participate in cross-training and required training;

Qualifications

• Leadership, communication, and customer service skills essential.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, computer systems, and retail technology.

Responsibilities

• Support daily store operations, sales goals, inventory, cash control, merchandising, and loss prevention.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and accurately priced store, including building and grounds upkeep.
• Develop product knowledge and sales techniques to support store performance.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop associates and Assistant Store Managers.
• Set daily expectations, provide feedback, and lead by example using Rural King leadership principles and Thrive skills.
• Provide exceptional customer service and resolve associate and customer concerns.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Customer service

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Microsoft Word/Excel

Tools

POS/scanning systems

Microsoft Office

Retail technology

Job description

Overview

Build Your Career with Rural King

Rural King is seeking a Store Manager in Training (SMIT) to develop the leadership and operational skills needed to become a Store Manager. Under the direction of a Store Manager, this role provides hands‑on training in store operations, sales, merchandising, associate development, customer service, safety, and loss prevention.

The average training period is 6 months, with the expectation of relocation upon promotion to Store Manager.

Related Job Titles

Store Manager in Training, Management Trainee, Retail Management Trainee, Store Leadership Trainee, Store Manager Trainee

Responsibilities

What You'll Do

Store Operations

• Support daily store operations, sales goals, inventory, cash control, merchandising, and loss prevention.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and accurately priced store, including building and grounds upkeep.
• Develop product knowledge and sales techniques to support store performance.

Leadership & Customer Experience

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop associates and Assistant Store Managers.
• Set daily expectations, provide feedback, and lead by example using Rural King leadership principles and Thrive skills.
• Provide exceptional customer service and resolve associate and customer concerns.
• Build a positive, professional work environment through effective communication and decision‑making.

Store & Team Support

• Operate computers, Microsoft Office, POS/scanning systems, wireless handheld devices, forklifts, pallet jacks, ladders, and other retail equipment.
• Participate in cross‑training and required training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

• 2+ years of retail management experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, customer service, and problem‑solving skills.
• Self‑motivated, adaptable, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, computer systems, and retail technology.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work a 50-hour workweek with varied days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must meet federal and applicable local requirements to obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL).
• Ability to complete required online onboarding and computer‑based training.
• Willingness to relocate upon promotion to Store Manager.

Qualifications

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, push, and/or pull 30 pounds repetitively and 31–50 pounds intermittently.
• Ability to use ladders, pallet jacks, and other store equipment.
• Ability to navigate stairs and access all areas of the store.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers and associates.
• Good visual acuity and close vision for computer‑related activities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Why Join Rural King?

Build the leadership and operational skills needed for a career in retail management with a company that promotes from within.

When you join Rural King, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Associate discounts
• Training and professional development
• Career advancement opportunities
• Collaborative, team‑focused environment

Compensation

Exact compensation determined by factors such as geographic location, education, certifications, experience, job level, shift, and organizational needs. Eligible associates may also receive overtime pay in compliance with applicable laws.