Careers Business Ownership Retail Management Trainee Job Description What It Takes for Success in a Retail Manager Training Program Print RossHelen / Getty Images Business Ownership Industries Retail Small Business Restauranting Real Estate Nonprofit Organizations Landlords Import/Export Business Freelancing & Consulting Franchises Food & Beverage Event Planning eBay E-commerce Construction Operations & Success Becoming an Owner By Barbara Farfan Barbara Farfan University of Georgia Barbara Farfan is a retail industry expert with more than 20 years as a business consultant for the retail and publishing industries. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on 12/19/18 Do you (or your hourly retail employees) truly qualify for a retail management training program? Use this guide to determine if the responsibilities, qualifications, and other requirements for a top-notch retail management trainee are a right fit for you (or your applicant). People chosen to participate in a retail management trainee program will receive the company-specific training and on-the-job experience they need to assume a position as a retail store manager. As a management trainee, you will learn supervisory and technical skills that are in alignment with the company's mission, its retailing philosophies, and its operational strategies. In a retail management training program, you will work as an apprentice under at least one experienced retail store manager, and you will gain the skills and experience in merchandising, advertising, inventory, bookkeeping, and human resources management that will position you for advancement in your retail career. Key Responsibilities The retail management trainee's primary responsibility is to participate in training experiences, learn new skills, and to demonstrate increasing proficiency and expertise with managerial responsibilities. The retail management trainee program should prepare you for the decisions you will be making, and the actions you will be taking in the areas of people management, operations management, and merchandising management when you assume the role of store manager. People Management Responsibilities Under the guidance of an experienced manager, you will participate in all employee-related management functions including interviewing, hiring, training, coaching, motivation, discipline, performance appraisal, conflict resolution, and the administration of human resources policies and initiatives. By gaining practical experience in each of these areas, retail management trainees will develop people skills that will allow them to successfully lead their own team of store employees. You will also be expected to serve as a role model for customer service, and set the pace for service excellence for all employees. Operations Management Responsibilities You will be learning the operational procedures for the store as a retail management trainee, and then you will supervise others as they complete these same tasks in a thorough and timely manner. You will be ensuring that banking transactions, daily paperwork, and company reports are completed accurately and on time. General maintenance, cleanliness, facility safety, and opening and closing procedures will also be your responsibility. In your role as a management trainee, you may also be asked to assume complete responsibility for the store in the store manager's absence. Prior Experience Needed Most employers would prefer that their retail management trainees have some previous retail experience, but not all will require it. Basic knowledge of retail terminology and some insightful experience gained as a retail customer will demonstrate your interest in the industry to your potential employer. An understanding of the importance of customer service and a commitment to delivering it will likely be considered essential for Retail Management Trainee candidates. Employers will be swayed favorably by concrete examples of your previous successes in delivering superior customer experiences and building customer loyalty. Desired Qualifications Employers will be looking for candidates who demonstrate natural leadership abilities, and those who exude confidence and an air of authority. A retail management trainee will be expected to exhibit the qualities that the company's most successful managers possess. These qualities include self-motivation, resourcefulness, creativity, organization, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence. Candidates with an outgoing personality and approachable demeanor will be chosen for retail management trainee positions more often because these qualities help them build successful relationships with both customers and employees. Necessary Skill Requirements Although a retail management trainee program is designed to help you gain expertise, you will still need to possess certain fundamental skills to be considered for this position. Excellent communication skills are essential, including reading, writing, listening and speaking in the primary language used by the company and its customers. Basic organization, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills will be needed along with the ability to work well under pressure and meet demanding deadlines. You will also need to bring a basic computer, typing and mathematical skills with you to this job. position. Additional Requirements for Trainee Candidates Retail management trainees will need to be willing to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, holidays and extended shifts. If the store's inventory includes alcohol, retail management trainees will have to be 21 years old. Most employers will require you to pass a drug test, and additional background checks and screenings may be required as well. During your stint as a retail management trainee, you may be transferred one or more times to different store locations and you will be expected to adapt to these new environments quickly and easily. Education Requirements There are no strict educational requirements for retail management trainees, although a high school diploma or GED is generally preferred. Some companies will hire college students into the retail management trainee program before graduation. Others will require some type of associate or bachelors degree. Most retail operations will consider graduates from many different disciplines for entry into their management training program. Salary and Compensation Retail management trainees can receive a salary between $18,000 and $49,000 per year. The geographic location of the store and the size of the company accounts for the wide salary range. Those with prior retail or management experience may also receive higher compensation. Retail Management Trainees usually receive full-time salaried benefits which may include medical, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation, sick pay, profit sharing or stock options, and a 401K or pension plan. Most retail organizations offer generous merchandise discounts to members of its management team.