Manager Trainee
MANAGER TRAINEE PROGRAM - ONSITE AT UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORES.
This position is ON-SITE not remote
Work onsite at college bookstores located in:
- California State University, East Bay – Hayward, CA
- University of California, Merced – Merced, CA
- Boston College – Chestnut Hill, MA
- Prairie View A&M University – Prairie View, TX
- Texas State University – San Marcos, TX
- Samford University- Birmingham, AL
- University of Massachusetts, Boston – Boston, MA
- Delaware State University – Dover, DE
- Florida Atlantic University – Boca Raton, FL
- Blackhawk Technical College – Janesville, WI
- Lewis & Clark Community College - Godfrey, IL
- Virginia Tech - Blacksburg, VA
- The Citadel - Charleston, SC
Job Description:
Under the direction of the Store Manager, Regional Manager, and home office, Manager Trainees will engage in a structured program designed to teach all aspects of store management. The store manager trainee program combines virtual classrooms, special assignments/projects, and in-store training and is structured for a specific period.
This job is an entry-level position in the store management hierarchy. Partner with and learn from store management all facets of bookstore operations including budgets and financial goals, service levels, policy administration, employment, supervision and development of store staff, sales, and related matters.
Must seek permanent employment toward the end of the program. Must relocate as required in the program.
In this role you will:
- Be responsible for independently completing training modules and quizzes according to the training plan. Communicates regularly with Training Manager. Learn/hands-on experience with all aspects of retail management, full-cycle talent management, including recruiting, training, coaching, and talent development. Learn how to effectively performance manage and maintain a culture of accountability.
- Learn to analyze store financials to determine store performance and performance by department. Learn and observe how to resolve any problems between the store and school faculty, staff, or administrators. Learn how to determine the need for markdowns and write-offs. Learn how to summarize data into management reports and ensure that the Daily Sales Report is completed each day. Learn to analyze enrollment figures, history, and current adoptions to determine the number of books to buy during buyback and the number of new books to order. Learn how to ensure orders are placed in a timely manner.
- Partner with the store management team to ensure the security of company assets and the safety of team members and customers, and adherence to Company policies.
- Provide support and leadership to assigned training store. Learn to prepare and implement detailed plans for each department. Learn the importance of meeting the needs for team member schedules, budgets, floor plans, and campus events such as Rush, Buy Back, Inventory. In partnership with the store management team, coordinate sales promotions, special events, book signings, and direct team members in the preparation of merchandise displays, store layout, and advertising copy.
- Maintain a Hassle-Free customer service culture, focused on solutions-based selling and an exceptional customer experience. Interacts with customers, faculty, staff, administrators, vendors, and home office staff to share information to improve and drive market share. Answers routine inquiries and handles escalated complaints. May occasionally host campus contact or other decision-makers.
- Provide support for all facets related to course materials, including hands-on experience and review of enrollment numbers, history, inventory levels, and current adoptions in order to ensure appropriate quantities for purchase and to buy back.
- Provide support while learning and hands-on experience with all back-office functions, including the preparation of invoices, processing of chargebacks, and coordination of stock shipments are completed in accordance with company directives and/or policies and procedures.
- Support annual inventory if applicable. Partner with store management team to plan for special events (athletics, graduation), as well as plan for special sales and promotions. Manages the visual presentations to create an exciting shopping environment for customers.
- Potentially work on renovation projects, store reorganizations, new store openings, and store closings. Responds to requests for special reports and information or for help on special projects. Take on assignments for one or more stores as required.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Partner with various support partners to include Store Operations, AP, HR, and Training.
- Consistently demonstrates Follett Values - Integrity, Accountability, Customers, Each Team Member, Innovation, and Teamwork.
- Actively prep for campus interviews, seek job placement after approval from Training Manager.
- Performs other duties as assigned
Must relocate as required after completing the 12-week training program.
MIT Training Classes begin in September 2022. MIT program runs 12 weeks at each location noted below.
UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE LOCATIONS:
- California State University, East Bay – Hayward, CA
- University of California, Merced – Merced, CA
- Boston College – Chestnut Hill, MA
- Prairie View A&M University – Prairie View, TX
- Texas State University – San Marcos, TX
- Samford University- Birmingham, AL
- University of Massachusetts, Boston – Boston, MA
- Delaware State University – Dover, DE
- Florida Atlantic University – Boca Raton, FL
- Blackhawk Technical College – Janesville, WI
- Lewis & Clark Community College - Godfrey, IL
- Virginia Tech - Blacksburg, VA
- The Citadel - Charleston, SC
Requirements:
- 0-3+ years of retail management or strong customer service experience;
- Academic retail experience a plus;
- Strong organizational, time management and problem-solving skills; strong customer service, communication and presentation skills; strong analytical skills and financial acumen; advanced relationship building, a demonstrated ability to influence a team and customer outreach.