Store Leadership Trainee Program

As a Store Leadership Trainee (SLT), you will participate in a structured training program to prepare you for the role of Merchandising Manager or Operations Manager (Assistant Store Manager) at a Kohl’s store. During the Store Leadership Trainee Program (SLT Program), you will learn aspects of what it takes to run a successful, thriving business, from Human Resources, Operations, Merchandising, Team Development, Omni-channel Management and more.   

Those new to Kohl’s will train for 8 weeks, while Internal participants may train for a shorter period of time. Kohl’s offers trainee start dates in February, May and July based on business needs.

Following the SLT Program 

 At the end of the SLT Program, Kohl’s, in its sole discretion, will determine if there is an opportunity to continue employment as a Merchandising Manager or an Operations Manager (Assistant Store Manager). Kohl’s may consider factors such as performance, availability and its business needs. The career path of a Store Leadership Trainee is: SLT, Assistant Store Manager, Store Manager, District Manager.

What You’ll Do

• Discover Kohl’s store structure, areas of ownership and team responsibilities

• Learn all store operations and processes

• Engage in daily hands-on experiences including in-store merchandising, visual standards and continual product movement

• Work closely with a Coach, Mentor and HR Business Partners to learn how to effectively lead, motivate, and drive engagement among a team

• Join weekly touch bases with the Store Manager to recap the prior week’s training, align on the new week, share feedback and connect on needs

• Lead with a customer-first mindset, demonstrate integrity and accountability, be a creative problem solver and foster an empathetic and inclusive culture

• Cultivate business acumen skills and learn how to make operationally sound business decisions

• Participate in dedicated programming to strengthen development and gain exposure to Kohl’s leadership 

• Analyze sales and market trends to drive profitability while maintaining a strong customer-first mindset

• Support schedule execution, sales projections and payroll management

• Participate in Leader on Duty shifts to provide a Customer First experience

What Skills You Have

• Associate’s or Bachelor's degree required (or expected completion within approximately 3 months of starting the SLT Program)  

• Less than 18 months of retail management leadership experience

• Flexible schedule, work hours will be based on business needs; must be available nights and weekends

• Highly adaptable and self-motivated

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Great verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills

• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills 

• Ability to make quick decisions and resolve conflicts

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 

• Strong analytical skills and superior critical thinking skills 

• Strong people management skills and ability to develop talent

• Flexible availability, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays