Early Talent - 2026 - D38 NJ Central - Store Leadership Trainee

Role Specific Information

Job Description

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

Essential Functions

The requirements listed below are representative of functions you will be required to perform, however you may be required to perform additional functions. Kohl’s may revise this job description from time to time. To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, absent undue hardship.

• Ability to perform the accountabilities listed in the “What You’ll Do” Section

• Ability to work at least 8 hours per day, occasionally longer when necessary to meet business needs, 5 days per week

• Ability to comply with dress code requirements

• Ability to learn and comply with all company policies, procedures, standards and guidelines

• Basic math and reading skills, legible handwriting, and basic computer operation.

• Ability to operate and communicate on multiple frequency devices, handheld scanners, and other technology equipment as directed.

• Ability to maintain prompt and regular attendance and meet scheduling requirements as set by the company.

• Ability to satisfactorily complete company training programs

• Perform work in accordance with the Physical/Cognitive Requirements section

Physical/Cognitive Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. frequently and occasionally over 50 lbs. with a two person lift.

• Ability to climb, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, twist, reach, lift, grasp, push and pull on a frequent basis.

• Ability to stand/walk for the duration of a scheduled shift (at least 9 hours).

• Ability to use a computer for tasks such as communicating, preparing reports, etc.

• Ability to visually verify information and locate and inspect merchandise

• Ability to respond to customer inquiries

• Ability to comply with health and safety standards.

• Ability to perform job responsibilities in a seated/standing position, or a combination thereof

Pay Range: $25 - $34.00Kohl’s offers a variety of benefits to associates depending on full-time/part-time status and work hours, including: WORK LIFE BALANCE (PTO, Vacation Buy Program, Parental Leave), HEALTH & WELLNESS (Medical, Dental, Vision and other short and long term disability programs, Emergency health and wellness programs such as Accident Protection Plans, Critical Illness Plans and more), SAVINGS & RETIREMENT BENEFITS (401k, Flexible Spending Accounts and associate discount programs with Kohl’s partners), INSURANCE PROGRAMS (Life Insurance for you, your family or your pet, as well as other protection programs), and LIFE EVENTS (Legal and adoption assistance benefits).