Website KOHLS
Job Description
As a Store Leadership Trainee (SLT), you will embark on an intensive 8-week developmental journey (shorter for internal candidates) designed to transform you into a future Assistant Store Manager (Merchandising or Operations). You will gain a 360-degree view of retail management, rotating through key departments like Human Resources, Omni-channel Management, and Team Development. Your training is anchored by a structured curriculum involving hands-on floor experience and strategic weekly touch-bases with store leadership.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
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Operational Mastery: Learn and execute end-to-end store processes, including product movement, visual merchandising standards, and Omni-channel fulfillment.
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Leadership Development: Work alongside Coaches and HR Partners to master the art of motivating teams, driving associate engagement, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture.
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Business Acumen: Cultivate data-driven decision-making skills by analyzing sales reports and market trends to boost profitability.
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Team Management Support: Assist in schedule execution, payroll management, and sales projections.
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Leader on Duty (LOD): Rotate through LOD shifts to oversee the “Customer First” experience and handle real-time problem-solving across the store.
CORE QUALIFICATIONS
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Education: Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree (completed or within 3 months of completion).
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Experience: Less than 18 months of retail management leadership experience.
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Age & Eligibility: Must be 18 years of age or older and authorized to work in the U.S.
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Availability: Must have a flexible schedule that includes days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
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Job Summary
The Kohl’s Store Leadership Trainee program is a high-speed pipeline for graduating students or early-career professionals to enter retail management. Based in the Chicago South market, you’ll spend 8 weeks learning the financial and human elements of running a multi-million dollar retail operation, with the intent to promote into an Assistant Store Manager role upon successful completion.
FAQs
When does the training program start? Kohl’s offers start dates in February, May, and July 2026, depending on business needs and your graduation date.
What is the difference between a Merchandising and Operations Manager? A Merchandising Manager focuses on visual standards and product flow, while an Operations Manager oversees “back-of-house” logistics like HR, payroll, and Omni-channel fulfillment.
Will I definitely get a manager role after 8 weeks? Promotion is at Kohl’s discretion based on your performance, store availability, and business needs.
Do I get an associate discount immediately? Yes, all Kohl’s associates are typically eligible for the associate discount program from their first day of training.
Can I apply if I only have an Associate’s degree? Yes, an Associate’s degree is a valid minimum requirement for this leadership program.
Expert Analysis
This program is particularly strong for “Early Talent” because it bypasses years of entry-level associate work. The pay range of $25–$34/hr is significantly higher than standard retail supervisor roles in Illinois (avg. ~$23/hr). For those in the Chicago South market, Burbank serves as a strategic hub with high consumer traffic, offering a robust environment to learn inventory management and high-volume operations.
Location & Logistics Guide
Burbank, IL is a thriving suburb in Cook County with a 2026 population of approximately 28,600. The city has a median household income of $83,975, indicating a stable local economy driven largely by the retail and manufacturing sectors. Its proximity to Chicago’s south side makes it a prime location for Omni-channel retail growth.
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Career Path
The trajectory for this role is clearly defined: SLT → Assistant Store Manager → Store Manager → District Manager. Because Kohl’s is a national retailer, graduates of this program often have the opportunity to relocate or move into specialized corporate roles in Buying, Planning, or Global Supply Chain after gaining field experience.
To apply for this job please visit careers.kohls.com.