Merchandise & Planning Executive Trainees
Our Executive Training Program is designed to train and develop future merchandising executives of tomorrow. Working in our corporate office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this program provides the training and experience to help you advance to the position of Buyer or Merchandise Planner in a growing, regional department store company. Trainees will participate in a formal program including meeting with Senior Executives, exposure to branch store selling, customer service, distribution center operations and merchandising standards. You will also spend time with experienced Buyers and Merchandise Planners analyzing the business before being placed as an Assistant Buyer or Assistant Planner.
Career Progression - Buying
Assistant Buyer
You will work directly with a Buyer in two separate areas. You will acquire, in classes and on-the-job, experience in merchandise selection, promotion, delivery, order writing and vendor relations. A typical trainee will spend 18-24 months as an Assistant Buyer in at least two different buying offices.
Associate Buyer
At this point, you will have a clear understanding of the technical skills necessary to be a Buyer. Working for an experienced Buyer, you will be given the opportunity to further develop these skills by buying a specific classification of merchandise with full accountability for your performance. A typical Associate Buyer will spend 12-18 months in the position.
Buyer
You will be responsible for developing and growing a profitable business through effective selection and promotion of specific merchandise classifications.
Career Progression - Planning
Assistant Planner
You will work directly with a Merchandise Planner, learning to develop and analyze statistical reports while acquiring additional skills necessary to perform the function of a Planner. A typical trainee will spend 18-24 months as an Assistant Planner in at least two different planning offices.
Associate Planner
You will have developed the technical skills necessary to perform the function of a Planner. Working with an experienced Planner, you will be responsible for managing inventory levels of specific classifications of merchandise. A typical Associate Planner will spend 12·18 months in this position.
Planner
You will analyze store performance and stock levels for specific merchandise departments to help ensure their profitability and maximize return on inventory dollars.
