Early Talent D37 Atlanta West - Store Leadership Trainee

Early Talent - 2026 - D37 Atlanta West - Store Leadership Trainee

Join to apply for the Early Talent - 2026 - D37 Atlanta West - Store Leadership Trainee role at Kohl's.

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 Program you will learn what it takes to run a successful, thriving business in areas such as 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. Trainee start dates are available in February, May and July based on business needs.

At the end of the Program, Kohl’s will determine if there is an opportunity to continue employment as a Merchandising Manager or an Operations Manager (Assistant Store Manager). Factors considered include performance, availability and business needs. The career path of a Store Leadership Trainee is: SLT → Assistant Store Manager → Store Manager → District Manager.

• 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.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree required (or expected completion within approximately 3 months of starting the Program).
• Less than 18 months of retail management leadership experience.
• Flexible schedule; must be available nights, weekends, and holidays.
• 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 written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills.
• Strong people‑management skills and ability to develop talent.
• Flexible availability, including nights, weekends and holidays.