Early Talent D36 Atlanta East - Store Leadership Trainee

Early Talent - 2026 - D36 Atlanta East - Store Leadership Trainee

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 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.

New trainees will train for 8 weeks; internal participants may train for a shorter period. Kohl’s offers trainee start dates in February, May and July based on business needs.

Following the Program, Kohl’s will determine if an opportunity to continue employment exists as a Merchandising Manager or Operations Manager (Assistant Store Manager). 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 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

Full‑time;
Salary: $90,000.00 – $98,000.00;

Location:

Atlanta, GA.

Seniority level:
Not applicable.