Store Manager in Training

Manager-in-Training (MIT) – Retail Leadership Development Program

Training Location: Kansas City Metro Area
Employer: The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center Command
Employment Type: Full-Time (40 Hours per Week) | Non-Exempt
Pay: $16.75 per hour
Schedule: Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including days, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs.

Position Overview

Are you ready to take the next step in your retail leadership career?

The Manager-in-Training (MIT) role is a structured, 12-week leadership development program designed to prepare high-potential individuals for store leadership opportunities within The Salvation Army's Kansas City Metro Area retail operations.

This program provides hands-on experience in all aspects of operating a successful thrift store, including team leadership, sales growth, production management, customer service, financial accountability, and mission-focused retail operations.

Important Information

MIT participants will train within our network of Salvation Army thrift stores throughout the Kansas City Metro Area. Training may take place at multiple locations to ensure broad exposure to our operations, leadership teams, and best practices.

This full-time leadership development program serves as a pipeline for retail management opportunities across our 11 Kansas City Metro Area stores. Depending on the skills, leadership abilities, work ethic, and overall performance demonstrated throughout the training program, participants may be placed into a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or Lead Sales Associate position upon successful completion of the program.

Placement decisions are based on both organizational needs and the individual's demonstrated readiness for leadership.

Potential Career Opportunities Upon Completion

Based on demonstrated performance, leadership capabilities, operational knowledge, and business needs, graduates of the MIT Program may be considered for placement in one of the following leadership roles:

• Store Manager – Lead all aspects of store operations, team development, financial performance, and mission delivery.
• Assistant Store Manager – Support store management while overseeing daily operations, employee development, customer service, and production goals.
• Lead Sales Associate – Provide frontline leadership, coaching, and operational support while continuing to develop management skills for future advancement opportunities.

Qualifications

• Previous retail, supervisory, or management experience preferred
• Strong leadership potential and desire for career growth
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Positive attitude, professional integrity, and commitment to The Salvation Army mission
• Ability to effectively lead, motivate, and develop team members
• Must qualify for TSA MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) requirements
• Valid driver's license required
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 100 pounds occasionally
• Willingness to travel throughout the Kansas City Metro Area for training and business needs
• Ability to work a flexible full-time schedule (40 hours per week), including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Why Join Us

• Paid leadership training at $16.75 per hour
• Full-time, 40-hour-per-week position
• Multiple career path opportunities in retail leadership
• Opportunity for accelerated advancement based on performance
• Meaningful work supporting life-changing rehabilitation programs
• Competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off
• Supportive team environment grounded in faith, service, and community impact
• Ongoing professional development and leadership growth opportunities

Start your leadership journey with The Salvation Army and build a career that makes a difference while creating opportunities for advancement throughout our Kansas City Metro Area retail operations.

What You Need 

Required 

Education & Experience 

• 2 years' experience in staff management and development or combination of education and experience 

• Proven retail management experience 

Skills & Abilities 

• Strong leadership and team-building skills 

• Excellent customer service orientation 

• Proficiency in cash handling and basic financial management 

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early/late shifts, weekends, and holidays 

• Ability to speak, write and understand English in a manner sufficient for effective communication with customers, management and coworkers 

• Basic computer skills including but not limited to the use of the Point of Sales System; the payroll program, Microsoft Office Suite and all other programs or systems that are adopted by the  

• Good speaking, hearing and vision ability, and excellent manual dexterity 

Certifications 

• Valid Driver's License 

• Must pass a motor vehicle record search 

 Physical Requirements 

• Regularly required to stand, use hands, handle, feel, hear, and talk 

• Frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms 

• Occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch 

• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 100 pounds 

• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus 

Work Environment 

• Store environment with quiet to moderate noise level 

• May be dusty and experience temperature fluctuations based on weather 

• May stand for extended periods 

• Work is performed in a typical retail store/warehouse environment 

Travel 

• May be required to travel to various locations for work or training, including monthly management training 

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are returning to work, U.S. Veterans, people with disabilities, people impacted by the justice system, and people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.