The Manager In Training (MIT) is an emerging leader within the retail organization, participating in a structured development program designed to prepare individuals for a variety of management roles. The MIT will gain the skills, experience, and exposure necessary to step into leadership positions such as Assistant Manager, Department Manager, Store Manager, or other operational leadership roles within the company.
Reporting to store and district leadership, the MIT actively engages in all aspects of store operations, team leadership, and customer service while building the competencies required to lead effectively in a dynamic retail environment.
Pay Range: $19.00 - $23.00 /hr (depending on experience)
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
- Participate in hands-on leadership training across multiple functional areas of the business.
- Support and learn from store leadership in coaching, developing, and motivating team members.
- Demonstrate initiative in leading by example and fostering a positive, service-oriented culture.
- Build foundational skills in delegation, accountability, and performance management.
- Embrace and model company values in all interactions.
Customer Experience
- Deliver and reinforce exceptional customer service standards.
- Contribute to maintaining a welcoming, safe, and customer-focused environment.
- Learn how to resolve customer concerns effectively and professionally.
- Promote community engagement and a neighbor-first mindset.
Operational & Financial Development
- Gain exposure to daily store operations, including opening/closing procedures, inventory management, and merchandising execution.
- Assist in driving department and store performance through execution of company initiatives.
- Learn to interpret basic financial and operational metrics and apply them to decision-making.
- Partner with leadership and cross-functional teams to support company objectives.
Talent Development
- Participate in recruiting, onboarding, and training processes.
- Build an understanding of employee engagement, retention, and development practices.
- Support a team environment where associates feel valued and encouraged to grow.
Safety, Loss Prevention & Facility Awareness
- Promote a safe environment for both customers and employees.
- Learn and follow loss prevention standards and operational controls.
- Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and well-functioning facility.
Qualifications
Experience
- 2+ years of leadership experience in retail, hospitality, or a related field preferred.
- Demonstrated potential to lead teams and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
Skills & Competencies
- Leadership Potential: Strong desire to grow into a management role; coachable and proactive.
- Operational Aptitude: Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
- Customer Focus: Passion for delivering outstanding service.
- Communication: Clear and professional communication with customers and team members.
- Adaptability: Willingness to take on new challenges and work a flexible schedule, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
Physical Requirements
- Average 40–50 hours per week during training, based on business needs.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
- Frequent bending, carrying, pushing, and ladder use.
- Regular computer work requiring close vision.
- Occasional travel for training or support at other locations.
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Skills Required
- 2+ years of leadership experience in retail, hospitality, or a related field
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
- Strong customer service and clear professional communication skills
- Operational aptitude: organized, detail-oriented, able to manage multiple priorities
- Leadership potential: coachable, proactive, and able to develop and motivate team members
- Frequent bending, carrying, pushing, and ladder use
- Regular computer work requiring close vision
- Occasional travel for training or support at other locations
What We Do
We are Runnings, your home, farm and outdoor store, with 57 stores and over 2700 employees. To view job opportunities currently open across our company, visit www.runnings.com/careers. We are a highly successful, rapidly growing family-owned, general merchandise retail company. And, we want you to join our team. The Runnings story begins on December 5th, 1947, when founder Norman “Red” Running opened the first store in downtown Marshall, Minnesota. Runnings started as an automotive supply store, but quickly expanded its product mix to sell farm and fleet equipment and supplies. The company would continue on a slow path of growth until 1988 when a group involving Dennis and Adele Reed purchased the company. Under the Reed’s leadership, Runnings has grown from 8 stores in 2 states to 56 stores in 8 states including Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Connecticut, North Dakota, Montana, New York and New Hampshire. Over the past 6 decades, Runnings has not only changed in store count, but the selection of products our stores sell. We work very hard to offer a fair price on quality, durable and trusted merchandise including clothing, footwear, automotive, sporting goods, farm supplies, lawn and garden, toys, housewares, tools, pet and animal supplies and more. The Runnings team is now over 2,700 strong and the company continues to call Marshall home to its corporate office and flagship store. The company has undergone incredible change over the years, but one thing that will never be compromised is owner Dennis and Adele Reed’s commitment to serving the needs of our customers. We are Runnings, your home, farm and outdoor store.
