Oct. 24, 2026

Early Talent - 2026 - D70 CA Central - Store Leadership Trainee

Kohl's Santa Maria, California $25–$34 an hour

## Store Leadership Trainee Program

Join Kohl's as a Store Leadership Trainee (SLT) and take part in a structured training program designed to prepare you for the role of Merchandising Manager or Operations Manager (Assistant Store Manager) at a Kohl's store. During the Store Leadership Trainee Program (SLT Program), you will learn 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. Kohl's offers trainee start dates in February, May and July based on business needs.

At the end of the SLT Program, Kohl's, in its sole discretion, will determine if there is an opportunity to continue employment as a Merchandising Manager or an Operations Manager (Assistant Store Manager). Kohl's may consider factors such as performance, availability and its business needs. The career path of a Store Leadership Trainee is: SLT, Assistant Store Manager, Store Manager, District Manager.

You will discover Kohl's store structure, areas of ownership and team responsibilities while learning all store operations and processes. Expect daily hands-on experiences including in-store merchandising, visual standards and continual product movement. You will work closely with a Coach, Mentor and HR Business Partners to learn how to effectively lead, motivate, and drive engagement among a team, and you will 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. Leading with a customer-first mindset, demonstrating integrity and accountability, being a creative problem solver, and fostering an empathetic and inclusive culture are central to success in this role.

You will 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, and participate in Leader on Duty shifts to provide a Customer First experience.

### Who we're looking for

- Associate's or Bachelor's degree required (or expected completion within approximately 3 months of starting the SLT Program).

- Less than 18 months of retail management leadership experience.

- Flexible schedule; work hours will be based on business needs and you 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, and the ability to make quick decisions and resolve conflicts.

- 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.

The position requires flexible availability, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

### Physical and scheduling expectations

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, absent undue hardship.

You must be able to perform the accountabilities listed earlier, work at least 8 hours per day (occasionally longer when necessary to meet business needs), 5 days per week, and comply with dress code requirements. Basic math and reading skills, legible handwriting, and basic computer operation are required. You will operate and communicate on multiple frequency devices, handheld scanners, and other technology equipment as directed. Ability to maintain prompt and regular attendance and meet scheduling requirements as set by the company, and ability to satisfactorily complete company training programs are expected.

Physical/Cognitive Requirements include: Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. frequently and occasionally over 50 lbs. with a two person lift. Ability to climb, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, twist, reach, lift, grasp, push and pull on a frequent basis. Ability to stand/walk for the duration of a scheduled shift (at least 9 hours). Ability to use a computer for tasks such as communicating, preparing reports, etc. Ability to visually verify information and locate and inspect merchandise. Ability to respond to customer inquiries and to comply with health and safety standards. Ability to perform job responsibilities in a seated/standing position, or a combination thereof.

Pay Range: $25 - $34.00

Kohl's offers a variety of benefits to associates depending on full-time/part-time status and work hours, including: WORK LIFE BALANCE (PTO, Vacation Buy Program, Parental Leave), HEALTH & WELLNESS (Medical, Dental, Vision and other short and long term disability programs, Emergency health and wellness programs such as Accident Protection Plans, Critical Illness Plans and more), SAVINGS & RETIREMENT BENEFITS (401k, Flexible Spending Accounts and associate discount programs with Kohl's partners), INSURANCE PROGRAMS (Life Insurance for you, your family or your pet, as well as other protection programs), and LIFE EVENTS (Legal and adoption assistance benefits).

Our purpose at Kohl's is to take care of families' realest moments. Kohl's has been caring for families for more than 60 years, both the unique and diverse families that shop us every day and the Kohl's family we all belong to. Caring is something that is core to who we are as a brand, and we believe that truly caring means being there for the good stuff, the bad stuff and the real stuff. Kohl's is committed to creating a healthy and safe workplace for our associates. We seek out talent that shares our values and strive to support their journey toward fulfillment at work, at home and within our communities.

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_This job was found on [bandana.com](https://www.bandana.com/?utm_source=jd_attribution&utm_medium=repost)_

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