Management Associate Trainee

General Summary

Entry-level management training position created for recent college graduates of AS, BA, BS or MS Degree programs or individuals with a minimum of 2 years sales experience. Position goal is to develop baseline management, merchandising, sales, and operations skills with the intent of development into retail management/leadership positions for Southern States. 

Essential Job Functions

• Support management team and store staff in delivering sales and customer service to customers entering the retail location. Build knowledge of the operation by shadowing key positions at the retail store level.
• Complete all assignments outlined in the SSC Management Development Program for the purpose of gaining knowledge of SSC's products, services and resources for generating increased sales for SSC. Attend all training functions associated with the SSC Management Development Program.
• Work directly with the General Manager and the local Store Manager to plan growth and development experiences designed to build knowledge of management responsibilities at the retail operation.
• Work with inventory management, stock shelves, merchandise new/existing internal and external products, perform general housekeeping procedures, perform inventory counts, unload and deliver products as needed.
• Operate all types of Southern States computer systems at the store location. (Point of Sale, Statesnet, telephones, 2-way radios, and voice mail).
• Operate all types of Southern States equipment at the store location. (Loaders, mixers, elevators, pick-ups, and delivery equipment if required) -- may require commercial driver's license and DOT certification.
• Attend all employee and safety meetings; build positive rapport with co-workers and customers.
• Build knowledge of corporate contacts and vendor sources for product and business information.
• Work with the local store leadership to determine key tactics and budgeted goals to obtain the projected operating objectives and budget targets.
• Accompany the store manager on some farm sales calls, and in some cases local Board Meetings.
• Perform all other job functions as assigned.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  A.S., B.A. or B.S Degree, or a minimum of 2 years sales experience at SSC, or in a related retail environment. 

Experience: Minimum of 2 years sales experience at SSC, or in a related retail environment. 

Previous Southern States work experience a plus. 

Licensing & Certification: Requires valid Driver's License

Depending upon location, may also require:

• Forklift Certification (or ability to obtain)
• CDL / hazmat endorsement (or ability to obtain)
• Restricted Chemical License (or ability to obtain)
• Petroleum and/or Propane Certification (or ability to obtain) 

Requirements

• Must possess strong presentation and communication skills
• Must possess skills in Microsoft Office and Windows based programs
• Further progression in the management job group frequently requires relocation 

Work Environment

• While traveling may have contact with hazardous materials and drive/travel and work in adverse weather conditions
• The work environment will vary based on location. Essential job functions are performed indoors in a climate controlled environment, in a warehouse environment subject to seasonal temperatures and humidity, and outdoors unprotected from weather conditions. While traveling may have contact with hazardous materials and drive/travel and work in adverse weather conditions 

Regularly exposed to hazards including:

• Merchandise, supplies and tools with sharp edges or containing hazardous materials
• Dust, odors, fumes and hazardous chemicals associated with sales and storage of various fuels, dry and liquid fertilizers, crop protectants and other agricultural, residential, animal care and home care products
• Moving mechanical parts and vehicles, vibrations and electric current
• Draughts, temperature changes and wet floors due to facility doors opening during adverse weather
• Noise levels where hearing protection is optional per PPE Plan 

Schedule requirements will vary based on location. Extended hours and/or alternate work schedules may be required. Ability to report to work on time and in adverse weather conditions is required. 

Physical Activities & Requirements 

Physical activities and requirements will vary based on location and merchandise mix. Below is a general description. 

• Continuously bend and stoop; finger, handle and utilize repetitive hand motion with merchandise and tools including computers and motorized vehicles; reach with arms and hands for extended periods; stand and walk for extended periods, at times may be on concrete or uneven surfaces; utilize eye/hand coordination; twist back and neck. Pull, push, lift, carry up to 50 pounds. 
• Frequently climb, crouch, stack, and sweep. Pull, push, lift, carry 50-80 pounds, may be assisted. 
• Occasionally balance, kneel, shovel and sit. Pull, push, lift, carry 80-100 pounds, may be assisted. 

Must be able to speak to co-workers and customers regarding sales, operations and safety. Must be able to hear customer service phone calls, hand held radio, equipment and vehicle sounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. 

Tools & Equipment

Tools and equipment will vary based on location and merchandise mix. Below is a general description.

Hand held scanner, telephone, hand held radio, computer, printer, scanner, copier, fax machine, writing instrument, reports, logs, spreadsheets, merchandising diagrams (planograms), point-of-sale terminal, petroleum and/or propane equipment and terminals, fertilizer and crop protectant blenders and spreaders, loaders, forklifts, pick-ups, delivery trucks, and other tools and equipment.  

Southern States Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against individuals based on their race, color, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws or regulations.