Job Description

The Manager in Training (MIT) is a full-time, non-exempt leadership development position designed to prepare the incumbent for a future Store Manager role. The MIT will be immersing themselves in all aspects involved in managing a store, including associate development, sales, customer experience, store operations, merchandising, inventory, and compliance.

The MIT will travel to various store locations, including out-of-state locations, for training and development purposes. The training program is designed to provide hands-on experience and exposure to different store environments, business practices, and leadership responsibilities.

Upon successful completion of the Manager in Training program, the MIT will transition into a Store Manager role. Placement will be based on business needs and available store openings and may require mandatory relocation depending on the assigned store location.

The MIT works closely with Store Managers and other members of the leadership team to develop the knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities necessary to successfully manage a store and achieve company sales and operational objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Associate Development

• Assist the Store Manager with leading, directing, and motivating a commissioned sales team to achieve overall company sales objectives.
• Assist with developing, coaching, training, and motivating associates to maximize individual and team performance.
• Learn and apply effective leadership practices, including setting expectations, providing feedback, recognizing performance, and addressing performance concerns.
• Support the onboarding and training of new associates.
• Help communicate daily priorities, sales goals, and operational expectations to the store team.
• Assist with scheduling, shift assignments, and daily staffing needs under the direction of the Store Manager.
• Build and maintain a positive team culture focused on customer service, accountability, teamwork, and results.
• Demonstrate company values and serve as a leadership role model for associates.

Sales & Business Performance

• Assist the Store Manager in achieving and exceeding store sales and performance objectives.
• Learn and apply strategies for managing and growing a commissioned sales team.
• Monitor sales performance and key performance indicators and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support the execution of sales strategies, Company programs, promotions, and action plans.
• Drive Company programs while helping to minimize operational expenses.
• Support associates in achieving individual sales goals and delivering a strong customer experience.
• Develop an understanding of store financial performance, including sales, payroll, expenses, and profitability.
• Assist with reviewing sales reports and identifying trends, opportunities, and areas requiring additional focus.

Customer Experience & Sales

• Deliver top-tier customer service to every customer, building customer loyalty, repeat business, and referrals.
• Model and reinforce exceptional customer service standards throughout the store.
• Present and discuss various lighting and interior design product options based upon discovery of prospective clients' lifestyles, needs, and goals.
• Assist customers in identifying products and solutions that meet their lighting and interior design needs.
• Support associates in providing knowledgeable, consultative, and personalized service.
• Assist with resolving customer questions, concerns, and service issues and escalate matters to the Store Manager when appropriate.

Store Operations

• Assist with the day-to-day management of store operations to ensure the store is adequately staffed and operating efficiently.
• Support inventory management, receiving, replenishment, and loss prevention procedures.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures, cash handling, and bank deposits in accordance with Company policies.
• Help maintain store presentation, visual merchandising, cleanliness, and brand standards.
• Ensure assigned operational tasks are completed accurately and timely.
• Support compliance with Company policies, procedures, safety requirements, and applicable employment laws.
• Identify operational issues and communicate them to the Store Manager or appropriate leadership.

Management Training & Development

• Participate in a structured training program designed to provide hands-on experience in all aspects of Store Manager responsibilities.
• Spend up to three months immersing in store management, associate development, sales, customer experience, and operational functions.
• Work alongside experienced Store Managers and leadership teams at various locations to gain exposure to different store environments and business needs.
• Learn and demonstrate proficiency in Company systems, POS, scheduling, reporting, and other operational tools.
• Participate in leadership training, business reviews, sales meetings, and other development activities.
• Assist with implementing store action plans and Company initiatives.
• Demonstrate readiness to independently lead a store upon successful completion of the MIT program.

Administrative & Other Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate records and complete required administrative tasks.
• Assist with reviewing store reports and communicating relevant information to the Store Manager.
• Support the execution of Company initiatives and programs.
• Travel to designated store locations, including out-of-state locations, as required for training and development.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support store operations and leadership development.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous retail, sales, or customer service experience.
• Demonstrated leadership potential and ability to take initiative.
• Strong sales, customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively lead, motivate, and develop associates.
• Proven ability to work toward and achieve sales and performance goals.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to learn and apply Company policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Basic proficiency with POS systems, scheduling software, and office applications.
• Ability to travel, including out-of-state travel, during the training period.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to relocate upon successful completion of the MIT program, depending on available Store Manager openings and business needs.

Preferred

• 1+ years of retail leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience in a commissioned sales environment.
• Experience coaching, training, and developing employees.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field.
• Experience with sales reporting, inventory management, or store operations.
• Previous experience in lighting, interior design, furniture, or a related specialty retail environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 25–40 lbs.
• Ability to bend, reach, climb ladders, and use standard store equipment.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements necessary to support daily store operations.

Work Environment

• Work is primarily performed in a retail store environment.
• Regular interaction with customers, store associates, leadership, and other Company personnel.
• During the initial training period, travel to various Company locations, including out-of-state locations, is required.
• May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and varying schedules based on business needs.
• Following successful completion of the MIT program, placement into a Store Manager role may require relocation based on available store openings and business needs.

Pay range: $27.00 -$29.00

Lamps Plus is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States; however, we are not able to sponsor visas for this role.