Retail Market Operations Trainee – Market Operations Development

Job Description

Retail Market Operations Trainee | Circle K

The Tone:
This is an entry-level development program at Circle K, designed for recent and upcoming college graduates in Business. The program will involve travel to Charlotte, NC, for a kickoff event, followed by in-person, field-based training within various business units. Circle K operates as one of the world’s leading convenience and fuel retail businesses, with over 14,200 stores across 26 countries, committed to simplifying daily life for its customers. This “College to Convenience Program” (C2C) is crucial for cultivating future Market Managers who will directly oversee multiple store operations, drive revenue growth, and ensure operational excellence and compliance within their assigned regions, contributing significantly to Circle K’s global mission.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, various regions (kickoff event in Charlotte, NC)

• Mission: This role prepares recent graduates to lead retail operations across multiple stores, focusing on efficiency, revenue growth, and consistent customer experience within Circle K’s global network.

What You’ll Actually Do
• National Leadership Experience: Begin the year-long program by attending a live leadership event in Charlotte, NC, alongside 30 college graduates from across the country.
• Business Unit Immersion: Spend time understanding the essential support functions within your assigned Business Unit, including Marketing, Human Resources, Health, Safety & Environment (HSE), Fuel, Facilities, and Finance.
• Operational Deep Dive: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the people, processes, and systems that underpin a major convenience and fuel retail business during your second phase of training.
• Market Manager Shadowing: Work closely with a high-performing Market Manager in Phase Three, observing their responsibilities and gradually taking on increased duties to build practical skills.
• Territory Leadership: Transition into your first official assignment as a certified Market Manager, starting with a smaller territory and progressing to manage larger regions as you develop confidence and expertise.
• Store Oversight and Development: Recruit, train, and oversee store managers, ensuring operational efficiency and consistent customer service levels across multiple stores.
• Financial Management: Monitor each store’s P&L reports, manage a regional budget, and address operational problems to ensure stores operate within financial targets.
• Strategic Alignment: Ensure marketing efforts are consistent, set regional goals like sales estimates, and act as a liaison between regional branches and company headquarters, providing recommendations to senior management.
• Regulatory Compliance: Uphold company and industry regulations, ensuring all stores meet safety and cleanliness standards throughout your assigned market.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Recent Fall 2023 college graduate or an upcoming Summer 2024 college graduate with a degree in Business management or a related field. This is an entry-level development program.
• Experience: Demonstrated quantitative aptitude or experience managing budgets; possession of a valid driver’s license is required for this field-based role.
• Skills: Proven leadership and decision-making ability; excellent time management and organizational skills; exceptional interpersonal skills; strong written and verbal communication; an analytical mindset with robust problem-solving capabilities.
• Bonus: Retail experience is highly desirable.