Retail Operations Intern

Job Description

Retail Management Internship: Run a Branch, Build Your Career!

Are you a future manager, entrepreneur, or sales leader? Forget stocking shelves all summer. Our Retail Branch Management Internship throws you right into the heart of the business, giving you hands-on experience in leadership, sales strategy, and customer relationship management at one of our agricultural retail locations.

You'll work directly with the Branch Manager, learning exactly what it takes to run a successful, customer-focused enterprise from day one.

The Internship Challenge: Beyond the Counter

This isn't just a summer job; it's a deep dive into branch operations. You'll spend May through August on-site at our New Philadelphia or Lisbon, Ohio location, learning every facet of our retail business, from inventory flow to team coordination.

Your mission is to understand and improve:

Daily Operations: Mastering cash handling, inventory management, and store presentation.

Sales Strategy: Monitoring performance, implementing promotional campaigns, and analyzing sales reports.

Team Leadership: Contributing to scheduling, task coordination, and observing key managerial decision-making.

Essential Functions: What You'll Be Doing

Operational Control: Assist with day-to-day branch activities and ensure superior customer service, upholding our Core Values.

Merchandising & Sales: Collaborate with teams to execute in-store displays and promotions, and help track sales performance.

Data & Analysis: Analyze sales and operational data to spot opportunities for improved efficiency and profitability.

Compliance & Safety: Help maintain adherence to company policies and safety standards (including training related to agricultural products and chemicals).

Management Exposure: Observe and participate in decision-making, problem-solving, and conflict resolution alongside the Branch Manager.

Qualifications: Ready to Lead?

Required Qualifications

Academic Standing: Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Marketing, or a related field.

Interest: Strong interest in retail operations, sales, and management.

Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Work Ethic: Proactive, organized, and eager to learn.

Software: Basic proficiency in the Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) or similar tools.

License: Valid driver's license with acceptable MVR (required for travel/site needs).

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: Prior retail or customer service experience.

Leadership: Leadership or team coordination experience (e.g., student organizations, volunteer roles).

Mindset: Analytical mindset with attention to detail.

Physical & Environmental Factors

This role is highly active and requires a professional, safety-conscious approach.

High Activity: Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours) and move quickly in a busy environment.

Physical Demands: Requires frequent reaching, bending, and lifting of merchandise or supplies up to 25–50 pounds and occasional climbing of ladders.

Chemical Exposure: Routine exposure to agricultural chemicals (pesticides, fertilizers, fuels) in the retail environment, requiring adherence to specific training and the use of PPE.

Terrain: Work may involve navigating unpredictable, uneven terrain outside the facility (e.g., in yard/storage areas).

DISCLAIMER

The job description is not intended to cover or describe all tasks, duties and responsibilities the employee may be required to be asked to perform. Heritage Cooperative retains the right to change or add new tasks, duties and responsibilities at any time, with or without notice to the employee.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Evidence of work authorization upon employment is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Completion of USCIS form I-9 will be required in order to verify employment eligibility within 3 business days of the first day of employment.

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

Heritage Cooperative provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Heritage Cooperative complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Heritage Cooperative expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Heritage Cooperative’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including termination.