At Southern States, the training and development of our staff is one of our most valued initiatives. Our training department is committed to ensuring that we truly are the “People Who Know” by ensuring that our employees have access to the necessary tools to aid them in performing to their fullest capacities.
“Southern States has given me the opportunity to meet and learn from people from all departments in the organization. I have enjoyed the hands-on training, and the opportunity to sharpen my management skills.”
-Patrick McMillen,
Management Trainee,
class of 2007
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This, coupled with our ongoing efforts to grow our comprehensive cache of training materials and learning solutions, helps to guarantee that the needs of our employees and customers are satisfied. Personal development is an ongoing process at Southern States. Because we expect exceptional performance from our staff to deliver quality products and services to our customers, we consistently develop and support employees at all levels of our organization. Through Pride University, learning and personal development is supported through several mediums, including classroom training and workshops, e-learning (computer based courses available any time, any day at the touch of a button), On the Job (OJT) training, self-study, webinars, and outside seminars and/or conferences. This ensures that employees have the knowledge, skills and certifications they need to remain effective and proactive in their skill areas.
Retail Management Trainee Program
In addition to the many opportunities within Pride University, we are also proud of the Southern States Management Trainee Program. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, a Retail Management Associate position in the Management Trainee Program might be right for you. Working with an experienced Manager in a Southern States retail location, you will receive comprehensive training in all aspects of running a business. And you will have the chance to utilize your skills and knowledge in a structured environment where you will receive feedback about your performance.
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"I never imagined I would be
meeting and shaking hands with some very powerful people in the company. The people in the company all seem to be very interested in the new faces and remember us at other functions. The Southern States Management Training program is exciting, challenging and
awe-inspiring."
-David See,
Management Trainee,
class of 2005
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With over 1200 retail locations, Southern States is constantly searching for individuals to join our Management Trainee Program. Developing and growing leaders is critical to our success. This extensive program provides opportunities and training for new managers to learn about Southern States retail management procedures from the ground up. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, a Southern States Retail Management Associate position might be right for you.
Southern States wants managers who are operators, visionaries and who can stand the test of time, technology and competition. The management development program provides flexibility to you and your training manager by allowing you to concentrate on subjects that are applicable to your location or career interests. A management assignment allows you to utilize your skills and knowledge in a structured environment where you will receive feedback about your performance.
"Working with Southern States is
a pleasant experience. I have enjoyed learning about the company and getting to meet so many people. I see a bright future for Southern States, and I am glad that I can be a part of it."
-Stuart Ramsey, Management Trainee,
class of 2005
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Responsibilities
Management Trainee Program associates hone their expertise through:
- “Shadowing” assignments at the beginning of the program that give an overview of the entire business
- Daily immersion in the operations of the business, working with an experienced Manager
- Studies in operations, management and leadership
- Hands-on training in special areas of interest (merchandising, crops, feed, others)
- A capstone First Management Assignment, offering the opportunity to influence performance of a profit center for 3 months
The Management Trainee Program also offers flexibility to you and your training Manager by allowing you to concentrate on subjects that are applicable to your store location and/or your own career interests.
“This is an excellent program, and I hope to be able to take part as a Training Manager in the future.
It has really set me on a great career path.”
–Stephen Broyles, Management Trainee class of 2006 |
Career Path
After successfully completing the Management Trainee Program, Management Associates will be assigned as Assistant Managers. It is expected that the successful associate will progress to the level of Manager within two to three years.
Completion of the Management Trainee Program also opens other career opportunities at Southern States. Employees may pursue positions in sales, technical support or other staff positions through the Southern States Career Opportunities job posting procedure. The Management Associate position in the Management Trainee Program is a key entry-level position. Many of Southern States’ Management began their careers in this position.
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Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, business, or related field preferred or Associate degrees and experienced retail managers without degrees also are encouraged to apply
- Enthusiasm, a good work ethic and desire to provide exceptional customer service are musts
- Willingness to relocate
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“The program was great, and I enjoyed it! I could not have asked for anything better, from the store employees all the way up. Most companies do not take time to train their employees as well as Southern States.”
-Anna Munday, Management Trainee, class of 2006
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Take our Management Associate Job Fit Assessment to see if we might be right for each other.
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