About Us

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. With a wide array of necessities ranging from food and feed to farm and home products, Rural King serves over 150 locations across 17 states and is constantly expanding. Our annual sales exceed $2.5 Billion, and our heart beats in Mattoon, IL, home to our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store.

One thing our customers appreciate is our unique shopping experience, complete with complimentary popcorn and coffee. It's just one way we show our appreciation for their support.

At Rural King, we value our associates and strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace. We offer growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a people-first environment where dedicated individuals come together to serve rural communities passionately. Join us, and you'll find not just a job but a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

How We Reward You

401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2%

Healthcare plans to support your needs

Virtual doctor visits

Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program

15% Associate Discount

Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program

Associate Assistance Program

RK Cares Associate Hardship Program

24/7 Chaplaincy Services

Company paid YMCA Family Membership

What You’ll Do

The primary role of the Store Manager in Training is to develop knowledge and understanding of the day-to-day store operations, customer service, and merchandising under the supervision and direction of a Store Manager. This position requires strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and supervise associates. Also included are establishing an interactive sales approach, keen awareness of safety & loss prevention, maintenance of store cleanliness and appearance, excellent customer service, and a positive attitude. The average training period is 6 months with the expectation that the Store Manager in Training is open to relocation to another store for the promotion to Store Manager.

• Direct the operations of the assigned store
• Direct all store personnel to build revenue and meet sales goals
• Ensure attractive, safe, and accurately priced merchandise displays and floor plans
• Recruit, train, & develop personnel
• Take a hands-on approach with directing daily goals for the Assistant Store Managers
• Be a positive and professional “role model” for the team
• Lead our associates in a way that exemplifies the leadership principles taught in Thrive and reinforces Thrive skills with managers reporting to you
• Find solutions to associate and customer questions and concerns
• Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the building and grounds
• Develop the product knowledge and sales techniques of the team
• Demonstrate effective and consistent communications and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate effective problem-solving and analytical skills
• Become an expert with standard concepts and practices within the retail environment
• Maximize inventory, cash control, and loss prevention techniques
• Establish and preserve a positive work atmosphere
• Use general office equipment such as telephone, copy machine, fax machine, calculator, computer
• Operate Telxon gun, forklift, pallet jack, ladder, and other retail equipment
• May be required to cross train and perform other duties

Supervisory Responsibilities
Yes

Essential Qualities for Success

• 2+ years retail management experience
• Be an outgoing self-starter who enjoys working with people.
• Computer knowledge in Excel and Word
• Proficient User of computer software systems
• Ability to interact with the team in a fast-paced environment, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and efficient.
• Ability to multi-task and coordinate, analyze, observe, make decisions, and meet deadlines in a detail-oriented manner.
• Ability to work independently without supervision.
• Flexibility with hours: ability to work a 50-hour workweek (10-hour shifts, 5 days per week) with varied hours, days, night, and weekends as business dictates.
• Must meet federal requirements to qualify to obtain a Federal Firearms License (FFL) and any applicable local requirements.
• Ability to access and use the in-store computer, scanning system, and wireless hand-held unit.
• Ability to participate in our online applicant and new hire onboarding process remotely.
• Ability to complete computer-based training.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, and/or pull a minimum of 30 pounds repetitively and 31-50 pounds intermittently.
• Ability to stand and/or walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to use a ladder and/or pallet jack.
• Ability to communicate effectively to all audiences.
• Good visual acuity
• Close vision for computer work
• Repetitive wrist movements on keyboard
• Ability to walk up and down stairs multiple times per day.
• Ability to verbally communicate effectively and professionally with all audiences (in-person or via handheld transceiver)

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.