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Merchandising Development Program Trainee

Overall Job Summary

The Merchandising Development Program (MDP) is a 6-month accelerated, rotational training experience designed to develop the next generation of Merchandising talent at Tractor Supply Company. As an MDP Trainee, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the retail business through a combination of hands-on learning, cross-functional rotations, and structured development activities. With the guidance of a Program Lead, Rotation Manager(s), and MDP mentor, you’ll explore the foundational areas of Merchandising and its support functions, build proficiency in key business systems and retail metrics, and deepen your knowledge of Tractor Supply’s mission, values, and culture.

Throughout the program, Trainees will have opportunities to strengthen professional skills in areas such as time management, strategic thinking, and personal accountability. This program is designed to prepare participants for a successful career in Merchandising, with potential career paths in Buying, Pricing & Analytics, Product Development, Merchandise Presentation, or Merchandise Initiatives & Operations. Final job placement upon completion of the program is determined based on individual performance and current business needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Min 5%)

+ Participate in group and individual training sessions and demonstrate learning through successful completion of program assessments

+ Rotate through select Merchandising functions and gain exposure to Merchandising cross-functional support areas within the Store Support Center

+ Shadow Team Members and leaders to better understand merchandising processes and broader TSC business operations

+ Apply newly acquired knowledge in real-time through hands-on, guided assignments aligned with rotation goals

+ Visit TSC stores, local Distribution Center (DC), and the Merchandise Innovation Center (MIC)

+ Build presentation skills through opportunities to communicate with a variety of stakeholders — including vendors, cross-functional teams, and senior leadership — leading up to a final program presentation

+ Develop and refine an individual development plan (IDP) in partnership with the Program Lead and MDP Mentor, focused on long-term growth and placement readiness

Required Qualifications

Experience: Prior retail and leadership experience preferred.

Education: Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Retail Management, Supply Chain, Marketing or related field required. Internal candidates with equivalent experience will be considered.

Preferred knowledge, skills or abilities

+ Ability and proficiency in Microsoft Office software, especially Excel

+ Strong communication, problem solving, and interpersonal skills

+ Ability to self-motivate, work with a sense of urgency, and to prioritize tasks

+ Display a detail-oriented approach to work

+ Ability to positively handle conflict

+ Capable of working in a cross-functional environment

+ Display a detail-oriented approach to work

Working Conditions

+ Normal office working conditions

+ Occasional travel to stores, distribution centers, and other business locations

Physical Requirements

+ Sitting

+ Standing (not walking)

+ Walking

+ Lifting up to 20 pounds

+ Kneeling/Stooping/Bending

+ Driving a vehicle

Disclaimer

_This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. A team member should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor._

Company Info

At Tractor Supply and Petsense by Tractor Supply, our Team Members are the heart of our success. Their dedication, passion, and hard work drive everything we do, and we are committed to supporting them with a comprehensive and accessible benefits package. We understand the evolving needs of our Team Members and their families, and we strive to offer meaningful, competitive, and sustainable benefits that support their well-being today and in the future.

Our benefits extend beyond medical, dental, and vision coverage, including company-paid life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and family planning resources such as adoption and surrogacy assistance, for eligible Team Members. While all Team Members have access to a broad range of rewards, eligibility and specific offerings may vary depending on the role, individual plan requirements and eligibility criteria.

ALREADY A TEAM MEMBER?

You must apply or refer a friend through our internal portal

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CONNECTION

Our Mission and Values are more than just words on the wall - they’re the one constant in an ever-changing environment and the bedrock on which we build our culture. They're the core of who we are and the foundation of every decision we make. It’s not just what we do that sets us apart, but how we do it.

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EMPOWERMENT

We believe in managing your time for business and personal success, which is why we empower our Team Members to lead balanced lives through our benefits and total rewards offerings. For full-time and eligible part-time TSC and Petsense Team Members. We care about what you care about!

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OPPORTUNITY

A lot of care goes into providing legendary service at Tractor Supply Company, which is why our Team Members are our top priority. Want a career with a clear path for growth? Your Opportunity is Out Here at Tractor Supply and Petsense.

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**Nearest Major Market:** Nashville