Ross Stores is dedicated to building a workforce that reflects our core values, drives our business growth, and strengthens the communities we serve. We understand that our Associates are the heart of our success, which is why we offer comprehensive programs designed to recruit, train, develop, and retain top talent across all levels of our organization. If you’re looking for a fulfilling career with opportunities for growth and advancement, Ross Stores could be the perfect place for you. Learn more about our commitment to our employees and how to start your application at Www Rossstores Com Application.
Investing in Your Future: Training and Development Programs at Ross Stores
At Ross Stores, we believe in empowering our Associates to reach their full potential. Our robust training and development programs are a testament to this commitment. From your first day, you’ll have access to a variety of learning opportunities tailored to support your individual growth and career aspirations. These programs include:
- e-Learning Classes: A vast library of online courses covering a wide range of skills and knowledge areas relevant to your role and career path. In 2023 alone, Ross Associates completed over two million e-Learning courses, demonstrating our dedication to continuous learning.
- Instructor-Led Courses: Engaging in-person and virtual training sessions led by experienced instructors, providing hands-on learning and interactive experiences.
- On-the-Job Training: Practical, hands-on training within your specific role, allowing you to learn by doing and gain valuable experience in a real-world setting.
- Feedback and Coaching: Ongoing support and guidance from managers and experienced colleagues to help you refine your skills, improve performance, and achieve your goals.
- Career Development Programs: Structured programs designed to help Associates at all levels advance their careers within Ross Stores, providing pathways for growth and leadership development.
Our training approach is personalized, complementing initial onboarding with individual development plans that are initiated from day one. We utilize a blended learning model, incorporating in-person sessions with dynamic digital learning platforms to maximize engagement and knowledge retention.
Alt text: Ross Stores Associate participating in a training session, highlighting the company’s commitment to employee development.
Specialized Training for Diverse Roles:
Ross Stores recognizes that each area of our business requires unique expertise. We provide targeted training to ensure Associates have the specific skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective roles. Examples include:
- Buying Offices: Emphasizing an “Apprenticeship Model,” new Associates learn directly from experienced managers through hands-on experience and real-time coaching. This is supplemented by instructor-led training and e-Learning modules to build a strong foundation in buying and merchandising.
- Corporate Office: Associates gain access to thousands of learning resources covering a broad spectrum of competencies, from technical skills to leadership development. Opportunities include live events, technology bootcamps, and instructor-led courses, fostering continuous professional growth.
- Store Leadership: Our “Lead Your Career” program supports new Store Leaders with comprehensive formal and on-the-job training. Experienced leaders provide ongoing coaching and feedback, ensuring a smooth transition and successful leadership development. New retail Associates also benefit from a combination of e-Learning and on-the-job training, guided by experienced peers.
- Distribution Centers: The Supervisor in Training (SIT) program is specifically designed to develop future Distribution Center Supervisors. Participants receive mentorship from both Managers and Supervisors, learning essential leadership skills, operational metrics, best practices, and processes. The program culminates in opportunities to apply these skills by leading their own teams.
Recognizing the diversity of our workforce, several Distribution Centers offer on-site Spanish and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. This initiative promotes effective communication, breaks down language barriers, and offers Associates valuable opportunities for personal and professional enrichment through language acquisition.
For students interested in a career in retail, Ross Stores offers hands-on internship programs in our Buying Offices. Visit the Campus section of our Careers website, accessible through www rossstores com application, to explore internship opportunities and launch your career with Ross.
Cultivating Internal Talent: Growing Your Career at Ross Stores
At Ross Stores, we’re not just offering jobs; we’re building careers. We are deeply committed to the professional growth of our Associates. We’ve identified core competencies essential to our business model and customer value proposition, and these competencies guide our team development initiatives.
We take immense pride in the fact that many of our current managers and executives have risen through the ranks, starting their Ross careers in entry-level positions. In 2023, an impressive 80 percent of our Store Leaders – including Area Supervisors, Assistant Store Managers, and Store Managers – began as hourly retail Associates at Ross Dress for Less and dd’s DISCOUNTS stores. Similarly, in our Distribution Centers, over 60 percent of supervisors and managers were promoted from within.
Alt text: Ross Stores Associate receiving a promotion certificate, illustrating the company’s focus on internal career advancement.
Freida, now Vice President of Domestic Inbound Transportation, is a shining example of career growth at Ross. Joining the company in 2001, Freida started as an Inbound Domestic Planner and steadily progressed through various logistics roles, reaching her current VP position in 2022. She attributes her long tenure and success to the supportive Ross culture, consistent recognition, and strong collaborative environment.
Ileana, a Zone Director from our Stores organization, joined Ross 19 years ago as a part-time seasonal Associate. Through continuous feedback and mentorship from senior leaders, Ileana honed her leadership skills and advanced through multiple roles before becoming Zone Director in 2022. Inspired by her own journey, Ileana is now dedicated to providing similar growth opportunities for other Associates.
Ross Stores actively supports Associates who aspire to leadership roles, providing them with the necessary training and experience for upward mobility. In 2023, 72 percent of managerial openings in Stores and field leadership positions were filled through internal promotions. Company-wide, 36 percent of supervisors and above were promoted last year, highlighting our commitment to developing and promoting talent from within.
Discover more about career paths and Associate success stories at Ross Stores by visiting our Careers website, easily accessible via www rossstores com application.
Hiring Locally: Supporting Our Communities
Ross Stores is committed to supporting local economies and residents in the communities where we operate. When opening new Ross Dress for Less or dd’s DISCOUNTS stores, or Distribution Centers, we prioritize hiring from the local community. In fiscal year 2023, we opened 97 new stores, creating 3,200 new jobs and contributing significantly to local employment.
To fill these roles, we actively participate in job fairs and partner with community organizations and agencies like the YMCA and local Employment Development Department Offices. We believe in building strong relationships within our communities and providing job opportunities to local residents.
As emphasized in our Diversity, Equality, & Inclusion initiatives, Ross Stores embraces an inclusive hiring approach. We strive to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds, encompassing all races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, and life experiences. We believe in providing equal opportunities for all.
To ensure fairness and safety, we only inquire about criminal history after extending a job offer. We conduct individualized assessments for candidates with certain criminal histories, considering all relevant information before making employment decisions, even beyond legal requirements. For most positions, a college degree is not mandatory, and we support Associates who wish to pursue further education. We are also proactive in providing accommodations for candidates and Associates with disabilities, fostering an accessible and inclusive workplace.
Alt text: Ross Stores ribbon-cutting ceremony at a new store opening, signifying job creation and community investment.
Honoring Service: Military Recruiting Program
Ross Stores proudly supports members of the U.S. Armed Services transitioning to civilian life through our Military Recruiting Program. We recognize that veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses possess valuable teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills that align perfectly with our company culture and talent needs.
Our Military Recruiting Program offers diverse entry points across our organization, matching individual service, experience, and interests with suitable roles. We value the unique skills and dedication that military personnel bring to our workforce.
Ross Stores partners with numerous organizations to support our veteran and military spouse hiring initiatives. We are signatories of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve statement, demonstrating our commitment to military Associates. We have also proudly supported the Military Spouse Employment Partnership program of the U.S. Department of Defense since 2014.
In fiscal year 2023, we hired over 1,800 veterans and 1,000 military spouses, and over the past five years, Ross Stores has hired over 15,000 veterans and military spouses, reflecting our ongoing dedication to supporting the military community.
Learn more about our Military Recruiting Program and how your military experience can translate into a successful career at Ross Stores by visiting our Careers website through www rossstores com application.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ross Stores is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. For detailed information, please refer to our full EEO statement. Our EEO-1 report data table is available in the Diversity, Equality, & Inclusion section of our corporate responsibility report.
Ready to Join the Ross Stores Team?
If you are seeking a dynamic and rewarding career with a company that invests in its employees and values diversity and inclusion, Ross Stores is the place for you. Take the first step towards your future today. Visit www rossstores com application to explore current job openings and submit your application online. We look forward to welcoming you to the Ross Stores family!
