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 total reward 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 all full-time Team Members and all part-time Team Members. Part time new hires gain eligibility for TSC Benefits by averaging at least 15 hours per week during their 90-day lookback period. The lookback period starts the first of the month following the date of hire. If the 15-hour requirement was met, the benefits eligibility date will be the first day of the month following 4 months of continuous service.

 

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