Retail Development Program Overview  

Belk offers talented and ambitious recent graduates the opportunity to work in multiple areas of our business. The Retail Development Program (RDP) is a fast-paced three-month program designed to prepare recent college graduates for a full-time role at Belk. We offer opportunities in several of our business functions including Merchandising, Planning, Supply Chain and more! The program focuses on key components to support your development: Education, Experience, Exposure, Innovation and Results. 

The Retail Development Program – Planning will hire a class of program participants in our Charlotte, NC headquarters. RDPs are required to move and live in the Charlotte, NC Metro area.

Planning - Position Summary  

The Retail Development Program – Planning prepares you for your first position as an Assistant Planner. The primary responsibilities of an Assistant Planner will include building merchandise financial plans that support the merchandise strategies while achieving corporate financial goals. In addition, you will work independently and partner with the Planner to conduct key business analysis, to maximize profitability. Through our hands-on learning approach, participants assume job responsibilities quickly while completing a robust learning curriculum. In addition to on-the-job learning, participants will engage with a variety of senior leaders across the company, attend networking events and learn from top talent in the business.  Planning RDPs are placed within a Buying office to experience the job first-hand. Participants are also matched with mentors to help acclimate to Belk and develop on the job.   

On the Job  

• Work in a fast paced, dynamic, test and learn environment  

• Become the store expert in your assigned office  

• Learn to create and leverage planning ladders to speak to sales, pricing and stock related risks 

• Create data driven recaps on business to incorporate into future season strategies to drive the profitability of your office 

• Support and drive the profitability of your office/department with your Buyer and Planner 

• Support development of style/SKU counts and replenishment strategies by location/cluster 

• Analyze current sales trend, inventory levels and past selling history to help develop distribution strategies and support allocations to achieve optimal inventory levels by store 

• Provide business support through report generation and analysis of business results  

Position Requirements  

• Bachelor's degree required; Strong academic performance in business, finance, operations, or another related field, strongly preferred.  

• Must have graduated between May 2026 - December 2026 and be able to start full time January 2027 

• Prior internship in field is strongly preferred. 

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Advanced Excel 

• Passion for solving problems; strong analytical skills and aptitude with numbers 

• Open to learning, able to adapt to changing circumstances and reprioritize tasks as needed 

• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and partners at all levels of the organization  

• Must be authorized to work in the United States and not require work authorization sponsorship by Belk for this position now or in the future