From Seasonal Hire to District Manager: A Kohl’s Associate Shares Her Story

District Manager, Amy Pellman, Shares Insights from Her Career Journey at Kohl’s.

With the holidays just around the corner, Kohl's is currently hiring seasonal associates at all 1,100+ stores, distribution and e-fulfillment centers and credit center locations across the country. Our candidates look to Kohl’s for seasonal positions for a number of reasons, and a seasonal role can lead to a career in retail. Year-over-year we have a number of associates who join the team and love their time at Kohl’s so much so that they stay on with us long-term.

Amy Pellman, a Kohl's district manager in California, started as a seasonal associate and went on to continue her journey at Kohl’s. We sat down with Amy to hear more about her career at Kohl's...

How did you get your start at Kohl's? Describe your first role.
My journey with Kohl’s began at a store in Missouri as it was just opening. I was part of the seasonal hiring team as a housewares associate and was looking to get back into retail after staying home and raising my family. Shortly after this, I was asked to become an operations area supervisor, which gave me more responsibility and a bigger scope of my role. Being in this position was critical to my success with Kohl’s. It taught me the operational processes that are key to the success of a store and imperative to driving sales. A strong operational process is the heartbeat of the store.

At what point did you know that you wanted to continue your career path at Kohl's beyond seasonal employment?
From the moment I walked into my first Kohl’s store, it felt like family. Each team member treated everyone like they were a part of something bigger and had the potential to do more. My management team was always looking to develop others, and I have had so many mentors in my career that saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. I have carried that with me and am always looking to develop others. Who can I develop and how can I change their lives like Kohl’s has changed mine?

You've progressed through your career and are currently a district manager with oversight of more than 10 stores. How has your experience as a seasonal associate at Kohl's made you a better district manager?
Working my way up through almost every position has given me a lot of knowledge and experience. I have created a lot of partnerships and made connections with others that have been vital. There are so many knowledgeable people at Kohl’s that are willing to help; like I said, we are one big family. I have worked in the Midwest, the Arizona market and now California. I have seen so many people grow and develop and be promoted into so many different positions — it’s incredible! My pool of connections continues to build, and this means my ability to help others grows as well. Building great teams is a core value of Kohl’s, and it’s one that I take very seriously.

What's been one of your favorite moments during your career path at Kohl's?
Seeing people develop and grow into strong leaders warms my heart. Kohl’s gave that to me, and I want to give back. I have helped to support at least five hourly associates be promoted to store manager, several assistant store managers to store managers, one store manager to district manager, and currently have another on the path to become a district manager. I have also have had the opportunity to promote multiple hourly associates to area supervisors, expanding their responsibility and scope of role within the store. Development of others is why we are here! Yes, we are here to drive sales and run a strong, sustainable business, but without our people, we can do no such thing. It is our obligation to build a strong team. A team of driven, committed, passionate, loyal and integrity-filled leaders; those that also want to give back and see others succeed.

What's your favorite part about working at Kohl's?
I love my job. I love getting up every day and coming to work. I love my team and the people I work for. I love what this company stands for and the reasons why we do it. I can’t say there is a favorite thing. Kohl’s has been loyal to me and I want to continue to give back. I owe Kohl’s more than it owes me. I will continue to work diligently for this company and the mentors who have so graciously guided me.

For more information on seasonal positions or other career opportunities at Kohl’s, visit Careers.Kohls.com.