RML Program (Dept Mgr); Any Thoughts?

Joined: 21 Feb 2009 Posts: 2

Hey guys,
I just went through my first interview for the Retail Management Leadership program with Lowe's. I've done some browsing here and have seen mention of other training programs like EMTP, MTP, OMTP, etc., but I have not seen anything about this RML program. I am graduating in May and like I said, I just made it past the first interview on my campus. The second interview is at their regional office in MA. I was told I would start as a department manager. Does anyone know anything about this program and care to share? Specifically:

- How many interviews are there? I really can't remember what my interviewer told me; he either said 2 or perhaps one more, with a store visit where they want to place me. Can anyone confirm?
- What is the starting pay? Is $30,000 unrealistic to expect (approx $14.50 p/hr)?
- How long does a typical candidate take to advance to the next level. And the next level is zone manager, correct?
- What is the pay at the next level?

Also, please feel free to share any thoughts at all on the program and on Lowe's in general.

Thanks in advance!
Jon

Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 461

I'm just a bit well...I'm not sure what to say because I haven't heard of this either. How did you find out about the job? I ask because if they didn't tell you what store that leaves me thinking this is a bit odd.

"- What is the starting pay? Is $30,000 unrealistic to expect (approx $14.50 p/hr)?"

The pay depends on the area. If you are in mass just keep in mind a few things

1) corporate might have a no OT policy but it has holes in it. sundays are OT for anyone hourly in mass (I think that's where you are from) same with holidays. Infact you don't have to work sundays or holidays see this
http://tinyurl.com/2bl2hz

2) there's also commissions. Some are for special orders (sos) and some are for direct commissions called a spiff. Some departments are far more apt to make more. Appliances is the most obvious but also flooring, decor, plumbing and millwork. You aren't going to find much for hardware, tools, electrical and lumber.

3) being a dept manager you probably are going to have to use power equipment. They'll train you and it isn't that big of an issue. Some departments are more apt to use them than others.

"- How long does a typical candidate take to advance to the next level. And the next level is zone manager, correct?"

It isn't in terms of time it's another training course. MTP I think is about a week or so and they'd put you up in a hotel.

"- What is the pay at the next level?"

that depends. at that level it's mostly based on bonuses. there's no spiffs or sos. there's no sunday/holiday ot. IF a place can bonus then sure I guess it would work.

Personally I'd say what you said for pay is realistic but always ask for more than what you want. I'd say the most would be $18/hr but I highly doubt someone new would be making that. Also it depends as to what amount of departments you have.

Joined: 19 Oct 2003 Posts: 2801

Joined: 21 Feb 2009 Posts: 2

Joined: 22 Jun 2008 Posts: 98

The dept managers at my store make 25k. They only make that much because they were hired in at that position. The ones who worked their way up from associates make less. Keep in mind that you don't work 40 hours per work. The average for dept. managers is 37-39 hours max. Overtime is a big no-no. When you reach zone, you can kiss your family and friends goodbye. On the bright side, you have struck retail gold with a salary in the low to mid 30's.

Joined: 18 Jul 2008 Posts: 146 Location: Region 1

Salary figures vary by market regions. The figures quoted by LowesMillworks are low when compared to the salaries in the market I'm in. DM's in my store average $35-42K, depending on how long they have been in that position. So ... asking for $35K is not a bad starting point. They can only say "no," and then the fun begins.

Joined: 01 Feb 2008 Posts: 546

I'm sure this is a program for external collegiate hires. These guys are correct in saying get your money up front because you won't get much later on down the road. A department manager really isn't that big of a deal to be hired into. Don't be surprised if you don't have any support from those under you. You won't know the Lowe's culture. Many people have to work their way up the ladder (and they have college degrees too) by learning the culture in order to be promoted. You may find someone willing to help you learn. Then again you may not.

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