3 years. Dont wait that long, i kept getting promises and promises. Had a good relationship with my hrs, etls, and sds (pluralised because they kept coming and going) so i had to keep proving myself over and over. Worked closely with my dsd at the time and would go to stores to help all over with planoramas, remodels, amd just plain failing stores. Finally had enough and said i was going to find a new job amd got promoted 2 days later.
Apply the job. On the bench doesnt really have a time limit or time frame because obviously they need a position open for them. Apply for any leadership position, itll help in the long run to know more roles. Can always change roles later if someone leaves or if a tl shuffle occurs.