Area Manager

About the role

The Area Manager is responsible for the management and development of a group of Retail Service Merchandisers/Lead Merchandisers, and for representing the company, our clients, and our customers by effectively supervising and managing project work. The ideal candidate is a self‑starter, quick learner, with strong attention to detail, and is effective at leading and managing a geographically distributed team. Excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to build relationships with business partners, are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership and management to the Retail Service Merchandiser/Lead Merchandiser team in the assigned geographic area by interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training new associates; managing performance, career development, conflict, and personnel issues; and providing coaching and support.
• Develop a strong understanding of the company’s business model, client and customer expectations, and project work processes; work in the field periodically to better understand project requirements.
• Provide backup support for project work as needed.
• Manage assigned project work to completion, on time, and with high‑quality results; review project details to verify schedule accuracy and supporting documentation; assign work to team members; monitor progress, audit work, answer questions, solve problems, resolve personnel issues, adjust resources, and ensure delivery of all necessary materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Partner with store personnel and the team to achieve and maintain merchandising excellence, discuss schedules and changes, meet goals, build effective working relationships, and proactively alert management to unsafe acts or conditions.
• Report and discuss observations, issues, and business solutions with the Market Manager.
• Effectively use web‑based applications to receive project notifications, review documentation, maintain team profiles, assign work, monitor progress, record mileage, expenses, time and attendance, and manage training activities; utilize the company’s retail reports and reporting systems.
• Prepare, process, submit, and manage documentation related to assigned project work and the Retail Service Merchandiser/Lead Merchandiser team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent (industry‑specific required).
• 2+ years of management and/or supervisory experience.
• Prior sales agent, retail, customer service, or reset experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, decision‑making, and leadership skills.
• Ability to read and communicate effectively with others.
• Proficiency with web‑based applications, email, word processing, and spreadsheet software.

Physical Requirements

• Sit for extended periods (typically 6+ hours per day).
• Use a computer, including keyboard and mouse, for prolonged periods.
• Lift and carry light items (e.g., files, office supplies, laptops, typically 20+ pounds).
• Reach, bend, or stoop occasionally to access files or office materials.
• Maintain focus and attention for long periods of desk‑based work.
• Follow clear directions.
• Perform repetitive motions (e.g., typing, clicking) consistently throughout the day.

About Us

Premium Retail Services is part of Acosta Group – a collective of trusted retail, marketing, and foodservice agencies reimagining how people connect with brands at every point in their shopping journey. Since 1985, Premium has been a top provider of sales and merchandising services, reshaping retail through innovation and excellence for hundreds of renowned brands across retail categories. With 12,000+ employees across the U.S. and Canada, we are a people‑first company that values internal development, promotes from within, and encourages employees to innovate and expand new horizons.

Pay

Salary Range: $50,000 – $55,000 per year.