District Manager

About the role

This position will cover approximately around 20 stores in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Raleigh, & Fayetteville area. Reporting to the SVP of Retail, the District Sales Manager is responsible for all activities and sales results in the district.

Responsibilities

• Staffing and Training
• Ensures the district is fully staffed and maintains quality bench strength to support the needs of the business
• Hiring – Create a talent pipeline by developing and maintaining proactive staffing plans for the district; plan & coordinate hiring (pre-screening, interviewing, reference checks) through others for vacancies in stores within their district.
• Work with store managers to ensure that all employees are adequately trained in procedures and product knowledge; Ensure that the training program is utilized within their district.
• Control payroll expenses by overseeing the store scheduling budgeted hours. Ensure store manager is scheduling based on business needs
• Complete an analysis of the labor reports each pay period.
• Performance Management and appraisal – Complete annual performance evaluations of all district’s StoreManagers and ensure that Store Managers complete evaluations of staff.
• Ensure performance issues are dealt with in a professional and timely manner; staff merit increases, and position changes follow HR guidelines.
• Motivate, coach, develop and performance manage teams focused on the expected customer experience and selling model.
• Ensure that company values are upheld and properly represented within the area.
• Health & Safety – ensure store managers enforce all health & safety requirements, i.e., utilizing protective devices, completion of accident reports, etc.
• Motivate, coach, counsel and develop teams focused on selling.
• Manage and approve vacation requests ensuring stores are always adequately scheduled.
• Arrange travel for self and managers to attend company meetings and training seminars securing the best rates possible.
• Operational & Customer Excellence
• Complete monthly store visits
• Ensure store ambiance, merchandising execution, and operational standards are met in every store. Provide coaching and assess brand standards 2/per quarter.
• Validates consistency with use of tools and processes and ensures company directives are implemented by deadlines specified.
• Build relationships and drive ongoing customer satisfaction, track customer ratings and reviews and action as needed.
• Ensure all stores adhere to corporate standards by ensuring Store Managers audit and address any lapses.
• Monitor inventory levels in stores to ensure that company standards and tolerances are met; Where variances exist, develops and follows up on action plans developed with the store manager.
• Maintain vendor relations by submitting invoices and purchase orders in a timely manner.
• Ensure loss prevention directives are in place. Work directly with LP Manager in cases of employee theft.
• Sales Leadership
• Regularly monitor customer service model within stores to ensure all staff interact with customers in a professional manner; Resolve serious customer complaints and/or where the manager requires assistance.
• Provide regular feedback and partnership to Senior Leadership on improvements needed to grow the business and improve processes.
• Conduct regular conference calls with district team to review results, provide direction on what is important to drive sales.
• Participate in regional conference calls, offering insight on business trends and plans.
• Complete quarterly district business plans of action.
• Complete annual business review.
• Foster a sales and profit focused positive environment in the district.
• Store and Chain Growth
• Ensure Operation Department’s responsibilities in district store makeovers are completed on time
• Aid in the opening/closing/relocation/makeovers of stores as required.
• Ensure that all new stores are operational upon opening— i.e. open on time, with well-trained staff
• Monitor local competition and reports to the Real Estate department on relevant market activity, i.e., construction, anchor tenant changes, mall renovations, new home development
• Inventory/Merchandising
• Oversee inventory levels at stores and ensure store management is maintaining inventory levels ensuring stock does not deplete.
• Ensure stores are in compliance of organizational standards and stockroom/restroom standards are met.
• Ensure physical inventories are accurate and counts are taken.
• Eliminate loss and maintain store ambiance by ensuring 13-week cleaning rotations are implemented in every store.
• Control loss by destroying damaged goods at store level.
• Ensure aquarium systems are to standards and that water tests within proper range to minimize loss in fish.
• Ensure only corporate approved fixtures and advertisement promotional materials are used in stores.
• Ensure store ambiance and merchandising execution standards are met in every store.
• Communication
• Shares best practices, successes and opportunities with the organization.
• Streamline all communication and ensure company directives are implemented by deadlines specified.
• Participate in special projects administered from corporate office.
• Participate in community events through planning, organizing and executing as needed.
• Works closely with store and corporate teams to bridge any communication and operational gaps to increase effectiveness and production.
• Ensure that store deficiencies are reported, and addressed
• Review memoranda, faxes, emails and distributes information to the region as required and ensure they are acted upon
• Complete and submit reports on operations – Brand Standards, Quarterly Business plans of action etc.

Requirements

College level graduate (preferably from a Business, Retail or Marketing program and/or extensive retail experience

Minimum of 2 to 3 years retail chain experience at a District or multi-store management level leading 10+ stores in a large retail chain; ideally gained in a progressive operations roles

Demonstrate strong retail visual merchandising skills

Ability to travel, visit stores and attend meetings

Proficiency with Word and Excel software programs

Strong time management and prioritization skills