DSW Store Manager

About the role

Join a community whose core values ground every decision. At DSW, we celebrate individuality, foster growth, and empower associates to put their best foot forward—both for our customers and themselves. This role reports to the Market Leader.

Our Values

• We Love What We Do: Bring positive energy and enthusiasm.
• We Own What We Do: Give and receive feedback openly and embrace change as opportunities for growth.
• We Do What’s Right: Model high standards of honesty and integrity.
• We Belong: Value unique experiences and encourage different perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Empower the customer experience:
  • Elevate the in-store experience by modeling, supervising, and coaching associates on behaviors that achieve store goals and KPIs.
  • Develop and communicate store strategies aligned with company objectives.
  • Foster a growth mindset, promote innovation, and cultivate solution-oriented ideas.
  • Deliver financial plans to drive KPI performance weekly, monthly, and quarterly; adjust strategies based on business shifts.
  • Create a culture of recognition, reinforcing behaviors that meet customer and business needs.
  • Resolve customer and associate feedback with urgency.
• Ensure consistent customer experiences:
  • Strategically plan and direct merchandise movement based on customer trends.
  • Communicate store-specific inventory recommendations to the Market Leader.
  • Oversee execution of sales floor standards, maintenance, and operations.
  • Develop a cohesive talent strategy to meet business needs.
  • Lead by example and hold the team accountable for following policies and procedures.
• Leverage in-store and digital services:
  • Oversee inventory activities, including freight receipt, product placement, markdowns, and mark out of stock (MOOS).
  • Manage omni-channel activities such as Charge/Send and Buy Online Pick Up In Store (BOPIS).
  • Use the Store Visit Assessment to identify opportunities and implement action plans for timely corrections.
• Prioritize the customer:
  • Manage associate timekeeping to meet store labor deliverables, including scheduling, forecasting, and payroll.
  • Build a diverse team that aligns with customer experience needs.
  • Resolve associate and leadership relations matters, escalating when necessary.
  • Lead the performance management process, including developmental conversations, feedback, accountability, and year-end reviews.
• Bring energy and fun:
  • Build strong networking relationships to recruit top talent for all positions.
  • Ensure open positions are filled promptly.
  • Create and implement a development strategy fostering advanced learning and career growth.
  • Facilitate store meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Market Leader and/or Regional Director.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years’ retail management experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent; some college preferred.

Skills

• Excellent customer service, professionalism, and enthusiasm.
• Proven ability to develop collaborative working relationships.
• Experience recruiting, onboarding, coaching, developing, and motivating teams to drive results.
• Ability to prioritize business functions that drive financial outcomes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead with urgency and hold teams accountable to time-bound expectations.
• Proven ability to successfully lead an operationally sound business with minimal oversight.
• Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, holidays, and non-traditional business hours.
• Proficient in using technology for customer interactions (e.g., register, iPhone, calculator).
• Physical ability to stand or walk for up to 100% of working time.
• Occasional to frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.