Store Manager in Training - REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.)

The Store Manager in Training is responsible for being a leader in the regional market and in an assigned store. This role is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful Store Manager. This role will be asked to travel to multiple stores within the region for training and to provide support. The role will assist the Store Manager (or act as a Store Manager) focusing on long-term health of the business that contributes to REI’s Member, Employee, Business, and Impact goals. This includes creating a store culture aligned with REI’s Brand and the Co-op Way plus ensuring outstanding customer experience and employee interactions in their store. This role is designed as a pipeline to become a REI Store Manager in the future to operate a profitable business, ensure recruitment, training and development of a strong talent pipeline, plus build relationships to connect the store to their local community.

In this role you will:

• Proactively own the learning journey in becoming “ready for role” as a Store Manager.
• Leverage training to demonstrate proficiency in all aspects of the Store Manager role.
• Partner closely with Store Manager and Regional Director to learn, develop skills, and proficiently execute Store Manager tasks.
• Motivate, lead, and performance manage a team of managers and store staff to deliver REI’s Member, Employee, Business, and Impact goals.

You will be asked to perform or support the Store Manager or act in the capacity of an interim Store Manager, should they be absent, with any of the below functions:

• Hold management team accountable to performance expectations and meeting store standards. Consistently evaluate performance, provide coaching, feedback, and recognition.
• Hold management team accountable to hiring, onboarding, training, and development plan for the store using REI’s established practices.
• Conduct quarterly review conversations and 1-on-1 meetings with all direct reports for planning, feedback, and development.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and proactively to team to provide clear direction and expectations.
• Establish and maintain rapport both internally within the store and externally with others in the organization.
• Partner with Human Resources as needed to assist staff with benefits, accommodations, and other Human Resources related needs.
• Monitor business performance, use trends to identify strengths and opportunities, and coach managers to desired behaviors in areas of responsibility. Identify trends, new strategies, and issues to increase store performance and maximize results.
• Responsible for store’s profitability, financial budgeting, payroll, and operational excellence.
• Advocate for store needs by developing relationships with key headquarters and district support partners in order to meet the store’s operational objectives and customer service standards.
• Ensure management and store teams implement REI’s Standard Operating Procedures.
• Accountable for daily function and condition of store facilities and promptly act on or request. repairs as needed. Manage facilities related relationships with appropriate vendors.
• Ensure an engaging, inclusive, and welcoming store environment for all employees and customers.
• Build community relationships that support business and recruiting while also advocating for equitable access to space outside.
• Perform all other duties and tasks assigned.

Qualifications:

• • Minimum 3-5 years of successful retail management experience
  • Proven ability to understand and drive store profitability through service
  • Dynamic leadership skills with the ability to recruit, hire, train, lead, motivate, retain and develop future leaders
  • Proven financial acumen to include: budgeting and forecasting sales, gross margin, inventory turns, expense control and net profit.
  • Proficiency in strategic planning and analysis.
  • Creates a welcoming, safe, mutually supportive culture of belonging where people can be themselves and do their best.