District Manager

POSITION SUMMARY The District Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, operational execution, financial performance, and talent development of multiple retail store locations within an assigned geographic district. This role leads high-volume specialty retail stores focused on outdoor sports, technical equipment, rentals, service operations, footwear, and apparel. District Managers are expected to drive sales growth, profitability, operational consistency, customer experience, and leadership development across all assigned locations while operating with a high degree of ownership and autonomy. This is a highly field-focused leadership role requiring extensive travel, strong business acumen, and the ability to coach and develop high-performing Store Managers and leadership teams in a fast-paced retail environment. Unlike many large national retailers, our organization operates with a highly entrepreneurial and collaborative culture. District Managers are viewed as business leaders and strategic partners within the organization, not simply field executors. Leaders in this role have direct access to executive leadership, merchandising teams, marketing, operations, and other cross-functional partners, and are encouraged to actively contribute ideas, operational feedback, and market insight that help shape company decisions and strategy. The ideal candidate is a proven multi-unit retail leader who thrives in specialty retail, values operational ownership, enjoys influencing business direction, and can successfully balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational execution. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITYOversees approximately 8-12 retail store locations across multiple statesResponsible for approximately $25M-$35M in annual sales volumeLeads Store Managers, Assistant Store Managers, Coordinators, and hourly store teamsSupports stores ranging from approximately 7,000 to 26,000 square feetOversees specialty retail categories including:Ski and snowboard hardgoods and softgoodsBike sales and service operationsRental operationsTechnical footwearOutdoor and athleisure apparelService departments and specialty shop operations CULTURE & LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY Our company operates with an entrepreneurial, field-driven culture that values collaboration, initiative, and operational ownership. District Managers play a meaningful role in helping shape the business beyond their individual districts. Leaders in this role are encouraged to:Share ideas and operational feedback directly with executive leadershipPartner closely with merchandising, marketing, inventory, and business leadersInfluence business decisions through field insight and customer knowledgeIdentify opportunities to improve operations, customer experience, and business performanceOperate with a high degree of autonomy, accountability, and ownership We value leaders who think strategically, communicate openly, and take an active role in helping drive the future direction of the business. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership & Talent DevelopmentLead, coach, and develop Store Managers and store leadership teams to achieve operational and financial objectivesEstablish clear performance expectations and hold leadership teams accountable for resultsRecruit, interview, hire, and retain top retail leadership talentDevelop succession plans and identify future leaders within the districtConduct regular in-store coaching visits focused on leadership development, operational execution, and customer experienceFoster a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvementSupport and reinforce company values, policies, and operational standardsActively contribute operational insight, market feedback, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and cross-functional business partners Business & Financial PerformanceDrive district sales growth, profitability, payroll management, and operational performanceAnalyze key business metrics including sales trends, payroll productivity, conversion, average transaction value, shrink, inventory accuracy, and customer service metricsDevelop and execute action plans to improve underperforming storesPartner with Store Managers to establish sales strategies and operational prioritiesEnsure effective expense management and operational discipline throughout the districtMaintain a strong understanding of seasonal business trends and regional market conditions Store Operations & ExecutionEnsure stores consistently execute company operational standards and processesMaintain high standards for merchandising, visual presentation, cleanliness, organization, and safetyEnsure compliance with company policies, operational procedures, and loss prevention standardsSupport operational excellence in specialty service departments including bike shops and rental operationsMonitor inventory management practices to support sales, replenishment, and inventory accuracyEnsure stores execute promotional initiatives, seasonal transitions, and merchandising directives effectivelyPartner cross-functionally with merchandising, human resources, facilities, inventory, marketing, and executive leadership teams Customer ExperienceChampion a customer-first culture throughout the districtEnsure stores deliver exceptional customer service and high-touch specialty retail experiencesSupport leadership teams in creating knowledgeable and engaging selling environmentsReinforce standards for customer engagement, product expertise, and service executionAddress escalated customer concerns professionally and effectively Omnichannel & Inventory OperationsSupport execution of omnichannel initiatives including:Ship-from-storeBuy online, pick up in storeInventory fulfillmentE-commerce operational supportMonitor inventory flow, replenishment, and seasonal inventory transitionsEnsure inventory controls are maintained across hardgoods, apparel, footwear, rentals, and service operations Travel & Field PresenceMaintain a strong and consistent presence within assigned storesConduct regular store visits to evaluate operations, coach leadership teams, and support business needsExpected to visit each assigned location regularly throughout the monthTravel extensively throughout assigned district, including overnight travel as requiredDistrict Managers are expected to reside within their assigned geographic district (Virginia) and operate primarily from a designated home store REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSMinimum of 5 years of multi-unit retail leadership experienceProven success leading multiple high-volume retail locationsStrong leadership, coaching, and team development skillsDemonstrated ability to drive sales growth and operational performanceStrong financial, analytical, and problem-solving abilitiesExcellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environmentStrong understanding of retail operations, merchandising, inventory management, and customer experienceProficiency in Microsoft Office and retail reporting systemsValid driver's license with the ability to travel extensively PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSSpecialty retail experience preferred, particularly within:Outdoor retailSporting goodsBike retailSki and snowboard retailFootwear or apparel retailBachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field preferredPassion for outdoor sports, active lifestyles, and specialty retail culture strongly preferredEntrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate independently, influence cross-functional teams, and contribute strategically to business initiatives TRAVEL REQUIREMENTSExtensive travel required throughout assigned districtTypical travel commitment ranges from approximately 60%-75%Overnight travel required based on district geography and business needsAbility to travel by car and air as required COMPENSATION & BENEFITS We offer a competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain high-performing retail leaders. This includes:Competitive base salaryPerformance-based bonus structureMonthly car allowanceMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) retirement planPaid time off and company holidaysEmployee merchandise discountsOpportunities for professional growth and advancement within a dynamic and entrepreneurial organization This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing specialty retail business where field leadership and operational insight are valued and recognized. PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of timeAbility to move throughout retail and warehouse environmentsAbility to occasionally lift and move up to 50 poundsAbility to travel frequently between store locationsAbility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify responsibilities and expectations as business needs require. The company is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.