Job Details
The Store Manager is responsible for building and supporting a high performing sales culture, maintaining a strategic view of store talent needs, recruiting, and developing talent, analyzing relevant data to inform store-specific strategies, being role model and champion for Ashley s Core & Growth Values to create a strong brand perception so that the store becomes the destination of choice for home furnishing needs.
The Store Manager is a role model for building and maintaining the guest relationships that are the foundation of the Company s retail sales success. This position hires, trains, supervises, and develops Sales Manager and other store employees in the implementation of the Company s sales approach, oversees overall operational functions of the store, and maintains compliance with the Company s policies and operating procedures to ensure the delivery of an exceptional in-store experience for every guest that results in increased store sales, profitability and customer loyalty.
Leadership and Team Management
- Recruit, onboard, train, supervise, develop, and motivate a team of Sales Managers, sales associates, cashiers, customer service, and support staff.
- Cultivate a positive and collaborative work environment that fosters high performance and low turnover.
- Conduct or oversee performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and development opportunities.
- Ensure strategic engagement e.g. lead huddles that align every decision in the store with the company strategy.
- Serve as a role model of Ashley s Core & Growth Values.
- Design/shape the vision for training content provided to all associates.
Sales and Revenue Growth
- Develop and implement sales and promotions to achieve sales targets and exceed revenue goals.
- Analyze sales data and identify areas for improvement.
- Motivate and coach store team to deliver exceptional customer service and close sales.
- Develop sales and profit goals.
- Help establish Ashley as the premier destination in the market for home furnishings.
- Have a strong understanding of selling system/ standards for selling aligned to company strategy high performing sales culture.
- Use of analytics/ insights to take advantage of hidden opportunities/ improve selling.
- Sell consistently to every guest and align selling strategy with company standards (e.g. we are not a discount seller)
Store Operations and Inventory Management
- Ensure smooth operation of all store functions, including merchandising, inventory management scheduling and cash handling.
- Maintain a clean, organized and visually appealing showroom environment.
- Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with vendors and suppliers.
- Manage and optimize inventory levels to meet customer demand and minimize cost.
- Create enticing visual presentation (e.g. knowing what good looks like and partnering with the visual team to optimize) and consistent maintenance of the store.
- Help create general associate standards and support for the guest.
- Participate in training program for sales and operations activities (e.g. selling is more than just active engagement with the guest store must be set right to win)
- Provide relevant insights on offers, assortment and selling process/ standards, etc. to ensure success is expanded.
- Pursue opportunities to reduce waste (cost) and enable reinvestment in the business (growth)
- Inventory management (protect profit everywhere to enable continued investment in sales drivers)
- Assortment optimization (e.g. velocity walks/ optimizing the floor to win in the local market)
- Maintain an efficient warehouse and product lifecycle plan (e.g. manage costs and ensure relevant assortment on the floor)
Customer Service Excellence
- Foster a customer-centric culture throughout the store.
- Exceed customer expectations by providing exceptional service and resolving any issues promptly and professionally.
- Empower store team to resolve customer issues efficiently and with empathy.
- Track and analyze customer feedback to identify areas for improvement.
- Community Engagement
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, building loyalty and repeat business.
- Customer Engagement/ Full Customer Lifecycle Management
Financial Management and Budgeting
- Develop and manage store budgets, ensuring, efficient and responsible use of resources.
- Monitor key financial metrics and track progress against targets.
- Report financial performance to management.
- Demonstrate the company s core growth values in the performance of all job functions.
- Maintain reliable attendance.
- Actively participate in departmental meetings, training and education. Assist with training other employees and providing backup.
- Complete other assignments and special projects as requested.
Qualifications
- Associate degree in Business Administration or related field or equivalent work experience, Required
- 5 years experience in retail sales, Required
- Supervisory/Management experience, Required
- Strong knowledge of furniture products and styles
- Strong business knowledge with basic financial acumen
- Exceptional relationship building skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Effective time management and organizational skills
- Work independently as well as in a team environment
- Analytical and problem solving skills
- Maintain confidentiality
- Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement
- Handle multiple projects simultaneously within established time constraints
- Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, internet
- Proficient with various mobile devices
- Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment
- Work professionally with customers and co-workers to efficiently serve our customers, treating both with enthusiasm and respect
- Display empathy, understanding and patience with employees and external customers
- Respond professionally in situations with difficult employee/vendor/customer issues or inquiries
- Occasional Domestic Travel
- Flexible and willing to work extended hours when necessary.
- Demonstrate the company s core growth values in the performance of all job functions.
- Maintain reliable attendance.
- Actively participate in departmental meetings, training and education. Assist with training other employees and providing backup.
- Complete other assignments and special projects as requested.
We are an equal opportunity employer and provide a drug free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates, only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. Principals only.