About us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant, and Talbots. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

About the role

As a District Manager for the Upper Midwest district, you will oversee the operations of 21 LOFT Outlet / Ann Taylor Factory stores. You will drive profitability across all stores by focusing on customer experience, business operations, product management, and talent development. In this leadership role, you’ll ensure the district runs smoothly and achieves its goals.

Ideal base location for this role would be the Greater Chicago area.

District market includes: IL, WI, CO, IA, IN, NE & MN.

The impact you can have

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Cultivate a customer-focused environment that consistently delivers exceptional customer experiences.
• Inspire, educate, and coach associates to leverage the brand's behaviors to create genuine customer connections. 
• Foster an inclusive culture for associates where everyone feels welcome and engaged.
• Oversee all people management functions, including recruiting, hiring, and developing diverse management-level talent for the district.
• Conduct regular store visits to assess operations and provide guidance to management.
• Educate store management on marketing initiatives, product placement, lifestyle concepts and product knowledge.
• Cultivate a strong operational dynamic with store managers to achieve goals.
• Ensure all stores in the district uphold the highest merchandising and operational standards.
• Oversee product management directives including execution of all pricing strategies.
• Analyze business reporting and develop strategies to maximize performance.
• Promote community involvement by supporting company-sponsored events and philanthropic initiatives.

What you’ll bring to the role

• 5 years of specialty retail experience
• Multi-store management experience required
• Enjoys coaching and developing talent
• Must have strong people management skills
• Technology proficient and a strong business acumen
• Ability to travel and manage time appropriately between multiple store locations

Benefits

• You will be eligible to receive a merchandise discount at select KnitWell Group brands, subject to each brand’s discount policies.
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer matching to eligible nonprofit organizations, plus philanthropic activities to support our communities*
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(k)* 
• Time off – paid time off and holidays*

*Job offers will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role. 

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Location:

Field Mgmt-District 89 ATF/LOS-ANN-Chicago, IL 60610

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified people at all levels. It is our policy in all personnel actions to ensure that all associates and potential associates are evaluated on the basis of qualifications and ability without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability that can reasonably be accommodated without undue hardship, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law. We do not discriminate in any of our employment policies and practices. All associates are expected to follow these principles in all relationships with other associates, applicants, or others with whom we do business.