Gatlinburg Assistant Manager

For 52 years NOC has led the outdoor industry, taking more guests whitewater rafting and teaching more paddlers than any other outdoor recreation company. NOC also provides top-quality aerial and trail-based adventures, wilderness medicine as well as unmatched retail service, foodservice, lodging, and trip planning services. NOC career opportunities offer a rare combination of work in beautiful locations, a chance to grow skills and to share a passion for active outdoor recreation.

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Store Manager will assist in managing the Gatlinburg Store with the short and long term goals of NOC retail in mind. This position will assist the Store Manager in achieving and exceeding customer service and revenue goals of the Store while monitoring store and payroll expenses. The Assistant Store Manager will be a leader in the store by contributing to a positive work environment through professional interactions with teammates, guests, and vendor partners. Finally, the Assistant Store Manager will contribute to and ensure that expectations and the mission of NOC retail is upheld.

This position reports to the Outfitter Store Manager and is a full-time year-round position with NOC. Ideal applicants will be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays. Hours and schedule will fluctuate based on business demands. Retail managers have access to all of NOC’s outdoor activities, gear, apparel and footwear at special discounted rates, plus free/discounted access to several local area attractions.

Responsibilities 

Operations

• Act as store manager in store manager’s absence
• Supervise staff of up to 40 employees comprised of sales associates and shift managers
• Perform manager responsibilities including opening and closing procedures as needed
• Assist in ordering office supplies and creating systems for a more efficient work environment
• Resolve employee issues through leadership, mediation, and staff development techniques
• Drive store success and profitability by meeting sales and service goals set by store manager
• Assist in monitoring controllable store expenses to maximize store profitability and efficiency
• Maintain positive and open relationships with all other departments at the NOC
• Additional duties as assigned by store manager

Planning

• Assist store manager with store budgeting including active payroll management
• Prepare staff schedule 2-4 weeks ahead
• Ensure balance of product knowledge on each shift
• Schedule team meetings as directed by the store manager

Inventory management and merchandising 

• Monitor inventory accuracy using Lightspeed reporting system
• Assist in executing physical inventories, cycle counts, and other practices to ensure accuracy in inventory processes
• Work with merchandising team in maintaining comfortable and relevant product selection with a focus on future planning
• Implement and maintain visual merchandising standards

Staff training and development

• Ensure that all NOC policies and procedures are communicated to staff and upheld
• Ensure an environment in which the guest experience is the most important value in NOC retail
• Promote and monitor quality guest experiences through training and leading through example
• Implement and schedule product training, including vendor clinics
• Foster an environment focused on coaching and feedback
• Assist in hiring qualified seasonal and year-round staff
• Inspire an enjoyable and productive work environment
• Assist store manager in evaluating employee performance. Coach employees as needed while adhering to company policies
• Assist with the on-boarding of new employees
• Assist with customer service and guest experience sales training

Qualifications

• 1-2 years in retail management experience, or an extensive and successful outdoor retail background
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Requires strong interpersonal skills to interact with manufacturers’ reps, guests and staff
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task
• Detailed orientated and highly organized
• Ability to work autonomously, yet function as a team player
• Ability to operate quickly and efficiently on a computer

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Comfortable climbing ladders and stairs
• Ability to stoop, bend and twist
• Must be able to lift 50lbs
• Must speak clearly and concisely
• Comfortable working in a guest facing position. 

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to provide a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of this position. As the nature of business demands change, so too may the essential functions of this position.

Please note that as an employer with over 100 employees, NOC will be required to comply with any OSHA Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard should that standard be enacted. 

The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any and all terms, conditions or privileges of employment including hiring, promotions, termination, training and compensation. The NOC does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic condition or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, where applicable. Furthermore, the NOC is committed to a work environment free of discrimination and harassment through respecting and valuing the diversity among employees and all those with whom the NOC does business.