Firearms Compliance Leader

Scheels Company Goals:

We strive to be the best retailer in the USA in the eyes and minds of our customers, associates, and business partners. 

Overview: 

The Firearms Compliance Leader position is responsible for leading firearms compliance for all of Scheels. This role ensures total regulatory integrity and operational excellence through developing continuous audit processes and proactive training procedures. The Firearms Compliance Leader will serve Scheels by collaborating with Line Leaders (LL) and leveraging vendor and business analytics to ensure Scheels reputation for safety, attention to detail, and customer service are met at all levels. 

Responsibilities: 

• Oversee the application, renewal, and amendment of all FFLs (Federal Firearms License), Special Occupational Tax (SOT) certifications, and state-level permits across all business units
• Monitor federal laws including Gun Control Act (GCA), National Firearms Act (NFA) and state legislative changes to determine operational impact and ensure strict adherence to all applicable laws
• Serve as the official "Responsible Person" (RP) and ATF contact for the company’s FFL
• Assist the ATF for trace requests, inspections, and regulatory clarifications
• Provide critical support during ATF audits, assisting stores with report running, system questions, and participation in final audit meetings
• Manage internal acquisition and disposition (A&D) compliance software to ensure data security and maintain 100% accuracy in A&D logs
• Implement and review systems to identify common violations in 4473 forms including missing signatures, NICS errors, etc, before filing and provide guidance on serial numbers and importer data
• Maintain and update The Firearms Control and Sale Policy (Policy# 130) and standard operating procedures for the receiving, storage, display, and transfer of firearms
• Provide expert-level support for store-specific needs, including disposition reviews, repairs, banquets, straw purchase scenarios and NFA/Suppressor program assistance
• Be readily available to help stores answer compliance questions and navigate compliance scenarios
• Direct all Gun Recall processes including store communication for shelf removal, mailing lists for customer notification, and return logistics
• Track Quarterly Snail inspections, Monthly High-Volume Buyer/Seller reports, and UKG training completion reports (Annual Policy# 130 and Quarterly Safety) to ensure 100% participation
• Lead the monthly reconciliation process by communicating significant errors or missing firearms to store supervisors and Executive Leadership
• Attend annual/bi-annual ATF/CRG meetings
• Work with Firearms LLs on approved firearms vendors, ensuring all firearms being stocked are by approved vendors
• In the case of lost or stolen firearms, the ATF must be notified. This associate is responsible for leading stores through the ATF notification process. 
• Training and managing safety standards for proper handling of firearms within the gun shop/gun room. This includes storage, display security, trigger locks, etc.
• Conduct annual in-person/virtual store visits. At a minimum each store is visited in person once per year and one virtual visit
• Lead Gun Room organization for new store openings this includes on-site for opening week and 6-month follow-up after the store opening
• Direct the training and onboarding of new Gun Room Managers, serving as the primary lead for all development and orientation
• Develop and maintain the "Gun Room Management Guide" as a continuous resource for Scheels
• Execute store-wide communications regarding reminders, regulatory updates, and ongoing compliance education
• Manage city/state specific compliance guidelines. This includes but is not limited to ammunition, cutlery, reloading, firearms parts, etc. 
• Identify products which are selling well both within Scheels and outside of Scheels and respond quickly by placing orders to align with current trending products
• Capitalize on opportunities by working directly with Line Leaders across all product lines
• Work directly with vendors to develop systems that maximize sales/margin/profit and manage inventory
• Drive projects to meet deadlines while adjusting the changing needs of the business
• Highly organized with the ability to follow up on the smallest details
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast paced environment
• Ability to quickly make sound Scheels business decisions
• Deep understanding of Microsoft Excel and Gmail
• Strong initiative and vision for continuous improvement
• Ability to work independently and with the team
• Strong oral / written communication and presentation skills to communicate effectively and in a timely manner with all levels of the organization
•  Associates must be flexible to work between 6am and 6pm, Monday through Friday with nights and weekends as needed, have the ability to travel approximately 50-70 nights each year, and work an average of 50 hours per week
  • This role requires a significant commitment from both the Compliance Leader and their family.  The schedule involves travel, evenings, weekends and continuous communication with stores and Line Leaders outside of standard office hours. Applicants must be prepared for a role that goes beyond a traditional 7-5 Monday through Friday schedule.

Requirements: 

Customer Service

• Genuinely and consistently treat co-workers, customers and business partners like they are the most important person including eye contact, a smile and a genuine “Thank you”

Culture

• Approach daily tasks, projects and follow-up communication with energy and sense of urgency

• Cultivate a deep desire to become a knowledge expert in their role with the ability to apply their knowledge and experience with great impact. 

• Show respect and appreciation for others and Scheels

• Arrive to work and meetings 10 minutes early

Team Mentality

• Genuine interest and action in helping others before yourself, regardless of recognition or reward

Teach-ability

• Consistent eagerness to listen, learn, apply knowledge and accept critical feedback

• Ability to adapt to a changing work environment

• Ability to apply concepts of basic math, grammar, punctuation and spelling

Dress Code

• Meets Scheels dress and grooming expectations in support of professional, clean and welcoming environment for customers, co-workers and business partners

Efficiency

• Demonstrate pride and ownership of their work while meeting expected deadlines

Education & Experience:

• The ideal candidate will have an associate’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field; and / or 2-3 years of experience
• 2 -3 years of Leadership experience required. Preference for candidates with prior Scheels Assistant Store Leadership experience
• Experience in leading associates at a high professional level
• Demonstrated a thorough understanding of federal and state firearms compliance regulations
• Ability to teach 
• Proven track record of strong sales growth, margin growth, increasing turns, etc.

Physical Requirements/Lifting Requirements:

Must be able to sit, stand, bend at the waist, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, walk, push/pull, lift, talk, and hear with or without reasonable accommodation

Sedentary work - Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Roles are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met

Scheels cares about the health and safety of our Associates.  Associates are expected to follow all safety procedures and perform their job duties in a fashion that minimizes the risk of injury. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

Scheels is an equal employment opportunity employer providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Scheels will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals when appropriate.