What are the responsibilities and job description for the Western Department Manager position at Smith & Edwards Co.?
Job Title: Western Department Manager
Location: West Jordan, UT 84088
Job Type: Full-Time (Includes weekends and seasonal peak hours)
About Us
At Smith and Edwards, Western heritage is our lifestyle. For over 79 years, we’ve outfitted local ranchers, performance riders, trail enthusiasts, and Western lifestyle fans with top-tier saddles, tack, boots, and apparel. We pride ourselves on deep product expertise, honest community relationships, and exceptional customer care.
We are seeking a high-energy, knowledgeable Western Department Manager to lead our sales floor, oversee inventory, and deliver an outstanding shopping experience to our equine community.
Position Overview
As the Department Manager, you will be the driving force behind our tack, horse care, and Western department. You’ll combine hands-on equestrian product knowledge with sharp retail management skills to coach sales associates, keep inventory moving smoothly, and build strong relationships with local barns, trainers, and riders.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership amp; Customer Experience
- Guide amp; Mentor: Lead, train, and coach department associates on product knowledge, custom saddle fitting basics, bit selection, leather care, etc.
- Deliver Expert Service: Provide hands-on assistance to customers selecting saddles, bridles, pads, bits, grooming supplies, and technical riding wear.
- Drive Sales: Set department sales goals, motivate staff, and model proactive sales techniques to consistently meet or exceed performance metrics.
Merchandising amp; Inventory Control
- Visual Merchandising: Maintain an inviting, organized sales floor with high-impact displays.
- Stock amp; Replenishment: Monitor stock levels, handle reordering with our buyer, manage vendor returns/warranties, and coordinate seasonal floor flips.
- Loss Prevention amp; Auditing: Conduct routine inventory counts (cycle counts) to minimize shrinkage and ensure POS inventory accuracy.
Operations amp; Community Engagement
- Vendor amp; Special Orders: Process custom saddle or tack orders for customers with our buyer and follow up through fulfillment.
- Store Safety: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment on the floor and in the backroom storage areas.
Qualifications amp; Skills
- Equestrian Knowledge (Required): Hands-on experience with horses (Western disciplines preferred, though English crossover knowledge is a plus). Strong understanding of saddle fit, bit mechanics, leather maintenance, and equine care products.
- Retail Management: 2 years of supervisory or department management experience in a retail environment.
- Customer-Centric Mindset: Passion for building rapport with customers, de-escalating issues, and creating long-term brand loyalty.
- Technical Proficiency: Experience operating POS systems, inventory management software, and basic office applications.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, climb ladders, and lift/carry heavy gear up to 50 lbs regularly.
- Flexibility: Willingness to work a retail schedule that includes weekends, evenings, and key holiday seasons.
What We Offer
- Competitive base pay potential performance bonuses
- Generous employee discount
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance options
- Life Insurance
- Ongoing product training from top industry manufacturers
Salary : $17 - $20