Retail Clothing Department Manager

Position Summary

All employees of Steamboat Ace Hardware’s primary responsibility is to provide exemplary customer service. Managers uphold the Core Values as determined by store leadership. Clothing Department Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the store, particularly in the clothing/apparel departments. They are responsible for maximizing sales and profitability, minimizing expenses, ensuring optimal stock levels and visual merchandising, processing new inventory and delivering amazing customer service. The Clothing Department Manager oversees all services related to men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel, accessories, fitting rooms, and seasonal fashion transitions. They contribute to the growth and development of the management team and store associates.

Physical Requirements

• Stand for extended periods, walk, reach, and bend to perform job duties; typically, 2 hours standing uninterrupted, 8 hours standing per day
• Move and handle boxes of merchandise, fixtures, and hanging apparel throughout the store; frequently lift under 20 lbs., occasionally lift 20–35 lbs., seldomly lift over 40 lbs.
• Operate a personal computer and handheld inventory device
• Climb a ladder or step stool for stocking or visual displays

Required Knowledge/Skills

• High school diploma and/or some college preferred
• Minimum 1–3 years of retail leadership experience (clothing/apparel preferred)
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of fashion trends, fabric types, sizing systems, and seasonal merchandising preferred
• Provide motivation and leadership to associates in a fair and impartial manner
• High degree of analytical and delegation skills; self-directed
• Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills
• Technically skilled in retail computer systems, POS, and inventory management software
• Dress according to company policy and adhere to all other policies (including brand-appropriate style)
• Bilingual (Spanish) verbal and written communication skills strongly preferred

Attributes of a Successful Clothing Department Manager

• Commitment to and pride in a job well done
• Enjoys a dynamic, fast-paced, customer-focused work environment
• Focus on needs of others, including cooperation with department managers, associates, helpfulness, responsiveness, and service orientation
• Detail-oriented person who enjoys working with a variety of people
• Dependability, reliability, and conscientiousness
• Self-starter willing to find and utilize resources to solve store issues

Essential Responsibilities

The essential responsibilities for this position include:

Customer Service

• Promote customer service as the #1 priority; ensure this is carried out by all associates, especially those scheduled in clothing
• Observe, monitor, and coach associate performance on the sales floor to maintain exceptional customer service
• Assist customers with sizing, fit recommendations, outfit coordination, and special orders
• Provide the best possible experience for every customer, every time by being helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly
• Serve customers in clothing departments or storewide as needed; greet customers as soon as you encounter them

· Demonstrate the S.A.L.E.S. process

· Use the Five-Foot Rule — greet and/or acknowledge all customers within five feet of you at all times

• Always be polite and attentive; make eye contact and smile. Do not avoid customers

Sales & Operations

• Cooperate with others and work well as part of a retail team; share improvement ideas with management
• Delegate daily workload among clothing department associates to meet merchandising and visual presentation standards
• Attend two (2) out‑of‑town buying or trade shows annually with Store Manager (e.g., apparel markets, vendor shows)
• Forecast and order appropriate inventory using computer software systems and vendor input, accounting for seasonal trends and fashion cycles
• Assist in training and development of peers
• Train and develop clothing department staff with goals for growth and success; provide ongoing performance feedback and recognize accomplishments
• Forecast and communicate scheduling needs with Assistant Store Manager to meet customer traffic patterns
• Review staffing strengths and opportunities with Assistant Store Manager prior to additions or terminations
• Perform all duties within the store

Coaching & Training

• Continue to avail yourself of training opportunities provided by the store
• Identify appropriate training for department associates and oversee all training requirements (new‑hire orientation, on‑the‑job training, vendor training, etc.)
• Complete Skills Matrix assessment with assigned associates at least once a year
• Discuss Skills Matrix ratings with Assistant Store Manager to determine growth areas for associates typically scheduled in clothing

Core Services & Duties

The core services and duties for this position include:

Customer Service

• Be an expert in related departments, including apparel, accessories, merchandising, cashiering, and receiving
• Use huddles, communication boards, and store meetings to communicate department performance, educate, engage, and motivate the team
• Drive customer satisfaction by ensuring all customers are acknowledged, needs are met, and concerns (including returns/exchanges on apparel) are resolved quickly

Sales & Operations

• Review all associate feedback with store manager to identify opportunity areas; correct issues with a sense of urgency
• Review discontinued, slow‑moving, and seasonal apparel items weekly to manage markdowns and inventory flow
• Coordinate overall supervision of department staff to ensure sales performance goals are met and company procedures are followed accurately
• Complete merchandising updates according to store visual standards, including floor sets, mannequin styling, and signage updates
• Ensure endcaps, feature tables, and front‑of‑store displays are well stocked with timely merchandise and rotated at least monthly
• Work with vendors to develop merchandising strategies and plan‑o‑grams
• Must understand the Point‑of‑Sale system to complete sales transactions and troubleshoot issues

Inventory & Fitting Rooms

• Maintain appropriate inventory levels with less than 5% of SKUs being out of stock
• Ensure all apparel deliveries are processed, steamed/folded as needed, and stocked according to plan
• Maintain accurate inventory at all stages through on‑hand integrity, daily receiving, store communication, product mix, and adherence to best practices and deadlines
• Utilize available inventory reports to reduce shrinkage (theft, damage, upc/price issues) and maximize inventory accuracy
• Oversee fitting room standards: timely return of tried‑on items to floor and cleanliness

Safety Compliance & Store Environment

• Enforce safety policies and procedures; serve as role model for safety
• Enforce store environmental procedures to ensure and maintain best store appearance, including folded merchandise, straightening hanging items, and clean floors
• Perform all duties within the store during regular store hours

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Manager encounters while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing duties, the Manager occasionally works near moving mechanical parts (e.g., garment racks, ladders). The noise level is usually moderate.

Pay: $28.00 - $40.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28 - $40