District Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The District Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, operational execution, financial performance, and talent development of multiple retail store locations within an assigned geographic district. This role leads high-volume specialty retail stores focused on outdoor sports, technical equipment, rentals, service operations, footwear, and apparel.

District Managers are expected to drive sales growth, profitability, operational consistency, customer experience, and leadership development across all assigned locations while operating with a high degree of ownership and autonomy. This is a highly field-focused leadership role requiring extensive travel, strong business acumen, and the ability to coach and develop high-performing Store Managers and leadership teams in a fast-paced retail environment.

Unlike many large national retailers, our organization operates with a highly entrepreneurial and collaborative culture. District Managers are viewed as business leaders and strategic partners within the organization, not simply field executors. Leaders in this role have direct access to executive leadership, merchandising teams, marketing, operations, and other cross-functional partners, and are encouraged to actively contribute ideas, operational feedback, and market insight that help shape company decisions and strategy.

The ideal candidate is a proven multi-unit retail leader who thrives in specialty retail, values operational ownership, enjoys influencing business direction, and can successfully balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational execution.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Oversees approximately 8–12 retail store locations across multiple states
• Responsible for approximately $25M–$35M in annual sales volume
• Leads Store Managers, Assistant Store Managers, Coordinators, and hourly store teams
• Supports stores ranging from approximately 7,000 to 26,000 square feet
• Oversees specialty retail categories including:
  • Ski and snowboard hardgoods and softgoods
  • Bike sales and service operations
  • Rental operations
  • Technical footwear
  • Outdoor and athleisure apparel
  • Service departments and specialty shop operations

CULTURE & LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

Our company operates with an entrepreneurial, field-driven culture that values collaboration, initiative, and operational ownership. District Managers play a meaningful role in helping shape the business beyond their individual districts.

Leaders in this role are encouraged to:

• Share ideas and operational feedback directly with executive leadership
• Partner closely with merchandising, marketing, inventory, and business leaders
• Influence business decisions through field insight and customer knowledge
• Identify opportunities to improve operations, customer experience, and business performance
• Operate with a high degree of autonomy, accountability, and ownership

We value leaders who think strategically, communicate openly, and take an active role in helping drive the future direction of the business.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and develop Store Managers and store leadership teams to achieve operational and financial objectives
• Establish clear performance expectations and hold leadership teams accountable for results
• Recruit, interview, hire, and retain top retail leadership talent
• Develop succession plans and identify future leaders within the district
• Conduct regular in-store coaching visits focused on leadership development, operational execution, and customer experience
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement
• Support and reinforce company values, policies, and operational standards
• Actively contribute operational insight, market feedback, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and cross-functional business partners

Business & Financial Performance

• Drive district sales growth, profitability, payroll management, and operational performance
• Analyze key business metrics including sales trends, payroll productivity, conversion, average transaction value, shrink, inventory accuracy, and customer service metrics
• Develop and execute action plans to improve underperforming stores
• Partner with Store Managers to establish sales strategies and operational priorities
• Ensure effective expense management and operational discipline throughout the district
• Maintain a strong understanding of seasonal business trends and regional market conditions

Store Operations & Execution

• Ensure stores consistently execute company operational standards and processes
• Maintain high standards for merchandising, visual presentation, cleanliness, organization, and safety
• Ensure compliance with company policies, operational procedures, and loss prevention standards
• Support operational excellence in specialty service departments including bike shops and rental operations
• Monitor inventory management practices to support sales, replenishment, and inventory accuracy
• Ensure stores execute promotional initiatives, seasonal transitions, and merchandising directives effectively
• Partner cross-functionally with merchandising, human resources, facilities, inventory, marketing, and executive leadership teams

Customer Experience

• Champion a customer-first culture throughout the district
• Ensure stores deliver exceptional customer service and high-touch specialty retail experiences
• Support leadership teams in creating knowledgeable and engaging selling environments
• Reinforce standards for customer engagement, product expertise, and service execution
• Address escalated customer concerns professionally and effectively

Omnichannel & Inventory Operations

• Support execution of omnichannel initiatives including:
  • Ship-from-store
  • Buy online, pick up in store
  • Inventory fulfillment
  • E-commerce operational support
• Monitor inventory flow, replenishment, and seasonal inventory transitions
• Ensure inventory controls are maintained across hardgoods, apparel, footwear, rentals, and service operations

Travel & Field Presence

• Maintain a strong and consistent presence within assigned stores
• Conduct regular store visits to evaluate operations, coach leadership teams, and support business needs
• Expected to visit each assigned location regularly throughout the month
• Travel extensively throughout assigned district, including overnight travel as required
• District Managers are expected to reside within their assigned geographic district (Virginia) and operate primarily from a designated home store

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5 years of multi-unit retail leadership experience
• Proven success leading multiple high-volume retail locations
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
• Demonstrated ability to drive sales growth and operational performance
• Strong financial, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced retail environment
• Strong understanding of retail operations, merchandising, inventory management, and customer experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and retail reporting systems
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to travel extensively

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Specialty retail experience preferred, particularly within:
  • Outdoor retail
  • Sporting goods
  • Bike retail
  • Ski and snowboard retail
  • Footwear or apparel retail
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field preferred
• Passion for outdoor sports, active lifestyles, and specialty retail culture strongly preferred
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate independently, influence cross-functional teams, and contribute strategically to business initiatives

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Extensive travel required throughout assigned district
• Typical travel commitment ranges from approximately 60%–75%
• Overnight travel required based on district geography and business needs
• Ability to travel by car and air as required

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

We offer a competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain high-performing retail leaders. This includes:

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based bonus structure
• Monthly car allowance
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Employee merchandise discounts
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a dynamic and entrepreneurial organization

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing specialty retail business where field leadership and operational insight are valued and recognized.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to move throughout retail and warehouse environments
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to travel frequently between store locations
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify responsibilities and expectations as business needs require.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.