Store Manager - Hockey & Sporting Goods

BUILD SOMETHING FROM THE BEGINNING.

The Player Vault is a new hockey and multi-sport retail concept opening inside a premier sports and training facility in North Phoenix. We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Store Manager to lead the operation from the ground up.

This is not a typical mall retail management position. Our ideal candidate understands hockey, knows equipment, enjoys working with athletes and families, and wants the opportunity to help build a new specialty retail business.

As one of our first key hires, you will have significant influence on how the store operates, what products we carry, how we serve customers, and how we grow. You will own the day-to-day store experience while working directly with ownership on merchandising, inventory, staffing, sales, purchasing, product launches, and long-term growth.

What You Will Own

· Lead day-to-day retail store operations and create a consistently strong customer experience.

· Hire, train, schedule, coach, and develop store associates.

· Drive sales while maintaining strong merchandising, product presentation, and service standards.

· Manage inventory, receiving, replenishment, cycle counts, and stock accuracy.

· Oversee POS operations, cash handling, opening and closing procedures, and store controls.

· Assist customers with hockey equipment selection, fitting, and product recommendations.

· Manage skate sharpening and related hockey services, including quality and safety standards.

· Use customer demand and sales trends to help shape product assortment and purchasing decisions.

· Develop relationships with local hockey clubs, teams, coaches, academies, and training programs.

· Coordinate team, academy, tournament, and facility-based retail opportunities.

· Work directly with ownership on promotions, purchasing, product launches, and store growth.

· Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and professional retail environment.

· Help establish operating procedures, service standards, and the culture of a new operation.

Who We Are Looking For

Strong candidates will have:

· 3 years of retail leadership, store management, assistant store management, or specialty retail experience.

· Strong knowledge of hockey equipment and the hockey consumer.

· Demonstrated experience leading, coaching, and developing employees.

· Excellent customer service, communication, and sales skills.

· Experience with inventory management and retail POS systems.

· Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and attention to detail.

· The ability to work independently, solve problems, and take ownership of an operation.

· Availability to work evenings, weekends, and event-based hours as required by the sports and tournament schedule.

Even Better If You Have

· Previous hockey or specialty sporting-goods retail experience.

· Experience with Bauer, CCM, Warrior, TRUE, or other major hockey brands.

· Skate fitting and skate sharpening experience.

· Team sales, tournament, academy, or youth sports experience.

· Shopify or similar retail and e-commerce experience.

· Experience helping open, launch, or grow a retail location.

Success in This Role Looks Like

· Growing store sales, customer traffic, and repeat business.

· Maintaining accurate inventory and dependable store procedures.

· Building strong relationships with athletes, families, teams, coaches, and facility partners.

· Creating a knowledgeable, accountable, and customer-focused staff.

· Delivering expert hockey service, equipment guidance, and skate services.

· Helping establish The Player Vault as a premier destination for hockey and sports retail in the Valley.

Why The Player Vault?

This is an opportunity to do more than manage an existing store. You will help build The Player Vault from opening day, develop the team, shape the customer experience, and influence how the business grows over time.

We are looking for someone who wants real ownership of the operation, takes pride in knowing their customers and products, and is excited about helping create one of the Valley's premier destinations for hockey and sports retail.

Physical Requirements

· Ability to stand and move throughout the retail floor for extended periods.

· Ability to lift, carry, and move merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

· Ability to safely operate skate sharpening and related shop equipment after training.

Position Details

Compensation

$60,000-$70,000 annually, depending on experience

Job Type

Full-time

Location

North Phoenix, Arizona | On-site

Schedule

Evening, weekend, and event availability required

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your resume along with a brief note describing your retail management experience and your background or familiarity with hockey.

The Player Vault is committed to creating a professional, welcoming environment for employees and customers.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000