Store Manager

Summary

The Store Manager is responsible for building and supporting a high performing sales culture, maintaining a strategic view of store talent needs, recruiting, and developing talent, analyzing relevant data to inform store-specific strategies, being role model and champion for Ashley's Core & Growth Values to create a strong brand perception so that the store becomes the destination of choice for home furnishing needs.

The Store Manager is a role model for building and maintaining the guest relationships that are the foundation of the Company's retail sales success. This position hires, trains, supervises, and develops Sales Manager and other store employees in the implementation of the Company's sales approach, oversees overall operational functions of the store, and maintains compliance with the Company's policies and operating procedures to ensure the delivery of an exceptional in-store experience for every guest that results in increased store sales, profitability, and customer loyalty.

Primary Job Functions

Leadership and Team Management

• Recruit, onboard, train, supervise, develop, and motivate a team of Sales Managers, sales associates, cashiers, customer service, and support staff.
• Cultivate a positive and collaborative work environment that fosters high performance and low turnover.
• Conduct or oversee performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and development opportunities.
• Ensure strategic engagement - e.g. lead huddles that align every decision in the store with the company strategy.
• Serve as a role model of Ashley's Core & Growth Values.
• Design/shape the vision for training content provided to all associates.

Sales and Revenue Growth

• Develop and implement sales and promotions to achieve sales targets and exceed revenue goals.
• Analyze sales data and identify areas for improvement.
• Motivate and coach store team to deliver exceptional customer service and close sales.
• Develop sales and profit goals.
• Help establish Ashley as the premier destination in the market for home furnishings.
• Have a strong understanding of selling system/ standards for selling aligned to company strategy - high performing sales culture.
• Use of analytics/ insights to take advantage of hidden opportunities/ improve selling.
• Sell consistently to every guest and align selling strategy with company standards (e.g. we are not

Store Operations and Inventory Management

• Ensure smooth operation of all store functions, including merchandising, inventory management scheduling and cash handling.
• Maintain a clean, organized and visually appealing showroom environment.
• Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Manage and optimize inventory levels to meet customer demand and minimize cost.
• Create enticing visual presentation (e.g. knowing what "good" looks like and partnering with the visual team to optimize) and consistent maintenance of the store.
• Help create general associate standards and support for the guest.
• Participate in training program for sales and operations activities (e.g. selling is more than just active engagement with the guest - store must be set right to win)
• Provide relevant insights on offers, assortment and selling process/ standards, etc. to ensure success is expanded.
• Pursue opportunities to reduce waste (cost) and enable reinvestment in the business (growth)
• Inventory management (protect profit everywhere to enable continued investment in sales drivers)
• Assortment optimization (e.g. velocity walks/ optimizing the floor to win in the local market)
• Maintain an efficient warehouse and product lifecycle plan (e.g. manage costs and ensure relevant assortment on the floor)

Customer Service Excellence

• Foster a customer-centric culture throughout the store.
• Exceed customer expectations by providing exceptional service and resolving any issues promptly and professionally.
• Empower store team to resolve customer issues efficiently and with empathy.
• Track and analyze customer feedback to identify areas for improvement.
• Community Engagement
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, building loyalty and repeat business.
• Customer Engagement/ Full Customer Lifecycle Management

Financial Management and Budgeting

• Develop and manage store budgets, ensuring efficient and responsible use of resources.
• Monitor key financial metrics and track progress against targets.
• Report on financial performance to management.

Secondary Job Functions

• Maintain reliable attendance.
• Actively participate in departmental meetings, training, and education. Assist with training other employees and providing backup.
• Complete other assignments and special projects as requested.

Job Qualifications

• 5 years' experience in retail sales, Required.
• Supervisory/Management experience, Required.
• Strong knowledge of furniture products and styles
• Strong business knowledge with basic financial acumen
• Exceptional relationship building skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Effective time management and organizational skills
• Work independently as well as in a team environment
• Analytical and problem solving skills
• Maintain confidentiality
• Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement
• Handle multiple projects simultaneously within established time constraints
• Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, internet
• Proficient with various mobile devices
• Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment
• Work professionally with customers and co-workers to efficiently serve our customers, treating both with enthusiasm and respect
• Display empathy, understanding and patience with employees and external customers
• Respond professionally in situations with difficult employee/vendor/customer issues or inquiries