General Store Manager

Horizon Hobby•Champaign, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Horizon Hobby is seeking a dynamic and energetic General Store Manager to lead its first owned-and-operated retail pilot store. This full-time, on-site position in Champaign, Illinois, focuses on strengthening retail partnerships and creating an experience center for customers. The goal is to convert visitors into hobbyists and foster a strong community around Horizon Hobby products through events, demonstrations, and technical assistance. The store's success will be driven by effective merchandising, impactful programs, and a memorable brand experience that engages customers both in-store and with retail partners.

Requirements

5+ years of retail experience including merchandising, inventory, and store operations.
3+ years of experience leading and developing teams.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills that build trust with partners and team members.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where priorities shift and no two days look the same.
A proven track record of energizing teams, driving engagement, and getting the best out of the people you lead.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the RC, hobby products, powersports, automotive aftermarket, consumer products, or related industries.
Experience working directly with enthusiast communities, racers, influencers, or brand ambassadors.
Solid grasp of customer service best practices and emerging trends, with an eye toward what's next.

Responsibilities

Develop employees into hobby experts, not just retail associates.
Create a memorable customer experience by providing education, troubleshooting, recommendations, demonstrations, and technical support.
Manage the Experience Center, allowing customers to interact with Horizon Hobby products (see, touch, drive, race, crawl, fly, learn, compete, and socialize).
Maintain an active event calendar with clear and detailed programming.
Build relationships outside the store to develop a local hobby community.
Serve as the main testing center for supporting retail partners.
Positively own the physical presentation of Horizon Hobby brands through merchandising and brand representation.
Manage inventory, including receiving, replenishment, cycle counting, backroom organization, damaged products, returns, shrink prevention, stock adjustments, and inventory audits.
Establish and implement clear routines for consistent store operations.
Ensure the team has sufficient product knowledge and technical capability, even if the manager is not the most technically advanced.