General Store Manager

Vera Bradley•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The General Store Manager owns the store’s performance and operations, driving sales goals while delivering an exceptional customer experience. This role develops and leads a high-performing team, maintains Vera Bradley brand standards, oversees operational integrity, and models the company’s core values. The manager serves as a brand ambassador and works to create a clean, organized, inviting environment for associates and customers. The manager analyzes sales reporting and trends, implements plans to achieve key performance indicators and financial goals, and manages the payroll budget and controllable expenses. Responsibilities also include recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, retaining and evaluating associates; managing scheduling, payroll, I-9 compliance, performance management, health and safety, and store security; maintaining inventory balance; and acting as a liaison with the home office on outlet-specific policies and procedures. The position maintains a leadership role in the community. The role requires 2+ years of management experience or proven Vera Bradley management ability, with prior retail experience strongly preferred. A high school diploma or equivalent is required; a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, retail management, or a related field is preferred. The schedule must be flexible to support evenings, weekends, holidays, store opening and closing, and peak business needs. The work involves frequent standing and walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting; occasional overnight business travel may be required. The listed base pay range is $55,900 to $76,900. Compensation varies based on work location, skills, experience, and relevant education, and the stated range excludes bonuses, equity, or other incentives. Benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; life and disability insurance; a 401(k) with company match; paid time off and holidays; bereavement leave; wellness and employee assistance programs; development and career advancement opportunities; a product discount; and additional programs and benefits.

Requirements

At least 2 years of management experience or proven Vera Bradley management ability.
High school graduate or equivalent.
At least 18 years of age.
Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as well as opening, closing, and peak business needs.
Exceptional sales skills and the ability to lead, motivate, and promote a team environment.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong PC skills using Microsoft Office software.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Proactive and adaptable, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong team-player skills.
Ability to meet the physical demands of constant walking and standing; frequent bending, stooping, and reaching; and consistently lifting 10–35 pounds and occasionally lifting up to 55 pounds, with the ability to push or pull more than 55 pounds.
Strong sensory skills, including good eyesight, hearing, and dexterity.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, retail management, or a related field.
Prior retail experience.
Experience in specialty retail or outlet stores.
Experience with a retail point-of-sale system.
Valid driver’s license and good motor vehicle record for locations with company-owned vehicles; must be at least 21 for those locations.

Responsibilities

Drive sales and provide an exceptional customer experience through a strong sales-floor presence and by leading by example.
Analyze reporting and daily sales trends, make business decisions, and implement plans to meet financial and key performance indicator goals.
Recruit, hire, onboard, train, motivate, develop, and retain qualified associates who represent the Vera Bradley philosophy.
Provide real-time coaching, performance feedback, individual development plans, and annual performance reviews; promote engagement and teamwork.
Manage the payroll budget and controllable expenses to maximize profitability.
Communicate the Vera Bradley brand aesthetic, philosophy, and lifestyle to associates and customers.
Maintain brand standards through visual merchandising and provide a clean, organized, inviting store environment.
Oversee daily, weekly, and monthly processes to ensure operational integrity.
Monitor onsite and offsite inventory to maintain an ideal balance of top-selling items in the store.
Manage human-resource-related tasks, including recruiting, onboarding and I-9 compliance, performance management, payroll, scheduling, health and safety, and store security.
Act as a liaison to the home office regarding policies and procedures specific to outlet stores.
Uphold company policies, procedures, and core values with integrity.
Maintain a leadership role in the community.

Benefits

Medical plan options, including HDHP/HSA and PPO plans, plus dental and vision coverage.
Flexible spending accounts.
Employer-provided life insurance equal to twice salary, accidental death and disability insurance, and voluntary life insurance for the associate and eligible family members.
Short-term and long-term disability programs.
401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting subject to age and service requirements, and professionally managed funds.
Up to 3 weeks of paid time off in the first year, with an opportunity to earn more.
9 paid holidays per year and paid bereavement leave.
Voluntary time off opportunities to serve the community.
Financial, physical, and mental wellness resources, including an Employee Assistance Program and unlimited no-cost telephonic counseling.
Leadership development, skill development, and career advancement opportunities.
Employee discount on Vera Bradley products.
Bonus opportunity, identity protection, legal services, pet insurance, cell phone discount, employee referral bonus, annual birthday gift, DailyPay, corporate fitness facility, and individual policies through Aflac.