Store Hardlines Manager #142 - Knoxville, TN

Academy Sports + Outdoors•Knoxville, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

At Academy Sports + Outdoors, our vision is to be the best sports + outdoors retailer in the country. We are a passionate, purpose-driven team committed to each other and our customers. We have spent over 80 years building a culture that puts people first, creating opportunities for growth, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting every Team Member’s journey. We believe in the power of fun, and this role offers the chance to launch your own adventure while helping customers gear up for theirs. As a Hardlines Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and execution of dynamic and high-impact departments including Camping, Fishing & Hunting, Outdoor, Firearms, and Team Sports. You will translate business priorities into clear actions for your team, ensuring each area is ready to serve customers through strong merchandising, staffing, and operational discipline. Your leadership will directly influence sales results, customer trust, and overall store performance. You will drive operational excellence by planning labor, coaching leaders, and holding teams accountable to safety, compliance, and service standards. This role involves balancing strategic thinking with hands-on problem-solving through department walks, priority setting, and performance metric reviews. You will use feedback, data, and observation to make improvements that elevate the customer experience and team engagement.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of relevant leadership or management experience required
Demonstrated success leading departments of up to 40 team members while driving operational excellence and achieving sales targets
Strong customer focus with a proven commitment to delivering exceptional service
Ability to analyze business results and translate insights into action
Clear and confident communication skills across diverse audiences
Comfort making decisions in a fast-paced, retail environment
Knowledge of operational processes, safety standards, and compliance requirements
Ability to complete required certifications, including Firearms Sales and Power Industrial Truck
A team-first attitude; willing to step in wherever needed

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred

Responsibilities

Own the day-to-day leadership and execution of dynamic and high-impact departments (Camping, Fishing & Hunting, Outdoor, Firearms, Team Sports).
Translate business priorities into clear actions for the team.
Ensure departments are ready to serve customers through strong merchandising, staffing, and operational discipline.
Drive operational excellence by planning labor, coaching leaders, and holding teams accountable to safety, compliance, and service standards.
Conduct department walks, set priorities, and review performance metrics.
Turn feedback, data, and observation into improvements that elevate the customer experience and team engagement.
Partner with the Store Director and fellow store leaders to align on goals, priorities, and execution strategies.
Lead and develop Team Leads and Team Members, creating a culture of accountability, trust, and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with cross-functional partners (operations, support teams) to ensure compliance, training completion, and consistent standards.
Manage and audit firearm sales, ensuring all transactions meet federal and state requirements through accurate completion of ATF Form 4473, background check verification, and final approval.