Store Manager - La Jolla

Columbia Sportswear Company•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Overview of the Position The Store Manager leads the team in creating an engaging store environment, delivering outstanding guest experiences, and driving positive business results. The role requires a “brand ambassador” mentality, focusing on customer engagement and fostering a culture of community involvement. They are responsible for all aspects of store operations—including recruiting, team development, merchandising, scheduling, payroll, marketing, and financial performance. The Store Manager position requires a high degree of independent discretion, judgement, and decision making, leveraging data-driven insights to optimize performance and efficiency. Beyond managing daily operations, the Store Manager plays a vital role in coaching and mentoring employees, fostering an inclusive workplace, and ensuring alignment with prAna’s brand values. They collaborate closely with corporate cross-functional teams to implement business strategies and amplify prAna’s presence in the local community.

Requirements

5–10 years of retail management experience with a proven track record of leading flagship or high-volume retail locations.
Specialty retail experience is a plus, especially in brands that balance style and function in active or lifestyle apparel.
Passion for helping customers find versatile pieces that give them the freedom to explore new ways of moving and being.
Flexible availability to support business needs, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and last-minute coverage.
Passion for customer service and strong sales acumen.
Effective leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills.
Digital fluency with retail technology, POS systems, and analytic tools.
Proactive, self-directed, and solution focused.
Strong operational and organizational skills.
Ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced retail environment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong brand advocacy and ability to communicate sustainability and lifestyle values.
Strategic planning and problem-solving mindset.
Collaborative team-building abilities.
Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.
Ability to travel occasionally to prAna’s Carlsbad, CA headquarters or other locations.
Availability to work full-time, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and last-minute coverage needs.
Occasional offsite work for special events and marketing activities (requires reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license).
The Store Manager will be required to answer ADT alarm calls outside regular hours.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to ensure qualified individuals with disabilities are able to perform essential job functions.
Occasionally requires the ability to remain stationary.
Constantly requires the ability to move about the store and communicate with others (customers/co-workers) to exchange information.
Frequently requires the ability to lift/move items weighing up to 40 lbs.
Detailed physical requirements document on file.

Nice To Haves

Specialty retail experience is a plus, especially in brands that balance style and function in active or lifestyle apparel.

Responsibilities

Hire, train, and develop a high-performing team, ensuring prAna’s service standards are upheld.
Provide ongoing mentorship and coaching to support employee growth and career development. Develop succession plans and identify high-potential team members for future leadership roles.
Foster an inclusive, diverse, and engaged work environment that aligns with prAna’s values and brand identity.
Maintain compliance with company policies, including performance evaluations, payroll, and employee-related documentation.
Oversee all operational functions, including inventory management, loss prevention, merchandising, payroll, and financial procedures.
Create, manage, and adjust staff schedules to align with business needs while maximizing productivity.
Ensure accuracy in store transactions, recordkeeping, and reporting. Analyze sales trends, customer feedback, and market insights to inform business decisions. Ensure seamless integration of digital tools and omnichannel strategies to enhance customer experience.
Ability to engage and inspire both team members and customers through compelling storytelling, creating an inviting and authentic store atmosphere.
Implement marketing initiatives, product launches, and visual merchandising strategies to enhance customer engagement.
Establish strategic partnerships with local organizations and influencers to support brand awareness and volunteer initiatives.
Lead store visits with prAna and Columbia Sportswear Leadership Team, provide actionable feedback to drive the future of retail expansion.

Benefits

Life/Work balance – We prioritize flexibility in work schedules because we believe that balance is essential.
Generous product discounts on prAna and Columbia Sportswear brands: Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, and SOREL.
Store credit for purchasing product.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage available.
Participation in 401(K) program.
Eligibility to participate in the prAna Retail Quarterly Bonus Plan.
Benefits that can protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match.
Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services).
In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services.
We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.