Store Softlines Manager #241 - Tupelo, MS

Academy•Tupelo, MS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Store Softlines Manager leads the Apparel and Footwear areas, balancing people leadership with operational execution. The role translates sales trends, merchandise strategies, and operational priorities into plans that drive results on the sales floor, while maintaining standards, presentation, and execution to create an engaging shopping experience. The manager owns department performance by developing talent, managing labor, and ensuring visual and merchandising excellence. Through coaching, floor presence, and data-driven decision-making, the manager elevates team performance and partners with store leadership to execute company initiatives, ensure compliance, and continually improve operations. The position works closely with the Store Director, fellow leaders, associates, and cross-functional leaders on staffing, talent development, front-end execution, inventory accuracy, and store success.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of relevant leadership or management experience.
Demonstrated success leading departments of up to 40 team members while driving operational excellence and achieving sales targets.
Strong people leadership skills, including the ability to coach, develop, and hold others accountable.
Customer-focused mindset and passion for delivering an exceptional shopping experience.
Business acumen and ability to analyze metrics, trends, and operational results.
Clear and professional verbal and written communication skills.
Working knowledge of inventory management, payroll, and retail systems.
Ability to complete and maintain required Firearms Sales and Power Industrial Truck certifications.
Ability to manage and audit firearm sales and accurately complete ATF Form 4473, verify background checks, and provide final approval in accordance with federal and state requirements.
Team-first attitude and willingness to assist where needed beyond core duties.
Flexibility to work varying schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.
Ability to remain on feet and move throughout the store for extended periods.
Ability to walk, bend, reach, pull, carry, and lift items up to 50 lbs.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks such as scanning, stocking, and folding merchandise.
Comfort using ladders or step stools to access merchandise.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced retail environment and adapt to shifting priorities.
Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties.
Ability to adhere to company policies and professional standards.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the Apparel and Footwear areas and translate sales trends, merchandise strategies, and operational priorities into actionable plans.
Own department performance by developing talent, managing labor, and meeting sales and operational goals.
Maintain visual, merchandising, presentation, and execution standards on the sales floor.
Coach, mentor, and hold associates accountable to improve individual and team performance.
Use metrics, trends, and operational results to guide decisions.
Partner with the Store Director and fellow leaders on priorities, performance goals, staffing strategies, talent development, and store-wide initiatives.
Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to support front-end execution, inventory accuracy, and overall store success.
Manage and audit firearm sales, including accurate completion of ATF Form 4473, background-check verification, and final approval, ensuring transactions meet federal and state requirements.
Complete and maintain required certifications, including Firearms Sales and Power Industrial Truck.
Step in where needed to support the team and store operations.