Store Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

At Talbots, we help our customers look and feel their best. The Talbots General/Store Manager (GM/SM) leads a team in creating a hospitable environment for customers and associates alike. The GM/SM is a role model for creating exceptional customer experiences and building enduring relationships both internally and externally. The GM/SM is responsible for attracting and building a high-performance team, balancing the operational energy with selling energy necessary to create exceptional experiences for our customers and driving the business forward within his/her store.

The GM is responsible for leading the activities within a higher volume store, multiple concept store and/or a multiple location store.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Embodies the leadership skills needed to attract and build a high-performance team.
• Is customer-centric and understands the importance exceptional service contributes in growing store sales.
• Driven to create, build and cultivate relationships with customers, Talbots associates and the community.
• Ambitious and enthusiastic in creating an environment for both the store and team to succeed.
• Reinforces consistent selling, service and operational standards through coaching, training and accountability.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, a high level of integrity, fiscal responsibility, critical thinking, and leadership courage.
• Has strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task in a fast paced, ever-changing environment.
• Professional, assertive and friendly with the ability to make decisions independently.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Leadership:

• Model professionalism, strong work ethic, integrity and respect for others creating an environment that positions Talbots as an employer of choice.
• Educate, coach, mentor and inspire all store associates based on their individual strengths, opportunities and needs. This includes onboarding new talent, sharing product knowledge, wardrobing /fashion trends, driving key performance indicators, etc.
• Model exceptional customer service and relationship-building behaviors to drive customer loyalty
• and a sustainable sales trend.
• Create a collaborative, team environment where all associates are held accountable and proud to uphold the same standards, policies and procedures.
• Provide ongoing coaching and feedback, manage the performance appraisal process and address performance/disciplinary/termination actions when required.

Business Acumen:

• Stay abreast of the business and competitive landscape, fashion trends and key business drivers to strategically identify opportunities that will maximize sales and ensure financial goals are achieved.
• Assess team and discern appropriate balance of selling vs. operational energy within the store to successfully service the customer, manage payroll/staffing schedule and optimize sales.
• Analyze store reports to optimize performance, take action and give direction based on business trends.

Sales and Service:

• Model sales and service excellence creating a selling culture where all associates align around the needs of our customers.
• Use company resources and personal leadership to facilitate and sustain a strong selling environment that holds associates accountable for achieving productivity standards.
• Exhibit knowledge of industry trends and competitive activity and share this knowledge with the team.
• Lead associates in consistently marketing Talbots brand initiatives to grow key selling metrics.
• Professionally represent the brand image and ensure all associates meet same standards.

Operations:

• Lead all areas of operational excellence.
• Plan and prioritize tasks and responsibilities to meet the needs of the business.
• Protect company assets and maintain a safe work environment.
• Ensure compliance of all company policies and procedures as well as local, state, and  federal employment laws.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of four years of leadership experience preferred. Specialty retailing experience preferred.
• Able to effectively select, lead and develop a team of 15-30 associates.
• Strong sales experience required with demonstrated ability to meet or exceed performance standards.
• An essential function of the job is the ability to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the business including opening/closing shifts as well as weekends and holidays.
• An essential function of the job is the ability to move about in a store including standing, walking, kneeling, stooping, climbing ladders, using stairs, carrying, bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching out with the body, arms, or legs, pulling and lifting objects up to 40 pounds. Sometimes these movements are made quickly and repeatedly.
• An essential function of the job is the ability to navigate computer/handheld systems with intermediate computer and keyboarding skills.
• Able to work cooperatively in a diverse work environment.
• Flexible to occasional travel.
• Open to relocating for opportunities in other areas of the business.
• High school degree required. College degree preferred.

Note: This position description is intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by associates assigned to this job. It is not intended to be inclusive of all duties and responsibilities and is subject to change.