Store Manager - Footwear

Description

Sales, Profitability & Business Development

• Lead all aspects of daily store operations to achieve sales, profitability, and performance objectives.
• Establish clear annual, monthly, and individual sales targets, ensuring the team understands how their contributions support the overall success of the business.
• Manage store profitability through disciplined payroll planning, expense control, inventory optimization, and consistent sales growth.
• Review weekly and monthly business reports to identify trends, opportunities, and action plans that improve performance.
• Track key performance indicators, including units per transaction, average transaction value, and the attachment of complementary products and accessories.
• Monitor customer feedback, local market trends, and competitive activity to uncover opportunities for growth.
• Build the store’s presence within the local business community by developing relationships with employers, contractors, unions, safety professionals, tradespeople, and other community partners.
• Maintain compelling, commercially effective merchandising standards that reflect the quality and integrity of the brand.

Leadership & Team Development

• Create a culture of accountability, learning, collaboration, and high performance.
• Coach the sales team to achieve individual and store-wide performance goals.
• Build deep product knowledge across the team, enabling employees to confidently guide customers toward the right products and solutions.
• Provide regular, constructive feedback that supports growth, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, onboard, schedule, develop, and retain a capable and customer-focused team.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and establish clear development plans.
• Identify and develop future leaders through mentoring, coaching, and succession planning.
• Encourage employees to contribute ideas, share best practices, and take ownership of the customer experience.
• Lead from the floor, remaining visible and actively engaged with both customers and employees.
• Model the professionalism, work ethic, integrity, and customer-first mindset expected throughout the store.
• Exercise sound judgment and make timely decisions that balance customer satisfaction, operational standards, and business results.

Customer Experience

• Inspire the team to deliver a highly personalized, consultative, and memorable customer experience.
• Ensure customers receive expert guidance related to product selection, comfort, fit, safety, and performance.
• Build long-term customer relationships and coach the team to develop the same level of trust and loyalty.
• Monitor customer feedback and resolve concerns promptly, professionally, and fairly.
• Create an inclusive and welcoming store environment that respects customers and employees from all backgrounds.
• Ensure every interaction reflects the quality, authenticity, and service standards associated with a trusted heritage retailer.

Store Operations

• Oversee staffing, scheduling, cash management, reporting, opening and closing procedures, and audit readiness.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through disciplined receiving, ordering, stock management, cycle counts, and shrink controls.
• Ensure compliance with operational policies, safety standards, and company initiatives.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and customer-ready store environment.
• Oversee basic product care and repair services, including cleaning, conditioning, minor repairs, and the coordination of warranty work.
• Ensure all service and repair work is completed with care, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality craftsmanship.

Requirements

• Several years of progressive retail experience, including a minimum of two to three years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Postsecondary education in business, retail management, or a related discipline is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience within footwear, workwear, specialty retail, safety products, or another consultative sales environment is an asset.
• Proven ability to manage sales, payroll, expenses, inventory, and other factors that influence store profitability.
• Strong commercial instincts and the ability to translate performance data into practical action plans.
• Demonstrated success coaching, developing, and retaining high-performing retail teams.
• A genuine passion for customer service and building long-term relationships.
• Confident communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• A hands-on, accountable, and positive leadership style.
• Comfortable working with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, point-of-sale systems, and retail reporting tools.
• Availability to work a flexible retail schedule, including evenings, holidays, and at least one weekend day each week.

Corporate Culture

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a well-established specialty retail business with a strong reputation for quality, service, and long-term customer relationships. The Store Manager will have the autonomy to shape the team culture, strengthen local partnerships, and drive the continued growth of the business.

The successful candidate will join an organization that values hands-on leadership, accountability, craftsmanship, and genuine customer care. They will be supported with comprehensive product training, established operating systems, and the resources needed to build a high-performing store.

A competitive compensation package will be offered, including base salary, performance-based incentives, employee discounts, benefits, and opportunities for ongoing development and career growth.