Retail Store Manager

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, over 50 stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth. Opportunity knocks at the Lakeshore Learning Store. Are you ready?  You don’t need a background in education, but a desire to learn is essential! As one of our store managers, you get to develop a first-class team, implement plans to maximize store sales, and provide our customers with an unforgettable retail experience—all in a fast-paced, fast-changing environment that demands operational expertise. Sound challenging? It is. But with success comes reward.  Providing great customer service isn’t just a goal—it’s the essence of who we are.  Our energetic and friendly approach to exceeding each customer’s expectations is a hallmark of over 50 Lakeshore Learning Stores nationwide. Each customer knows that walking through our doors means experiencing unbeatable service with an amazing depth of product knowledge every time they visit.  Lakeshore Learning Store managers have a knack for leading by example.  In fact, this is the glue that holds our successful retail team together. No job is too small to tackle…and no team success is too small to celebrate.  Responsibilities Building Talent Source, recruit, hire and support onboarding of an engaged, sales-driven team, and ensure efficiency during the training process  Provide ongoing coaching and development/growth opportunities for existing staff and build career paths   Conduct annual personnel performance appraisals, providing clear and actionable feedback to help staff improve  Develop business strategies to expand our customer base, increase store traffic and optimize profitability    Manage employee relations and drive workplace engagement and motivation within the store  Building Service Standards Oversee and manage the retail store’s outreach programs and initiatives while engaging with your Retail Sales partners and the local community to raise awareness and foster relationships that support Lakeshore’s goals  Drive Lakeshore’s customer service standards (i.e. SERVE) through consistent measurement of store performance and customer feedback with the team  Seek and communicate customer feedback from the store team regarding school and home use of products  Handle complex customer service issues and escalations  Building Revenue and Operational Excellence Efficiently maximize store sales and profitability while managing controllable expenses  Undertake financial-planning tasks, including managing the store budget (P&L) and prepare detailed reports on buying trends, customer needs, profit margins to present reports to company leadership  Optimize store layout and product placement for maximum sales  Ensure company expectations regarding retail policies and procedures, including store cleanliness and safety standards Oversee development and approval of employee scheduling to ensure optimal staffing  Essential Skills and Attributes Passion for providing excellent customer service Positive and proactive approach to management and working as a team Excellent communication and training skills Exceptional time management and organizational skills Ability to demonstrate company standards and reinforce them with the entire team Strong desire to recognize and reward achievements—big and small Capacity to give regular and clear feedback to team Ability to provide and receive constructive criticism Capacity to multitask in order to meet simultaneous demands Requirements 3–5 years retail management experience Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends Knowledge of retail POS systems   Preferred experience with customer outreach and driving customer loyalty through brand awareness initiatives And here’s our end of the bargain! Salary Range: $70,000-$75,000 Quarterly bonus program  Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding  401(k) retirement plan  Generous employee discount  At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.  We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.   To learn more about Lakeshore, visit  www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers     Equal Employment Opportunity Policy  People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religi