Vans: Assistant Manager - The Citadel

Assistant Manager

A day in the life of an Assistant Store Manager at Vans looks a little like this.

As the Assistant Store Manager, you will lead, develop, and motivate a team of Brand Advocates to deliver consistent, best-in-class customer experience that reflects our brand values and purpose. You will partner closely with the Store Manager to drive profitability by ensuring excellence in customer engagement, merchandising, operations, and community connection. In the Store Manager's absence, you will assume full responsibility for the store. This role is ideal for someone passionate about leadership, team development, and creating an inclusive, high-performing retail environment. Let's break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Support the store team in achieving and exceeding sales goals by monitoring progress against key performance indicators, while also achieving individual goals.
• Lead and coach the team to exceed individual and store productivity goals.
• Model exceptional customer service and selling behaviors to inspire the team and create authentic brand experiences.
• Supervise daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures, floor coverage, and task delegation.
• Support the Store Manager in recruiting, hiring, and onboarding with high-caliber talent.
• Provide ongoing training, feedback, and development to team members.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Partner with the Store Manager to manage expenses, control shrink, and drive profitability.
• Maintain visual merchandising standards and ensure product replenishment aligns with brand directives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive environment that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Support inventory management through accurate shipping, receiving, and stockroom practices.

What do you need to succeed?

We all bring unique skills to work each day. For this role, there are foundational skills needed to succeed, along with 2+ years of retail or store leadership experience in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. A High School Diploma or equivalent is preferred; but we value hands-on experience and demonstrated achievements most.

The foundation skills you will need in this position are:

• Proven ability to drive results through store teams and exceed sales and profit goals.
• Skilled in coaching, motivating, and building high-performing, diverse teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence across all levels.
• Solution-oriented and flexible in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment.
• Capable of working independently, managing shifting priorities, and meeting business expectations.
• Comfortable using word processing, spreadsheets, and retail software tools.
• Ability to stand and move throughout the store for extended periods and perform physical tasks such as bending, reaching, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting light to moderate weight, with or without reasonable accommodation.