District Sales Manager

Description

District Sales Manager

About Our Company

At Lids Sports Group, we don't just sell hats - we fuel fandom. As the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, we bring sports, fashion, and culture together in more than 1,300 stores nationwide. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lids delivers premium, fan-driven products and unforgettable retail experiences.

Our stores feature officially licensed headwear and apparel from collegiate and professional teams, alongside top brands like Champion, Nike, New Era, Lululemon Athletica, and Mitchell & Ness. We're also the industry leader in on-demand customization, offering in-store embroidery that turns everyday gear into one-of-a-kind statements.

From specialty concept stores for the NBA and NHL, to iconic clubhouse destinations for the Yankees and Dodgers, we create immersive retail experiences that celebrate the teams fans love. Through collaborations with brands like Marvel, Peanuts, and The Walt Disney Company, Lids continues to redefine how fans represent their teams - in style.

Position Summary
The District Sales Manager (DSM) is an inspiring field leader who supports and directs stores within a geographic area to drive strategic product sell-through, deliver key business results, and develop store associates. DSMs ensure operational principles are followed and that every store delivers exceptional service through expertise in Lids products and services. DSMs are accountable for all aspects of district performance.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

People & Training Development
• Lead district hiring strategy including pipeline planning, recruitment, and turnover and LOA considerations; develop Store Managers in recruiting and training.
• Set role and behavior expectations and coordinate onboarding to acclimate new team members to Lids.
• Build culture and engagement through recognition, coaching, and productive store visits.
• Uphold brand standards and company policies while fostering inclusive, respectful teams.
• Hold Store Managers accountable for managing and developing their teams and completing people processes accurately.
• Address employee issues and administer progressive discipline; partner with HR and/or RD when appropriate.
• Provide documented performance feedback to stores aligned with Company objectives.
• Collaborate across districts and regions using Discussion Boards and regional communication channels.

Customer Experience
• Ensure exceptional service and achievement of KPIs and sales targets through regular store visits.
• Create a selling culture by training and coaching on selling techniques and product knowledge.
• Resolve escalations and urgent requests to ensure make-it-right outcomes.
• Drive program participation including memberships and special offers through team education.

Additional Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Operations
• Ensure district compliance with scheduling and payroll processes, budgets, policies, and applicable law.
• Hold Store Managers accountable for building schedules including labor, availability, safety, and inventory considerations.
• Utilize tools and analyze reports to identify trends, issues, and opportunities; develop and execute action plans.
• Maintain continuity during disruptions such as closures, absenteeism, or operating hour impacts; step in as needed.
• Execute company directives, promotions, and initiatives from Lids Headquarters.
• Reinforce safety policies to ensure a safe work environment.
• Maintain technology and equipment including MPOS and Lids Custom through audits, updates, and repairs.
• Manage facilities and supplies through service requests and replenishment.
• Support inventory audits, investigate discrepancies, and resolve store-level issues promptly.
• Plan audit cadence with the Regional Director, Regional Loss Prevention, and Store Managers.
• Support new store openings including recruiting, visual merchandising, and vendor partnerships.
• Oversee cash controls including accurate open and close procedures, counterfeit protection, and timely bank drops.

Product & Inventory Management
• Oversee district product strategy including receiving, processing, merchandising, and exiting.
• Monitor sell-through by reviewing store product levels and inventory accuracy.
• Ensure visual brand standards including layout and VM strategy, window activations, hardware and mannequin flips, and seasonal or weekly changes.
• Guide pricing execution including weekly markups, markdowns, and in-hour promotional signage adjustments.

Job Required Knowledge and Skills
• Four-year degree in business or a related field and one year of relevant experience; or two-year degree and at least two years of relevant experience; or three years of relevant experience.
• Established ability to produce sales results while minimizing loss.
• Ability to perform independently with minimal supervision.
• Proven supervisory skills with the capacity to deliver training and assess retention.
• Strong interpersonal skills and clear, professional verbal communication.
• Computer proficiency with retail systems and software.

Physical and Travel Requirements
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk; use hands; reach; stoop, kneel, and crouch; and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds; vision sufficient for close and distance tasks and depth perception.
• Valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and ability to drive an automobile.
• Extensive travel (up to 90%) within the district; driving required for up to 100% of the daily schedule.
• Standing required for up to 90% of the work time.
• Willingness to travel overnight for training and/or business meetings.