District Manager in Training

Description

District Manager in Training

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.

General Position Summary
The District Manager in Training is an inspiring field leader who trains under the District Sales Manager within a specific geographic area to drive strategic product sell-through, deliver key business results, hire, and develop store associates. As a DMIT, you are ensuring that store operational principles are followed and that each store provides exceptional service by offering your expertise on Lids' products and services. District Managers in Training are accountable for their smaller market (approx.:3-5 stores) within the district under the support and guidance of the District Sales Manager.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

People & Training Development

• Manage the store's hiring strategy, including planning needs, recruitment strategy, projected turnover, and leaves of absence.
• Develop Store Managers (SM) in recruiting and training skills to continually strengthen talent and results in the market.
• Share role and behavior expectations and coordinate onboarding training programs to acclimate new team members to Lids.
• Engage team members by creating a fun and productive environment, including helping them understand how their work supports the success of the district and Lids overall.
• Contribute to a respectful and inclusive team environment by establishing supportive working relationships and adhering to Lids Brand Standards (e.g., company dress code, etc.)
• Hold SMs accountable for managing and developing their store team.
• Address all employee concerns or issues and administer the progressive steps of discipline, including knowing when to partner with internal support (e.g., HR, RD, etc.) to take appropriate action.
• Drive team engagement through impactful store visits and follow-up by ensuring DMIT's stores are provided recognition, gap assessment, ongoing training, and continuous check-ins, including performance management and documentation when relevant, to support and reinforce career and personal growth.
• Provide consistent, documented appraisal of store's performance and work to give feedback on areas of strength and opportunity while keeping in line with Company objectives.
• Collaborate across store channels and/or districts using company Discussion Boards or district and regional chat platforms.
• Ensure compliance with all established company policies, procedures, and guidelines, including, but not limited to, safekeeping of company inventory, funds, and property.
• Successfully complete the DMIT Training Program to enhance core skill set (ie: recruiting, developing, coaching, leading, and training).

Customer Experience

• Ensure that stores deliver exceptional customer service, achieving key performance indicators (KPIs) and sales targets.
• Create a "selling culture" within the stores by training and coaching associates on selling techniques, helping them understand how their work supports company objectives and the success of the store and Lids overall.
• Resolve customer feedback and address issues, including customer escalations, urgent requests, and resolve to "make it right" to customers.
• Drive customer participation in special offers such as Access Pass, Fanatics Sportsbook, etc. by ensuring all associates are educated on program details.

Operations

• Manage individual stores' compliance within the scheduling and payroll process to align with budget, policies, procedures, and applicable law.
• Hold SMs accountable for planning, preparing, and managing the schedule according to labor requirements, availability, safety requirements, inventory management, and budget considerations to maintain efficient and effective operations.
• Manage business disruptions and provide operational continuity (e.g. store closures, employee absenteeism, schedule/wages, operating hours impact, etc.). Perform work / essential functions of subordinates as needed.
• Manage operations-focused company-level directives, promotions, and initiatives (e.g. from Lids HQ).
• Understand and adhere to people's safety policies and procedures to maintain a safe work environment.
• Ensure store technology and equipment is maintained as instructed- MPOS, Lids Custom, etc. - by verifying continued functionality, facilitating periodic updates, or ordering repair or maintenance as needed.
• Maintain store facilities, supplies, and services by executing service requests, assessing maintenance or repair needs, placing repair work orders, or replenishing store supplies.
• Support in performing inventory audits as needed to confirm inventory accuracy. Research store discrepancies and analyze reports.
• Ensure proper cash management practices, including accurate opening and closing of the till and consistent counterfeit protection practices and bank drops.

Product & Inventory Management

• Ensure adherence to visual brand standards, inclusive of optimal layout and visual merchandising (VM) or product presentation strategy, window activations, hardware flips, mannequin flips, and seasonal or weekly merchandise changes.
• Monitor and manage sell-throughs by monitoring product levels and ensuring inventory accuracy.
• Monitor execution of special pricing signage and promotional presentation adjustments during operating hours to align with overall product sell-through strategy.
• Ensure stores execute weekly markdowns and markups as needed to ensure proper pricing.
• Manage any transfers or ship-backs (e.g., process damages) according to company standards.

Job Required Knowledge, Skills and Education

• At least three years of relevant experience.
• Proven supervisory skills.
• Proven ability to perform independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate verbally in a clear, audible, and grammatically correct manner.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plan
• 100% employer-paid benefits, including short-term and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Generous employee discount and exclusive perks
• Ongoing career development, including discounted secondary education courses
• A collaborative, innovative, and team-oriented work environment
• Early Wage Access options to provide added financial flexibility
• Uncapped monthly bonus potential

Physical Demands & Requirements

• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally climb a ladder and work with hands overhead.
• Ability to constantly stand on shift.
• Ability to frequently walk on shift.
• Ability to frequently hear and communicate verbally with customers, employees, and other personnel.
• Ability to frequently visually observe the store and read written or digital information.
• Ability to frequently operate a computer and mobile Point-of-Sale system, as well as maneuver relative software programs.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. For inquiries related to reasonable accommodations, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io

Travel Requirements

• Must possess a current valid driver's license, certificate of insurance coverage, and the ability to drive an automobile.
• Extensive travel (up to 90%) in a given geographic area. Driving required for up to 100% of the daily work schedule.
• Ability and willingness to travel overnight for training and/or business meetings.

Reports to

• District Sales Manager

Additional Information

Employment Requirements
Candidates must possess the experience, skills, physical abilities, and qualifications, with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform the essential duties of the role and must be able to meet all applicable employment standards. Being legally authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment for this position. Current or future employment-based visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Notice to Applicants
In connection with your application, we collect information that identifies, reasonably relates to, or describes you ("Personal Information"). The categories of Personal Information we collect include your name, email address, mailing address, other contact information, employment history, and educational history. We collect and use this information for human resources and business management purposes, including identifying and evaluating candidates for employment or future contract opportunities, and maintaining recruiting and hiring records. Upon a conditional job offer, we may require additional Personal Information for business purposes and may conduct background checks as permitted by law. Where required by applicable law, including the Philadelphia Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance, any criminal history information will be evaluated using an individualized assessment that considers the nature of the offense, the time that has passed, and its relevance to the duties of the position. Additional information collected may include government-issued identification numbers, work authorization, emergency contact information, criminal record information, and demographic data used for analytics and compliance.

Need Accessibility Assistance?
Applicants who require accessibility assistance to submit an employment application may email View email address on click.appcast.io. A member of our Talent team will respond as soon as reasonably possible. This email address is only for individuals seeking reasonable accommodation when applying for a career at Lids.