AREA MANAGER

Job Title: Area Manager

Department: Retail Merchandising Operations

Status: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt

Reports To: Regional Manager

Direct Reports: Field Supervisors, Merchandisers

Territory: Augusta, ME | 8-12 Retail Locations around Augusta, ME

Position Summary

The Area Manager is responsible for the overall operational and financial performance of an assigned territory consisting of approximately 8-12 retail locations. Through direct leadership of Field Supervisors, the Area Manager ensures exceptional merchandising execution, labor productivity, customer satisfaction, employee development, and financial performance.

The Area Manager serves as the primary business leader for the territory and partners closely with Regional Managers, retail customers, Human Resources, Transportation, and Operations to achieve company objectives.

Essential Responsibilities

Leadership
• Directly supervise Field Supervisors.
• Conduct weekly one-on-one coaching.
• Conduct performance evaluations.
• Develop leadership talent.
• Build succession plans.
• Drive employee engagement.
• Resolve employee relations concerns.

Business Management

Manage overall territory performance including:
• Labor hours
• Labor budgets
• Productivity
• Shrink
• Sales performance
• Payroll accuracy
• Store coverage
• Overtime
• Seasonal staffing

Financial Accountability

Responsible for meeting territory objectives related to:
• Labor cost
• Payroll budget
• Sales support
• Shrink reduction
• Profitability
• Resource utilization

Staffing
• Recruit Field Supervisors.
• Interview candidates.
• Coordinate hiring.
• Forecast staffing requirements.
• Build seasonal staffing plans.
• Coordinate onboarding.

Operational Excellence

Ensure consistent execution of:
• Planograms
• Merchandising standards
• Plant quality
• Inventory management
• CVP execution
• Safety compliance
• Company SOPs

Conduct regular operational audits.

Customer Relationship Management

Serve as primary contact for:
• Store Managers
• District Managers
• Retail leadership
• Vendor partners

Resolve escalated operational concerns while identifying opportunities to strengthen customer partnerships.

Territory Planning
• Allocate labor resources.
• Prioritize store visits.
• Coordinate seasonal transitions.
• Support promotional events.
• Adjust staffing based on business demand.

Performance Management

Review and coach Field Supervisors using operational metrics.

Monitor:
• Labor efficiency
• Productivity
• Sales support
• Shrink
• Store presentation
• Customer satisfaction
• Safety
• Attendance
• Turnover

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with:
• Regional Manager
• Human Resources
• Payroll
• Transportation
• Logistics
• Production
• Operations Leadership

Administrative Responsibilities
• Approve payroll.
• Manage labor budgets.
• Review KPI dashboards.
• Prepare operational reports.
• Conduct territory reviews.
• Support annual planning.

Performance Expectations

Responsible for territory performance including:
• Budgeted labor hours
• Payroll accuracy
• Territory profitability
• Shrink reduction
• Store execution scores
• Customer satisfaction
• Employee retention
• Safety performance
• Leadership development
• Operational compliance

Minimum Qualifications
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 3-5 years retail operations leadership experience.
• Experience managing multiple locations.
• Experience supervising leaders.
• Budget management experience.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout assigned territory.

Benefits
• Flexible Schedules
• $7.50 Cell Phone reimbursement for every pay period worked
• Mileage reimbursement
• Fuel allowance
• Paid Sick Leave in accordance with our Company Policy
• 14 Days of Vacation