Vans: Assistant Manager - Gurnee Mills Outlets

Vans is the original brand rooted in the authentic lifestyle of skateboarding. We are driven by our mission to inspire and empower everyone to live “Off The Wall” – embracing the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless progression. Yesterday’s “Off The Wall” moment is today’s new normal, and at Vans, we believe in constantly outdoing ourselves. Together with our communities across the globe, our vision is to push culture forward because we believe that the pursuit of progression never ends. We are constantly inspired by the future generation of positive catalysts within our community.

So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of people who think and live “Off the Wall,” Vans just may be the place for you.

To learn more about our values and our culture, visit Vans Careers or .

Assistant Manager

What will you do?

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.

Now WE have a question for YOU.

Are you in?

Hiring Range :

Incentive Potential : This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation : You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. Although all positions have a hiring range based upon market data, this position has a minimum starting rate that is listed above. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at View email address on aiapply.co . VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.