Area Manager

The Area Manager - Boutiques is a hands-on retail leadership role responsible for driving the day-to-day performance of an assigned group of stores. This role spends the majority of time in stores, coaching, training, and working alongside teams to consistently deliver an elevated client experience. The Area Manager - Boutiques is directly accountable for delivering sales performance across the market by driving excellence in client development, clienteling metrics, event strategy, merchandising execution, and talent management within the area, and ensures each store team understands and follows through on Company direction, standards, and initiatives. This role requires a hands-on leader who knows each store's business in detail and drives performance by setting clear direction, holding Store Managers and their teams accountable, and raising the standard of execution across the area. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Store Performance & Client Experience Drive sales results, KPIs, and client experience standards across all stores in the assigned area through regular, hands-on store visits Work directly with Store Managers and associates on the selling floor to reinforce selling behaviors, product knowledge, and client engagement Monitor daily and weekly store results and follow up promptly with Store Managers on gaps, opportunities, and action steps Ensure each store maintains consistent client communication through client books and the CRM platform Support Store Managers in growing client relationships, class books, and repeat business Assist with in-store client events, appointments, and local outreach to build the client base Clienteling & Client Relationships Coach associates and Store Managers on clienteling best practices, including outreach, follow-up, and personalized service Partner with Store Managers to develop and execute local community outreach strategies that drive new client acquisition and expand brand awareness. Ensure every boutique maintains a consistent cadence of client events and in-store experiences that generate traffic, strengthen client relationships, and drive sales performance. Review client books and CRM activity with store teams to identify opportunities for deeper engagement Step in personally to support client interactions and resolve escalated client issues with urgency and discretion Reinforce a consistent, elevated client experience in line with Company standards across every store visited Merchandising & Store Standards Ensure each store merchandises and maintains its appearance in accordance with Company standards Walk the floor with Store Managers to review visual merchandising, product placement, and store presentation, and direct corrections as needed Ensure each Store Manager maintains the interior and exterior of the building and efficient, accurate backroom operations, including stockroom organization and shipping/receiving Communicate product performance, client feedback, and local market needs to the appropriate corporate partners Maintain Loss Prevention and Inventory Control standards, and follow up on any gaps identified during store visits Talent Management & Hiring Partner with Human Resources on hiring for all positions within the store, from Store Manager through sales associate and support roles Interview, select, and onboard talent at every level of the store team, including Store Managers, Assistant Managers, and associates Provide ongoing, hands-on coaching to store teams at all levels on team leadership, selling skills, scheduling, and day-to-day store management Deliver and reinforce Company training programs at the store level for all roles Complete and administer performance management and developmental reviews for direct reports, and support Store Managers in doing the same for their teams Address performance issues directly and in a timely manner at any level of the store team, partnering with Human Resources as needed Support succession planning by identifying and developing high-potential talent across all store positions Operations & Follow-Up on Company Direction Ensure each store understands and executes on Company initiatives, policies, and procedures as they are rolled out Follow up in-store to confirm directives from the Director and corporate partners have been implemented correctly and on time Monitor compliance with Company policies, safety regulations, and operational standards during each store visit Review store reports, including Profit and Loss statements, with Store Managers and help identify practical steps to improve results Provide the Director of Boutiques or Outlets with regular, clear updates on store performance, team needs, and issues in the field Model the “St. John Way” and reinforce a high standard of professionalism, attendance, and appearance across the team MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The following are the minimum qualifications needed to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. Minimum 3-5+ years of Store Manager or multi-store retail leadership experience Strong, working knowledge of retail store operations, including sales, customer service, merchandising, and inventory control Comfortable reading and using store-level reports, including Profit and Loss statements, to guide day-to-day decisions Hands-on experience with clienteling and CRM platforms to drive client engagement and sales Fundamental Human Resources experience: hiring, coaching, counseling, training, and development Demonstrated ability to train, coach, and hold Store Managers and associates accountable in person, on the floor Strong follow-through; able to translate direction from the Director into clear action at the store level Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with both store teams and corporate partners Comfortable being highly visible and hands-on across multiple stores day to day Strong dedication to delivering outstanding customer service and fostering a collaborative team environment Proficiency in Microsoft Office, retail reporting systems, POS systems, and inventory management tools Willingness to travel as necessary to support assigned stores (up to approximately 70%) Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including extended time on the selling floor and lifting up to 40 lbs #J-18808-Ljbffr St. John Knits