District Manager - South

Our Heritage: An American Original Since 1977

Founded on the Upper East Side of New York City by brothers Jay and Kevin McLaughlin, J.McLaughlin was built on a simple idea: great style feels personal. From a single neighborhood shop to nearly 200 stores nationwide, we have always believed in being local and loyal-to our customers, our communities, and one another. Today, nearly 1,000 employees bring the brand to life across the country, from Maine to Maui. For over 20 years, our corporate home has been in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration continue to shape our next chapter.

Giving back is part of who we are. We support the communities we serve through local partnerships, charitable initiatives, and a belief that businesses should leave places better than they found them.

Overview

The District Manager, South is responsible for leading multiple store locations to deliver exceptional, customer-first experiences while driving sales, operational excellence, and team development. This role translates company strategy into actionable plans, removes barriers to performance, and models values-driven leadership that strengthens teams, communities, and overall brand growth reporting to our Head of Stores.

This role requires a leader who acts with intention, integrity, and a true spirit of ownership. The District Manager not only drives performance but also cultivates environments where teams feel empowered, customers feel valued, and communities feel connected. Success in this role is measured not only by results, but by the strength of relationships built - within teams, with customers, and throughout the local communities we proudly serve.

Must live within the assigned territory preferably based in Atlanta, GA.

About the Role

Essential Functions:

Customer Experience & Community Leadership

• Champion a customer-first culture where every interaction reflects genuine hospitality, attentiveness, and care.
• Inspire store teams to build authentic, long-term relationships that drive loyalty and repeat business.
• Guide clienteling and outreach strategies that deepen engagement within the local community.
• Serve as a visible, values-driven ambassador of the brand, strengthening local partnerships, events, and community presence.
• Conduct regular store visits to ensure service standards are elevated, consistent, and reflective of the brand's promise.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Develop Store Managers and leadership teams through clear expectations, purposeful coaching, and ongoing growth opportunities.
• Recruit and cultivate leaders and employees who embody service excellence and community-minded leadership.
• Provide real-time feedback and thoughtful follow-up that elevates individual and team performance.
• Foster an inclusive, high-performing culture rooted in accountability, respect, and ownership.

Business Performance & Strategic Execution

• Translate brand strategy into meaningful action at the district level, ensuring alignment with service, growth, and loyalty goals.
• Analyze performance metrics and sales trends to identify opportunities that enhance both financial results and customer impact.
• Partner with Store Managers to set clear priorities and action plans that strengthen service delivery and operational outcomes.
• Lead disciplined payroll and expense management with a focus on thoughtful workforce planning and sustainable profitability.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with corporate partners to communicate field insights, challenges, and opportunities.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure consistent execution of policies, procedures, and standards that support a seamless and welcoming store environment.
• Maintain exceptional standards in visual presentation, organization, and operational readiness.
• Support new store openings and remodels to ensure smooth transitions and immediate cultural alignment.
• Uphold compliance with company standards and all applicable regulations.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

What we are looking for

Skills & Requirements:

• 5+ years of multi-store retail leadership experience
• Flexibility to travel on a regular basis. Must be able to drive an automobile and travel by train or airplane as needed. Valid driver's license required.
• Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as/when required.
• Background in service-driven, specialty, or premium retail environments
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, or related field (or equivalent experience) a plus
• Values-driven leader with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills. High level of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment while maintaining focus on service excellence.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing, customer-first teams.
• Strong talent management skills, including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and performance development.
• Demonstrated success driving sales growth, profitability, payroll management, and expense control across multiple locations.
• Solid business acumen with the ability to analyze KPIs, sales trends, and financial reports to inform action plans.
• Deep commitment to elevated customer experience, clienteling, and community engagement.
• Strong operational expertise, ensuring consistent execution of brand standards, policies, and compliance requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing, bending & kneeling.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds
• Must be able to travel to and navigate various store environments.

Benefits at a Glance

At J.McLaughlin, we design our benefits with the same care and intention as our product. Our benefits are designed to support well-being, flexibility, and long-term growth.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match (eligibility based on hours worked)
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Hybrid or flexible work environment (role-dependent)
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional Critical Illness and Accident insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Clothing allowance and generous discounts on J.McLaughlin merchandise
• Discretionary bonus opportunities (role-dependent)
• Employee referral incentives and commuter benefits

Equal Opportunity

J.McLaughlin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.