Area Manager - Southeast

At Theory, we create clothes that matter, that empower and improve the way we live through exceptional fit, fabric, and style.

In 1997, Theory was founded in New York on the simple idea that stretch fabrics in tailored clothing could change how we dress and live.

Two decades later, we continue to perfect our offering of elevated wardrobe essentials for the ambitious, urban man and woman.

From sourcing materials from the best mills in the world, to the innovation and craftsmanship at our atelier in New York’s Meatpacking District, the integrity of our process is just as important as our final product.

In 2004, Theory was acquired by Fast Retailing, spurring international expansion of the brand. Operating 440 stores worldwide, today Theory is a New York brand with a global mindset.

Our customers dream big, achieve goals, and aim for perfection. So do we, and so do our clothes.

The Area Manager is responsible for partnering with Store Managers to oversee a defined geographical remit of directly operated stores to maximize store sales and profitability.

The Area Manager will offer consultation and recommendations to Store Managers to drive store by store strategies that optimize sales and deliver operational efficiencies to enable customer acquisition and retention.

The Area Manager is skilled in managing diverse operations from a distance, driving accountability, and developing and retaining business leaders via comprehensive training and development to consistently exceed and / or meet expectations.

The Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Store Manager, establish door specific business development strategies to ensure long-term financial success for each door and for the entire fleet of doors.
• Undertake sound financial management to ensure stores are profitable and stay within budget.
• Partner with the Director of Stores to provide recommendations on budget modifications to Corporate Finance.
• Ensure compliance with company’s policies and operational guidelines (P&P, Guidebook). Address policy and procedure infringements to proactively manage business risk.
• Review commercial results and operational processes and provide creative and practical solutions.
• Develop effective cross-functional partnerships in both field and SSC to support business objectives.
• Assist senior executives in decisions related to the fleet of stores : expansion, closure, transfers, structures.
• Report to senior executives on commercial and operational progress and issues.
• Sound understanding of optimization of store operations and standards for success.
• Ensure stores are current on Product Knowledge topics and activities as well as SSC communications.
• Proactively partner with HR and L&D to address training and development needs.
• Drive proficiency in effective store scheduling and payroll administration.
• Enable effective and accurate use of all company systems i.e.(TeamWork).
• Lead and develop a team of Store Managers to exceed and / or achieve key KPIs.
• Drive accountability via clear MBO goals and metrics.
• Assess performance using data and metrics and address performance concerns as required.
• Provide in the moment and formal feedback to ensure optimal performance of individuals and stores.
• Responsible for all aspects of new and existing manager orientation, training, development, coaching and mentoring, to include but not limited to writing IDP’s for each manager.
• Travel to stores four times per week.

Key Skills and Experience :

• 7 + years equivalent experience in Retail; exp in high volume multi store management (blend of full price and off price preferred).
• Experience of working in a similar position.
• Dynamic interpersonal and communications skills, both verbal and written.
• Highly- motivated by driving business in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
• Business owner mindset with an entrepreneurial spirit; able to confidently make and suggest solutions, driving change where appropriate.
• Independent work ethic, time management skills, and personal accountability.
• Computer skills to operate a point of sale system, experience with teamwork is a plus.
• Demonstrable experience of partnering with corporate stakeholders such as Buying and Merchandising, Communications, HR, and Finance.
• KPI focused, experience of driving sales to meet or exceed commercial targets.
• Excellent commercial acumen, expert understanding of a retail environment and the key drivers associated including consumer purchasing behaviors.
• Demonstrable operational skills, able to maintain store operations adhering to Company guidelines and legislative demands.
• Excellent coaching and managerial skills, able to motivate, engage, develop, and retain employees.
• Experience of developing store strategies.
• Experience of delivering store training.
• Resilient with demonstrable experience of displaying positivity when faced with challenges.
• Demonstrable customer management experience, able to drive clienteling initiatives and customer experiences to meet commercial expectations.
• Demonstrable presentation skills; able to confidently communicate store data.
• Working knowledge of (list computer programs we use and spreadsheets).

Our Employer Commitment

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Fast Retailing does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, citizenship, marital or domestic / civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or because of any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

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