AE - Store Team Leader - California (Store Manager)

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40% off products at AE & Aerie

Health care benefits

401(k) retirement benefits

Job summary

American Eagle Outfitters Inc. is seeking a full-time Store Team Leader in Walnut Creek, CA. In this role, you will act as the CEO of your store, driving results through effective leadership and operational excellence. You will manage the store's business plan, lead a high-performing team, and ensure top-notch guest experiences while upholding AEO Brand Standards.

The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial-minded, has retail management experience, and possesses strong analytical skills. Working at AEO offers a vibrant atmosphere with opportunities for growth and fantastic employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience leading functional teams in a retail management role.
• Ability to drive sales through effective business planning.
• Strong communication and conflict management skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive sales by maximizing store productivity.
• Own controllable elements of store's P&L.
• Recruit and retain high-performing teams.
• Champion a culture of teamwork and accountability.

Skills

Retail management experience

Sales analysis skills

Team leadership

Attention to detail

Conflict management

Job description

Your Role

As the full‑time Store Team Leader, you are the CEO of your store! You are an entrepreneurial‑minded business owner who takes pride in maximizing the daily operations of your store. You are passionate about developing a strong team through effective coaching and training, you are a pro at making tough, strategic decisions to drive your business, you consistently deliver operational excellence and your store is always rocking AEO Brand Standards. Most importantly, you bring your REAL self to work every day!

Responsibilities

• Passion for driving results: Expert at driving sales by maximizing overall store productivity and building guest loyalty through a best‑in‑class guest experience. Entrepreneurial‑minded and create, manage and own your store's business plan to meet KPI goals.
• Business innovator: Own controllable elements of your store's P&L, skilled at analyzing reporting and daily sales trends to make real‑time, innovative business decisions to achieve store financial goals.
• People leader: Passionate about recruiting, hiring and retaining a high‑performing team. Advocate for the team's development, encourage internal opportunities, and maintain a succession plan to ensure a clear career path for all associates. Develop store leadership through training, performance feedback and annual reviews.
• Teamwork makes the dream work: Champion a culture of teamwork and recognition by communicating goals, holding team accountable to brand standards, and celebrating outstanding performance daily.
• Staging AEO Brand Standards: Ensure the store consistently maintains AEO Brand Visual Standards by owning all visual and merchandising processes.
• Workforce management: Evaluate traffic, calendars and payroll reports to create schedules that meet business needs, keep payroll in check and leverage top talent to deliver an impeccable guest experience.
• Integrity: Demonstrate integrity in compensation decisions, ensure audit and shrink results meet Asset Protection Standards, follow AEO policies and procedures, and always do the right thing.

You'd Be Great For This Role

• You love AE and Aerie products!
• You've led functional teams in a retail management role previously.
• You can multi‑task and have strong attention to detail, priority‑setting and time‑management.
• You know how to lead and develop teams and have a general understanding of employment law.
• You have a track record of effective communication and conflict management.
• Business acumen? You've got it!
• You understand how to analyze reporting to drive sales.
• You have flexible availability – you’re available to work when the guest shops!

Our Associates Love AEO Because

• They work with REAL people – the #AEOFamily.
• Opportunities for development, the chance to learn new skills and great potential for career advancement.
• They receive 40 % off product at both AE & Aerie year‑round (plus additional seasonal discounts with new Floorsets!).
• They participate in store contests for the chance to win free merchandise and other exclusive prizes.

About Us

American Eagle is a leading American jeans and apparel brand, the go‑to destination for casual style, embraced by generations of youth since 1977. We are rooted in authenticity, powered by positivity and inspired by our community. Our collections are designed to inspire self‑expression and empower our customers to celebrate their own uniqueness. We have broadened our leadership by producing innovative, sustainable fabrics.

EEO Statement

AEO is a Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity (“EEO”) laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.

Pay / Benefits Information

• Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location.
• Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits.
• Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification, and years of service. For additional information, please click HERE.
• AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.

Job Info

Job Identification: 27163
Job Category: Stores
Posting Date: 2026-06-09T16:45:14+00:00
Job Schedule: Full time
Locations: Walnut Creek, CA, United States