Assistant Manager

Cato Corporation; Jacksonville (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Cato Corporation in Jacksonville, NC seeks an Assistant Manager to oversee daily retail operations, supervise staff, and ensure an outstanding customer experience. The role focuses on sales, service, and maintaining store standards in a fast-paced environment.

You will supervise opening/closing procedures, cash handling, training, and loss prevention while collaborating with the Store Manager to hit performance targets.

Qualifications

• Retail leadership experience with supervising teams and scheduling.
• Strong communication and customer service focus.
• Ability to train and coach associates.
• Knowledge of loss prevention and store safety.
• Visual merchandising and product presentation skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Basic math and computer skills; familiarity with retail systems.
• High school diploma required; additional education a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily store operations and team members.
• Open/close the store and manage cash handling.
• Maintain merchandising standards and visual presentation.
• Drive sales through customer engagement and product knowledge.
• Train and coach associates; enforce policies.
• Support loss prevention and safety initiatives.

Skills

Retail leadership

Customer service

Communication

Active listening

Loss prevention

Visual merchandising

Time management

POS familiarity

Education

High school diploma

Business or fashion-related studies (preferred)

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Company Description

The Cato Corporation is a leading specialty fashion retailer headquartered in Charlotte, NC, operating under three concepts: Cato, Versona, and Its Fashion. Each brand serves a distinct customer base and offers growth opportunities across a variety of retail environments. The company focuses on providing on-trend apparel and accessories, excellent fit and quality, and strong value every day. Customers can shop in stores and online, with Cato and Versona offering weekly new fashions and an assortment of clothing, jewelry, handbags, and shoes. Across all concepts, team members are expected to deliver superior customer service and an enjoyable shopping experience.

Role Description

The Assistant Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Jacksonville, NC, supporting overall store operations and customer experience. This role assists with daily activities such as supervising team members, opening and closing the store, managing cash handling procedures, and maintaining visual merchandising standards. The Assistant Manager helps drive sales through active customer engagement, product knowledge, and ensuring the store is clean, organized, and well-stocked. Responsibilities also include supporting training and coaching of associates, monitoring adherence to company policies, and contributing to loss prevention efforts. The role collaborates closely with the Store Manager to meet performance goals and promote a positive, inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Retail leadership experience with skills in team supervision, scheduling, and supporting performance management.
• Customer service and sales abilities, including strong communication, active listening, and a focus on creating a welcoming, inclusive environment.
• Operational skills such as cash handling, basic point-of-sale system use, and attention to loss prevention and store safety standards.
• Visual merchandising and product presentation skills, with an eye for detail and an interest in current fashion trends.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and work in a fast-paced setting.
• Basic math and computer skills, including comfort with retail systems and reporting tools.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift and move merchandise as needed, and work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Previous experience in specialty or fashion retail is preferred; a high school diploma or equivalent is required, and additional education in business, fashion, or related fields is a plus.