Chicago Store Manager

Branch; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Branch is looking for a Store Manager for their new location in Chicago. This pivotal role involves leading and managing store operations, driving sales performance, and maintaining exceptional customer service standards. You'll oversee financial management, team development, and organize community engagement initiatives.

The ideal candidate has over 5 years of retail management experience and a passion for creating a best-in-class customer experience. You will play a key role in establishing the Branch brand within the local market.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of management experience in retail store environments.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to lead a team.
• Experience in financial management and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Own store sales performance and KPIs.
• Manage store’s spending and minimize costs.
• Lead by example to maintain high customer service standards.
• Facilitate employee development and performance reviews.
• Oversee operational excellence in daily store functions.

Skills

Customer service management

Financial management

Leadership and team motivation

Retail operations management

Communication skills

Tools

Shopify

Google Workspace

Slack

Job description

Branch is shaking up the $46B office products industry to create the best work experience for the 21st century: easy, affordable and adaptable so you can sit down (or stand) and get to work.

Most people spend eight hours a day at their workspace. Our mission is creating accessible and inspiring products to help people and teams feel their best at work, wherever that happens.

We’re based in NYC and Toronto, and backed by the investors behind Quip, Caraway, Eight Sleep and Peloton. Our culture combines strategic clarity with scrappy execution; we think and plan rigorously but ship fast and have fun doing it. We’re looking for entrepreneurial teammates who do the same.

The Role

As the first Store Manager of our Chicago store, you will lead Branch’s retail business in the market. You’ll own store performance across sales, market engagement, people, and operations, while helping us define what great retail looks like at Branch. You’ll be both a hands‑on leader and a strategic visionary, steering the store towards success through market growth and operational efficiency.

This is an opportunity for an experienced retail leader who is energized by building from the ground up, developing high‑performance teams, creating a best‑in‑class customer experience, and is overall excited about being a part of the team as we scale the retail program.

This role is salaried with a compensation range of $75,000‑$95,000 based on the candidate's experience, skills, competencies, and qualifications.

What You’ll Do

• Own store sales performance and KPIs, with accountability for sales, payroll, and expense management.
• Manage store’s spend & seek opportunities to minimize costs without compromising the customer experience.
• Lead by example and maintain a high bar for in‑store customer experience.
• Be a source of knowledge about furniture and health and ergonomics in the workplace.
• Lead in‑store visual merchandising and design.
• Oversee clienteling efforts to ensure our customers are supported throughout their Branch experience.
• Identify and execute initiatives to drive community engagement, such as local marketing, sponsorships, and partnerships.
• Partner with the Retail and Sales teams to host activations throughout the year.
• Occasionally support our Sales Team with B2B presentations and install oversight.
• Create a store environment, through culture and training, where our team is energized to provide excellent service and prioritize high standards.
• Own the sourcing, assessment, selection, and onboarding of talent to build and grow our scaling business.
• Facilitate a growth‑oriented culture for ongoing people development and provide tactical and real‑time feedback, as well as cadenced performance reviews to team members.
• Be accountable for store operational excellence, providing day‑to‑day support to the store team to ensure all store operations are completed in a timely, thorough manner and that brand and product standards are maintained.
• Surface operational risks and partner cross‑functionally to resolve them.
• Proficiency with digital tools such as Shopify, Slack, and Google Workspace to support business operations, client engagement, and team communication.
• Ability to actively lead on the sales floor, including standing, walking, using ladders, and lifting up to 50 lbs.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong skillset in customer service and developing and maintaining a high bar across store team.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn the details of our products and brand and help customers find the best fit.
• 5+ years of management experience in retail store environments (including operations and people management).
• Someone who is friendly, positive, and truly passionate about the Branch brand and story.
• Financial management experience with success in driving top‑line sales, interpreting reporting data, managing payroll budgets, and controlling expenses.
• Exceptional leadership capabilities with a track record of attracting, developing, and motivating top talent, swiftly adapting to change, and leading others through fast‑paced environments.
• Desire to work in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment – you understand the importance of experimentation and iteration and are excited to develop the retail business of Branch.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, holidays and weekend shifts.
• Bonus: you’ve opened a store from scratch.