General Manager - Optical

National Vision, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with match

FSA

PTO & Holidays

Parental leave

Eyewear discount

Disability insurance

Life insurance

College scholarships

Job summary

America’s Best in Chicago is seeking a General Manager to lead a busy retail eyecare store. You will drive sales, manage daily operations, and partner with optometrists to deliver exceptional patient care.

The role requires strong leadership, budgeting, merchandising, and customer service skills, with a focus on team development and operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of retail experience.
• Knowledge of the optical industry is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and build strong associate relationships.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for providing exceptional customer service and driving sales.
• Solid understanding of store operations and business performance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily store operations, including staffing, inventory management, bookkeeping, planning, and enforcing company policies.
• Lead, train, and develop associates through consistent coaching, feedback, and growth opportunities.
• Monitor store performance and guide associates to deliver outstanding customer and patient experiences from start to finish.
• Partner with the Doctor to ensure every patient receives the highest level of care.
• Conduct store audits and uphold quality, merchandising, and service standards.
• Maintain open communication with the District Manager and provide accurate reporting.
• Ensure the store and facility meet all corporate and safety standards.
• Execute marketing, merchandising, and promotional initiatives according to brand standards.
• Manage budgets, supplies, and inventory to meet financial goals.
• Recruit, hire, and retain top talent, creating schedules based on business needs and store traffic.
• Lead by example — coaching your team toward sales and service excellence.
• Provide clear, timely feedback and performance evaluations, while addressing issues proactively.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and maintain accurate associate files and records.

Skills

Retail management

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

• Salary Range: $44,720.00 - $54,454.40 per year
• Compensation: USD 44,720 - USD 54,454.4 - yearly

Company Description

America’s Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States. Each location is focused on treating every eye with the attention and expertise they deserve. America’s Best believes in great care, for every kind of eye. Because every eye deserves better.

As a General Manager, you’ll lead a talented team, drive results, and create an amazing experience for both patients and associates every single day.

The General Manager is responsible for the overall success, sales, and profitability of the store. This includes managing all aspects of operations — from financial performance and team leadership to merchandising, training, and patient care.

You’ll set the tone for a positive, high-energy environment where exceptional service and teamwork thrive.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee all daily store operations, including staffing, inventory management, bookkeeping, planning, and enforcing company policies.
• Lead, train, and develop associates through consistent coaching, feedback, and growth opportunities.
• Monitor store performance and guide associates to deliver outstanding customer and patient experiences from start to finish.
• Partner with the Doctor to ensure every patient receives the highest level of care.
• Conduct store audits and uphold quality, merchandising, and service standards.
• Maintain open communication with the District Manager and provide accurate reporting.
• Ensure the store and facility meet all corporate and safety standards.

Additional Responsibilities

• Execute marketing, merchandising, and promotional initiatives according to brand standards.
• Manage budgets, supplies, and inventory to meet financial goals.
• Recruit, hire, and retain top talent, creating schedules based on business needs and store traffic.
• Lead by example — coaching your team toward sales and service excellence.
• Provide clear, timely feedback and performance evaluations, while addressing issues proactively.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and maintain accurate associate files and records.
• In some locations, state laws require certain responsibilities to be performed by individuals with specific licenses or credentials. Job duties and work practices may vary to meet these requirements.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of retail experience. Supervising experience preferred.
• Knowledge of the optical industry is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and build strong associate relationships.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Passion for providing exceptional customer service and driving sales.
• Solid understanding of store operations and business performance.

Additional Information

We reward hard work with competitive pay, bonus opportunities, and a benefits package to support you and your family now and in the future.

Our Benefits Include:

• 401k retirement savings with company match and stock purchase plan
• Flex Spending Account
• Generous Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
• Parental leave
• Employee eyewear discount
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• College scholarship program

Focus on Professional Growth and Career Fulfillment:

• Access to educational courses
• Emphasis on internal promotions and career advancement

Join us today and see your future clearly!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.