Manager in Training #199 - Catersville, GA

Academy Sports and Outdoors; Cartersville (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Academy Sports + Outdoors invites motivated professionals to join its Manager in Training (MIT) program in Cartersville, GA. You will rotate through store departments, learning merchandising, staffing, inventory and the customer experience while partnering with store leadership to drive sales, service, and operational excellence.

The program emphasizes leadership development, performance analysis, and real-time priority adjustments to meet business demands.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership or management experience.
• Experience leading departments of up to 40 team members and driving operational excellence.
• Certification in firearms sales and PIT operation may be required.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through store departments to understand merchandising, staffing, inventory and customer experience.
• Partner with store leadership to develop and execute sales, service, and operational strategies.
• Analyze performance metrics and plan labor effectively to meet business demands.
• Lead teams and coach associates to deliver a great shopping experience.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Customer Service

Training

Strategy and Execution

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Firearms Sales Certification

Power Industrial Truck Certification

Job description

Who We Are

At Academy Sports + Outdoors our vision is to be the best sports + outdoors retailer in the country — but what truly sets us apart is our people. We’re a passionate, purpose-driven team that’s as committed to each other as we are to our customers. We’ve spent over 80 years building a culture that puts people first. We believe in creating opportunities for growth, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting every Team Member’s journey. What fuels us? Our belief in the power of fun. Here, you won’t just help customers gear up for their next adventure — you’ll launch one of your own. Whether you're starting out or leveling up, Academy is a place where fun can’t lose!

What You Will Work On

As a Manager in Training, you will immerse yourself in every facet of running a high‑volume retail business, gaining hands‑on experience across operations, sales leadership, and people management. You will rotate through store departments to understand how merchandising, staffing, inventory, and customer experience all connect to overall performance. Each day brings new opportunities to apply business insights while learning how decisions made on the floor impact results. Throughout the program, you will partner closely with store leadership to develop and execute strategies that drive sales, service, and operational excellence. You will learn how to analyze performance metrics, plan labor effectively, and adjust priorities in real time to meet business demands. This role is designed to stretch your leadership capability while preparing you for full accountability as a future store leader.

Who You Will Work With

You will work side‑by‑side with experienced Store Directors, Assistant Managers, and department leaders who are invested in your development and long‑term success. These leaders will coach you through real‑world scenarios, provide feedback, and support your growth as you learn how to lead teams, manage performance, and uphold company standards. In addition, you will collaborate daily with cross‑functional store teams, from sales and merchandising to operations and inventory. Building strong relationships with team members at every level will be key as you learn how to motivate, communicate, and lead through influence in a fast‑paced environment. Successful completion of the MIT program is required for promotion into a Manager role.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant leadership or management experience required
• Demonstrated success leading departments of up to 40 team members while driving operational excellence and achieving sales targets
• Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to motivate and develop others
• Customer‑focused mindset with a passion for delivering a great shopping experience
• Solid business acumen and comfort working with performance metrics and reports
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to make sound decisions using judgment, logic, and common sense
• Ability to complete required certifications, including Firearms Sales and Power Industrial Truck
• Comfortably manage and audit firearm sales, ensuring all transactions meet federal and state requirements through accurate completion of ATF Form 4473, background check verification, and final approval
• A team‑first attitude; while your core duties are your priority, you’re happy to step in wherever you’re needed

Work Style and Physical Requirements

• Flexibility to work varying schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs
• Full‑time position averaging 45–50 hours per week during peak times
• Capability to remain on your feet and move throughout the store for extended periods during scheduled shifts
• Ability to perform physical job functions such as walking, bending, reaching, pulling, carrying, and lifting items up to 50 lbs
• Capacity to complete repetitive tasks, including scanning, stocking, and folding merchandise
• Comfort using ladders or step stools to access merchandise as needed
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced retail environment while adapting to shifting priorities
• Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties
• Ability to adhere to company policies and professional standards

Key Skills

• Management, Workforce Management, Customer Service, Training, Strategy and Execution

Equal Employment Opportunity

Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate with regard to employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law.

Academy® Sports + Outdoors is one of the nation’s largest sporting goods and outdoor retailers. It’s no surprise that we not only know how to create experiences for our customers, but for our team members as well. Understanding our people and the things that matter to them the most has been at the core of the Academy® culture for over 80 years. With more than 22,000 team members, we take pride in creating a workplace environment that values hard work, commitment, and growth.