Softlines Store Lead: Drive Merch & Team Excellence

Academy Sports and Outdoors; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Academy Sports and Outdoors is seeking a Softlines Manager to lead the Apparel and Footwear areas with a balance of people leadership and operational execution. You’ll translate sales trends and merchandising strategies into clear daily plans that drive results on the sales floor.

You will own department performance by developing talent, managing labor, and ensuring visual and merchandising excellence, with coaching and data‑driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; leadership experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven success leading departments with up to 40 team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead Apparel and Footwear areas with strong people leadership and operational execution.
• Translate sales trends and merchandising strategies into clear daily plans to drive results on the sales floor.
• Own department performance by developing talent, managing labor, and ensuring visual and merchandising excellence.
• Coach, mentor, and hold team members accountable while partnering with store leadership on initiatives.

Skills

Customer Service

Operations

Workforce Management

Performance Management

Driving Results

Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Inventory management systems

Payroll systems

Retail systems

Job description

Academy Sports and Outdoors is seeking a Softlines Manager to lead the Apparel and Footwear areas with a balance of people leadership and operational execution. You’ll translate sales trends and merchandising strategies into clear daily plans that drive results on the sales floor.

You will own department performance by developing talent, managing labor, and ensuring visual and merchandising excellence, with coaching and data‑driven decision making.