District Manager, LOFT - Long Island/Connecticut

Brand Overview:

LOFT launched in 1998 and today has over 650 full-price and outlet stores in Canada, Mexico and in over 46 US states. LOFT creates modern, feminine and versatile clothing for a wide range of women with one common style goal: to look and feel confident, wherever the day takes them. From everyday essentials to attainable trends, LOFT consistently serves up color, print, pattern and novelty that never compromises on quality and fit (from petites to plus to tall to maternity). We connect with millions through LOFT.com, email, social media and our stores. LOFT's mission is to deliver to each of them the styles that reflect the world she lives in, because we know there's no one way to look, live or feel great-we embrace them all.We believe what you do is just as important as how you do it. We're committed to fostering a community where all Associates lead with their strengths, feel connected to what we stand for, are accountable to growing our culture together, and are supported in their individual development. You're invited to discover the unparalleled opportunities that await you.Ready to ? We currently have an opportunity for a District Manager, LOFT - Long Island/Connecticut to join our team located at our Field Mgmt-District 47 LOFT-ANN.

Position Overview:

POSITION OVERVIEW: To direct all activities required to achieve district goals, including sales and profit objectives, client service, human capital investment and retention, payroll and operating expenses, loss prevention, and merchandise presentation.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Develops Store Managers and/or Area Managers to accomplish district’s objectives through recruitment, selection, coaching, investment, career-pathing, retention and motivation.
• Maintains a union-free environment.
• Ensures attainment of sales, payroll, operating expenses and inventory shortage goals for district
• Meets or exceeds company client service objectives with emphasis on store management coaching and follow-up
• Ensures that merchandise is maintained to company standard, with emphasis on allocation, presentation, restocking and recovery
• Acts as the liaison between stores and home office
• Helps set priorities and direction for district
• Understands the ANN INC. culture, and ensures compliance with all ANN INC. Values & Behaviors, and store operational standards Additional responsibilities, tasks or projects as assigned by Regional Vice President, Director of Stores or Home Office

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT:

• Ensures ANN INC. client service standards are learned and role modeled
• Adheres to Human Resources standards by following the general practices outlined, minimizing exceptions and remaining objective
• Recruits, selects, hires and develops diverse management level talent for district
• Fills open jobs with qualified candidates within 30 days and maintains talent pool
• Assesses, develops, educates and mentors store management in all areas of responsibility, ensuring that feedback, coaching and investment are regularly provided
• Provides learning to management teams to maximize store and associate performance; shares knowledge, information and experience
• Provides timely feedback to associates, rewarding and recognizing desired behaviors
• Holds associates accountable for achievement of financial results and statistical standards
• Manages conflict and coaches associates to move them forward by ing ANN INC.’s recommended processes, standards and guidelines
• Makes timely, ethical, and logical decisions after complete discovery and analysis; balances business priorities with the "Caring about People" value
• Assesses associates and store teams consistently; evaluates stores’ atmosphere and communicates associate performance and deliverables
• Empowers and involves associates in decision-making processes while providing guidance
• Capitalizes on individual's strengths and talents to optimize team performance
• Is receptive to feedback and fosters dialogue around solutions, realistically appraising self on strengths and weaknesses; owns mistakes and is aware of limitations
• Fosters team commitment through support, building relationships, and recognizing individual contributions; fosters cross-divisional and cross-functional relationships
• Leads by taking calculated risks and managing through change and adversity

REVENUE GENERATION:

• Shares vision and plans execution of district’s business strategy in alignment with Home Office initiatives
• Is responsible for setting and attaining district sales and expense management goals
• Is responsible for district’s staffing matrix and payroll compliance Drives quantifiable performances (LY, Plan, UPT, DPT, conversion rates, payroll matrix, inventory shortage, operational assessments, credit cards)
• Educates store management teams on forecasting and analysis of business trends and inventory opportunities
• Analyzes business reports consistently and develops strategies to maximize performance

STORE OPERATIONS:

• Prioritizes work flow through successful daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, seasonal, and annual planning and helps manage taskloads
• Protects district's assets and ensures compliance with Loss Prevention practices
• Is responsible for maintenance of the physical appearance and cleanliness of stores in district Conducts store walk-throughs with management teams, communicating successes/opportunities in key store areas
• Ensures compliance with all practices and procedures outlined in reference manuals
• Communicates importance of safety and health concerns, and ensures safe working environment
• Adheres to deadlines; conducts pilots and provides pertinent feedback for implementation
• Recommends ideas to improve standards and processes
• Uses appropriate communication vehicles to respond to and initiate requests (voicemail, email, direct conversations or conference calls)

PRODUCT MANAGEMENT:

• Ensures execution of all pricing strategies to achieve gross margin goals
• Partners with Store Planning to manage stores’ inventories
• Ensures all stores in district are merchandised according to visual guidelines; understands and holds associates accountable to the standards outlined in the Visual Merchandising Guide and Store Set documents
• Ensures timely planning and execution of Store Set Educates store management teams on assessing visual directives and substituting product as needed; coaches teams to drive sales opportunities through adjustments to product placement
• Communicates observations and opportunities regarding quality control issues

BRAND MANAGEMENT:

• Ensures that all Store Managers can clearly articulate the company's brand positioning, including the unique differences of all expressions of the ANN INC. organization
• Educates store management on marketing initiatives, product placement, lifestyle concepts and product knowledge
• Embodies company culture in all interactions with internal and external clients Role models ANN INC. Values & Behaviors, while holding associates responsible for their actions
• Operates with highest levels of personal integrity and business confidentiality Asks probing questions and helps management develops actions plans
• Represents the brand and holds store management accountable to the standard

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Human Resources: Proven ability to network and maintain talent pool for recruitment; select and develop Store Management teams; develop bench strength; coach and counsel; persuasively argue point of view without losing objectivity

Client Service: Ability to function as a role model during all store visits, ensuring that the client remains the top priority; ability to respond empathetically to client’s needs

Organization: Ability to organize, delegate, prioritize, meet deadlines, hold team accountable and follow-up on all activities within the district

Leadership: Proven ability to challenge and motivate management teams in an atmosphere of mutual respect by fostering support of innovative business practices Merchandising: Knowledge of visual standards and techniques; ability to implement and interpret according to ANN INC.’s guidelines, individualizing to store attributes

Communication: Demonstration of strong verbal and written communication skills to Home Office and direct reports; ability to express and logically articulate point of view while reinforcing company initiatives

Business analysis: Ability to forecast and analyze business trends and function within payroll, shortage and controllable expenses in order to maximize district performance and profitability

Market knowledge: Ability to assess market, share information with team, and translate understanding to impact district business

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum Requirements:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred

Minimum two years District Manager experience in the service industry with proven results

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Location:

Field Mgmt-District 47 LOFT-ANN

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified people at all levels. It is our policy in all employment decisions to ensure that all associates and potential associates are evaluated on the basis of qualifications and ability without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability that can reasonably be accommodated without undue hardship, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected classification under applicable law. We do not discriminate in any of our employment policies and practices. All associates are expected to follow these principles in all relationships with other associates, applicants, or others with whom we do business.

The Company welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the application process.

Note to Applicants: Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas of the Company unless designated smoking areas have been established by a particular location in accordance with applicable law.