At SkiEssentials Stowe, we are more than a gear shop - we are a cornerstone of the outdoor community in Stowe. With a deep passion for adventure and a drive to educate and serve, we aim to inspire and equip everyone who walks through our doors.
The General Manager at SkiEssentials Stowe plays a critical role in leading the store's daily operations, seasonal transitions, and strategic direction. This individual will manage and develop a high-performing team, enhance our strong customer-first culture, and ensure financial performance aligns with business goals.
The ideal candidate is passionate about the outdoors, thrives in a dynamic retail environment, and is excited to build lasting relationships within our community.
Store Leadership
- Lead by example, setting the tone for professionalism, service, and excellence.
- Serve as the face of the Stowe Store- lead with integrity, approachability, and a collaborative spirit.
- Hire, train, and nurture a skilled, passionate team across sales, service, and support roles.
- Champion our mission, vision, and values across all staff touchpoints.
- Maintain open and productive communication with company leadership and cross-store peers.
- Schedule and conduct regular team check-ins and performance evaluations.
Operations
- Ensure smooth, efficient daily operations and adherence to all store processes.
- Oversee cash handling, open/close procedures, and staff scheduling.
- Support and execute major store projects including seasonal changeovers and facility needs.
- Collaborate with the buying team and floor leads on layout changes and inventory planning.
- Ensure all product receiving, transfers, markdowns, and merchandising are executed accurately.
- Maintain a clean, welcoming, and brand-aligned store environment.
Customer Experience & Sales
- Deliver a best-in-class customer experience across all touchpoints.
- Empower staff with tools and training to engage authentically and expertly with guests.
- Resolve customer issues with fairness, professionalism, and tact.
- Work with floor leads to ensure strong sales conversion, high service standards, and clear storytelling through merchandising.
Financial Success
- Monitor store KPIs and work with ownership/accounting on budget, payroll, and profitability goals.
- Identify opportunities for increased performance through product mix, merchandising, and staffing.
- Partner with merchandisers and department leads to ensure financial success across categories.
Marketing & Community Engagement
- Collaborate with the Brick and Mortar Marketing Coordinator to ensure alignment on messaging, promotions, and events across all retail locations
- Review and approve monthly marketing plans presented by the Marketing Coordinator; provide feedback and strategic direction to ensure consistency with brand identity and store goals
- Ensure marketing efforts support store-level priorities, including promotional calendars, key sales initiatives, merchandising, and overall customer experience
- Facilitate communication between Store Managers, Buyers, and the Marketing Coordinator to streamline planning and execution of in-store promotions and events
- Provide oversight and input on local advertising spend, ensuring proposals fit within budget and support store goals
- Support the Marketing Coordinator in leading community engagement and brand presence at local events, ensuring alignment with store values and customer expectations
Qualifications
- 3-5+ years of experience in retail management, preferably in outdoor, bike, ski, or specialty retail.
- Proven leadership skills with ability to motivate, mentor, and manage performance.
- Deep understanding of ski, snowboard, and/or bike products and culture.
- Strong customer service philosophy and hands-on retail mentality.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and time management skills.
- Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and embrace the seasonal nature of the business.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- Holidays
- Weekends as needed
.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
