Title: General Manager in Training (Must be relocatable within the North Jersey Market)

Reports To: Market Leader or Regional Leader

Summary

The General Manager in Training (GMiT) is responsible for developing the skills necessary to become a General Manager for A.C. Moore.  The GMiT assists with managing people, merchandise, and profit within an A.C. Moore store. This position helps to ensure that the right people are in place in the store in order to execute Quality Customer Care. The GMiT looks for in-stock and merchandising opportunities by reviewing various reports, including information on average ticket impact. This position works to develop a complete understanding of seasonal trends, changes, and product categories. The GMiT reviews the P&L line items and makes determinations on ways to improve performance in his/her store. This position is responsible for in-stock and service business, and for executing advertising, profit management, and shrink reduction.

The GMiT is one of the primary sources of contact for our customers. The GMiT also manages Associates who are in direct contact with our customers. This position impacts the company by leading the store to success. Customers enjoy shopping in well-run stores with stellar customer service.

Essential Job Functions

• Adopts and Executes our Values of:  People, Integrity, Desire to Be the Best, Passion, Enthusiasm, and New Ideas. 
• Demonstrates flexibility in schedule availability and when assisting other departments within the store.
• Provides Quality Customer Care to all customers by handling customer concerns quickly and sincerely, ringing up purchases with speed and accuracy, and by recovering the store consistently to ensure a positive shopping experience.
• Learns to maintains a store that is safe and clean according to company policy/procedure and OSHA standards.
• Serves as the key carrier for the building. Utilize alarm codes to enter and/or exit the building.
• Acts as Manager on Duty (MOD), ensuring that all customers receive Quality Customer Care throughout the store.
• Learns to effectively lead a business that involves people planning and development, sales, and profit optimization.
• Develops the ability to make decisions based on the P&L for the store. Monitor sales, margin, and inventory. Analyze and make decisions based on reports for sales trends.
• Learns to Direct and manage the merchandise component of the business. Secure an in-stock position for key items, seasonal product, and year-round best-selling items.  Manage the freight flow process and ensure the stock room is organized appropriately for quick and easy filling and receiving.
• Learns to Recruit, develop, train, and retain an effective team of Associates.
• Facilitate store huddle meetings.
• Learns to Manage Associates effectively by providing feedback on performance.
• Foster an environment of high team member morale.
• Assist General Manager with completing fair and accurate performance and salary reviews.
• Prioritize resources to maximize sales within the store.
• Assist with overseeing adequate and efficient scheduling of Associates.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Experience & Educational Requirements

• 2 - 4 years of experience in retail management or a combination of a college degree and retail experience is required.
• Schedule flexibility is required.  Must be available to work a minimum of 2 evenings per week and 1 weekend day per week. 
• Understanding of retail sales, inventory, profit planning, and merchandising.
• Experience with store operations and loss prevention.
• Understanding of effective recruitment and training.
• Working knowledge of Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Proficiency with POS and other systems used to manage retail sales, expense, and operations.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Strong understanding of retail math.
• Excellent people skills.
• Strong verbal and communication skills.
• Consistent positive attitude when interacting with team, customers, and colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully create and achieve set goals and objectives.
• Takes accountability and ownership for his or her own actions.
• Ability to multitask while leading a team and working as a team player in a fast-paced environment.
• “Love” of arts and crafts preferred.

Due to the fiduciary accountabilities of this job, a valid credit check and/or background will be required as part of the selection process.