Area Manager, Retail Retail & Store Manager

Area Manager

IT’SUGAR is a rapidly growing candy retailer with over 100 locations nationwide.

The Area Manager will have a home store location and assist the District Manager in maximizing sales and profit by managing, leading sales, training and development, enforcing operational standards, controlling costs, and protecting assets.

• Possess strong business acumen with flexibility to adjust to internal and external factors.
• Implement strategies to engage and retain employees at the multi-store level, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Conduct stay interviews with team members to understand areas of opportunity and success.
• Mentor, coach, and counsel the store managers within the assigned area.
• Maintain open communication, encouraging employees to voice ideas, concerns, and feedback to promote collaboration.
• Implement and manage company employee recognition programs for the area.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to improve motivation.
• Lead, coach, and motivate through enthusiastic brand representation and present solutions for ongoing challenges.
• Train, coach, and hold managers accountable to the customer engagement model, IT’SUGARTAINMENT.
• Make staffing decisions, including hiring, training, task assignment, promotion, disciplinary action, and termination for assigned functions.
• Host regional calls to communicate updates, share best practices, and address concerns.
• Participate in all regional initiatives as defined by Store Operations Leadership.

• Proactively attract and retain qualified candidates to ensure proper backfill for all leadership positions within the area.
• Recruit and network with internal and external candidates, developing sincere and authentic relationships.
• Participate in the selection process for Store Managers and facilitate onboarding, training, and coaching to ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
• Hire candidates based on IT’SUGAR’s core values.

Establish a collaborative selling culture to ensure managers and associates are trained in all IT'SUGAR selling programs and leverage business analysis to drive profitable sales growth.

• Oversee all operational standards for the assigned geographic area.
• Manage the allocated budget for assigned stores.
• Maintain a model store to demonstrate ideal setup and operational excellence.
• Communicate product recommendations to increase sales and inventory.
• Approve employee timecards bi-weekly to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Collaborate with the district manager to adjust employee pay rates according to policies.
• Conduct store visits using the standardized form to ensure consistency and adherence to standards.
• Ensure stores follow visual guidelines and support the brand image.
• Plan and set up special events and promotions.
• Understand loss prevention policies and communicate issues to Store Managers and HQ.

• Represent the core values:
  Positive, Playful, Present, and Difference Maker.
• Hold self and store teams accountable to core values and coach associated behaviors.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 7+ years of retail experience.
• Prior sales and management experience in a retail environment required.
• Minimum 3 years of multi‑unit experience.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Able to stand, walk, and handle tasks for long periods; use hands, reach, and communicate.
• Able to lift/move up to 25 lbs independently and up to 50 lbs with assistance.
• Work independently and lead a team of retail managers.
• Must travel 25% of the time.
• Strong computer skills.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account
• Legal Services
• 401(k) with company match after 60 days of employment
• 30% Employee Discount
• Perk Spot (Discounts on cell phone, travel, events, etc.)
• Employee Assistance Program