District Manager in Training

About Our Company

At Lids Sports Group, we don’t just sell hats — we fuel fandom. As the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, we bring sports, fashion, and culture together in more than 1,300 stores nationwide. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lids delivers premium, fan‑driven products and unforgettable retail experiences.

District Manager in Training

At Lids Sports Group, we don’t just sell hats — we fuel fandom. As the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, we bring sports, fashion, and culture together in more than 1,300 stores nationwide. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lids delivers premium, fan‑driven products and unforgettable retail experiences.

Our stores feature officially licensed headwear and apparel from collegiate and professional teams, alongside top brands like Champion, Nike, New Era, Lululemon Athletica, and Mitchell & Ness. We’re also the industry leader in on‑demand customization, offering in‑store embroidery that turns everyday gear into one‑of‑a‑kind statements.

From specialty concept stores for the NBA and NHL, to iconic clubhouse destinations for the Yankees and Dodgers, we create immersive retail experiences that celebrate the teams fans love. Through collaborations with brands like Marvel, Peanuts, and The Walt Disney Company, Lids continues to redefine how fans represent their teams — in style.

The District Manager in Training is an inspiring field leader who trains under the District Sales Manager within a specific geographic area to drive strategic product sell‑through, deliver key business results, hire, and develop store associates. As a DMIT, you are ensuring that store operational principles are followed and that each store provides exceptional service by offering your expertise on Lids’s products and services.

District Managers in Training are accountable for their smaller market (approx.:3-5 stores) within the district under the support and guidance of the District Sales Manager.

• Manage the store’s hiring strategy, including planning needs, recruitment strategy, projected turnover, and leaves of absence.
• Develop Store Managers (SM) in recruiting and training skills to continually strengthen talent and results in the market.
• Share role and behavior expectations and coordinate onboarding training programs to acclimate new team members to Lids.
• Engage team members by creating a fun and productive environment, including helping them understand how their work supports the success of the district and Lids overall.
• Contribute to a respectful and inclusive team environment by establishing supportive working relationships and adhering to Lids Brand Standards (e.g., company dress code, etc.)
• Hold SMs accountable for managing and developing their store team.
• Address all employee concerns or issues and administer the progressive steps of discipline, including knowing when to partner with internal support (e.g., HR, RD, etc.) to take appropriate action.
• Drive team engagement through impactful store visits and follow‑up by ensuring DMIT’s stores are provided recognition, gap assessment, ongoing training, and continuous check‑ins, including performance management and documentation when relevant, to support and reinforce career and personal growth.
• Provide consistent, documented appraisal of store’s performance and work to give feedback on areas of strength and opportunity while keeping in line with Company objectives.
• Collaborate across store channels and/or districts using company Discussion Boards or district and regional chat platforms.
• Ensure compliance with all established company policies, procedures, and…