Hardlines Team Lead

Company Description Academy Sports + Outdoors is one of the nation’s largest sporting goods and outdoor retailers, offering a wide assortment of quality gear, footwear, apparel, and leisure products for every budget. Headquartered in Katy, Texas, Academy has built a strong culture over more than 80 years that values hard work, growth, commitment, and fun. More than 20,000 team members bring energy, passion, and a sense of adventure to work each day as they help customers enjoy more of the activities they love.

Founded in 1938 as a family business, Academy now operates over 300 stores across 21 states and continues to expand its footprint. The company focuses on understanding team members and customers, creating a supportive environment where people can build meaningful careers in retail.

Role Description The Hardlines Team Lead is a full-time, on-site role located in Mobile, AL, responsible for overseeing daily operations within the hardlines departments (such as sporting goods, outdoor equipment, and related product categories). T his role directly oversees the Firearms Counter and ensures that all firearm sales follow both ATF and Academy company guidelines. Hardlines Team Leads coach team members, assigns tasks, and ensure that merchandise is well-stocked, properly signed, and attractively presented to deliver a consistent and engaging customer experience.

The Hardlines Team Lead supports store leadership by monitoring sales floor activities, assisting with opening and closing procedures, and promoting safety and loss prevention practices. Day-to-day responsibilities include providing customer assistance, resolving issues, coordinating with other departments, and maintaining cleanliness and organization in assigned areas. This role also helps train new team members, supports execution of promotions and seasonal resets, and models Academy’s values and customer service standards.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess experience in retail operations, including merchandising, inventory management, and sales floor organization.
• Candidates should possess skills in team leadership, staff training, and providing constructive feedback to support performance and morale.
• Candidates should possess strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills to handle diverse customer needs and situations.
• Candidates should possess basic math and cash-handling skills, along with comfort using point-of-sale and retail management systems.
• Candidates should possess the ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and to perform tasks that may require standing, walking, lifting, and bending.
• Previous experience in retail, sporting goods, or outdoor products is preferred; high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
• Candidates should demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, and a commitment to a safe, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment.