Area Manager - Metro Chicago

Job Summary

The Area Sales Manager is responsible for multi‑unit store leadership by providing a consistent brand experience for customers, teaching, coaching, and ensuring alignment of the organization’s vision and strategy.

• Lead an area of JD Finish Line stores to deliver a premium customer experience and drive overall competitive gains.
• Deliver, maintain, and shift the district culture to stay aligned with corporate strategy.
• Maintain sales levels and profits through alignment with organizational strategy focused on driving and sustaining sales gains.
• Assess performance of Store Managers, Assistant Managers, and Associates and provide coaching and performance feedback via virtual and in‑person visits.
• Train and develop Store Managers by identifying strengths and opportunities and supporting actionable development plans.
• Produce metric‑based results that drive store sales gains.
• Control labor and expenses for the area.
• Prevent and monitor loss and shrink reports and implement reduction action plans.
• Lead product communication and maintain a consistent visual presentation across the area in accordance with brand standards.
• Maintain desired staffing levels through recruitment and ensure employees reflect the customer‑centric culture.
• Oversee in‑store technology and ensure all employees are fully trained and capable of using it.
• Support Loss Prevention and Human Resources within the area.
• Supervise Store Managers and ensure their understanding of the company vision.
• Provide and support a respectful, inclusive, and diverse working environment.
• Interview, hire, train, plan, assign, appraise, reward, discipline employees, and resolve complaints and problems.
• Act as liaison between corporate and field business partners.
• Perform additional duties and projects as required.

• Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year college or university.
• At least 5 years progressive experience in retail management.
• At least 3–4 years successful store manager experience; multi‑unit leadership strongly preferred.
• Internal experience with JD Finish Line strongly preferred.
• Basic to intermediate knowledge of Google Suite and ability to learn new software quickly.
• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English; business‑related mathematics skills required.

Pay range: $85,000–$105,000 (depending on experience) plus performance‑based bonus. Eligible for medical, dental, vision, 401(k), sick leave, parental leave, and paid time off.

The Finish Line, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local EEO laws. The company prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, sex, pregnancy status, age, military status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations are available for disabilities, pregnancy, and religious practices.