Market Leader - Smokies

Job Description

Market Leader - Smokies

ABOUT LODGE CAST IRON

We got our start over 125 years ago when Joseph Lodge founded the Blacklock Foundry in South Pittsburg, TN. His scrappy, hardworking spirit continues to lead us today. As a team, we believe cast iron is for everyone. We're dedicated to manufacturing American-made cookware that we're proud to use in our very own homes and excited to bring to kitchens, backyards, and campfires around the world.

Day in and day out, we work together to stay safe, have fun, and be better than we were the day before.

WHAT FIRES US UP?

By now, you may have caught on to the fact that we're serious about spreading the joys of cast iron. And while we're always on the lookout for ways to innovate, we believe in the adage:
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That's why we stand by a simple recipe of just iron and oil (no forever chemicals, since forever!). It's also why we're passionate about keeping our campus in our hometown of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, providing great jobs to our community. As we bring our cookware to the next generation of cast iron chefs, we're looking for people to help us stay true to our roots every step of the way.

Does that sound like something you can get behind?

A DAY IN THE LIFE

This is not just any store manager role- this is Lodge in front of millions of visitors a year. As Market Leader of our Smokies market, you lead our Pigeon Forge store as your home base and hold full accountability for our Sevierville location as well. These are two of the most heavily trafficked doors in our fleet, sitting in the heart of one of the country's great tourism destinations, where most guests meet Lodge in person for the very first time.

You are a hands-on leader who brings energy, authenticity, and strategic vision to both stores. You are driven to create memorable, guest-focused experiences and passionate about developing a team that embodies our heritage of craftsmanship and quality — while managing the realities of a high-volume, highly seasonal market.

In this role, you'll cultivate a culture where every team member is equipped and empowered to welcome guests like family, share the rich stories behind our products, offer personalized recommendations, and serve as ambassadors for Lodge in the Smokies. You set high expectations for team performance, operational excellence, and the kind of heartfelt connection that reflects our commitment to treating every guest as if we've invited them into our own kitchen.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS:

• Proven multi-unit or high-volume retail management experience in a tourism, outlet, or destination environment where hospitality and guest connection are paramount.
• Experience leading through significant seasonal peaks — flexing staffing, inventory, and service models to meet demand without compromising the guest experience.
• Demonstrated track record of community engagement, event programming, or partnership development that has meaningfully grown visitation and brand affinity.
• A demonstrated track record of developing talent with care and investment, consistently improving team performance while honoring individual strengths.
• Confidence in leading teams across more than one location through change, with steady guidance while raising performance expectations.
• Strong operational and organizational skills with a ‘roll up your sleeves' attitude and meticulous attention to detail across a multi-store market.
• A genuine passion for cookware, food, storytelling, or cultural heritage that connects with our love for bringing people together around the kitchen table.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Market Leadership

• Hold full accountability for the Smokies Market — Pigeon Forge (home base) and Sevierville — delivering sales, service, and operational standards consistently across both locations.
• Lead daily operations at Pigeon Forge with pride and attention to detail that reflects our commitment to excellence, ensuring the store is always guest-ready and welcoming.
• Spend a regular, predictable cadence of time in Sevierville to coach in the moment, audit standards, and ensure the location reflects the same guest experience and visual…