Assistant Store Manager - Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL

Vineyard Vines Retail - Oak Brook, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Oak Brook, IL

Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Shoe, and Jewelry Retailers

About the position

The Assistant Store Manager (First Mate) at Vineyard Vines is responsible for supporting the Store Manager (Captain) in driving sales, enhancing customer experience, and developing crew members. This role focuses on creating a positive store environment that aligns with the brand's vision of making every day feel good for customers while ensuring operational efficiency and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Generate sales by supporting the store to meet and exceed financial goals.
• Measure and develop crew performance goals to increase profitability.
• Actively seek opportunities to drive additional sales and traffic.
• Stay aware of market competitor activities and support in-store and headquarters-driven events.
• Communicate headquarters initiatives effectively to the team.
• Exemplify the brand's vision to customers through exceptional service.
• Develop repeat customers through information gathering and follow-up.
• Educate crew and customers on product information and brand initiatives.
• Ensure store practices support a positive customer experience.
• Collect and encourage crew to solicit customer feedback for improvement.
• Maintain a welcoming and engaging store environment that adheres to HR policies.
• Create schedules that support customer service engagement.
• Develop and educate crew members through training and meetings.
• Recognize and reward crew performance to foster motivation.
• Build an environment of open communication with crew and headquarters partners.
• Maintain a talent pool for timely recruitment and hiring.
• Assist in conducting interviews to hire the best talent.
• Support compliance with operational standards and federal laws.
• Evaluate store operations for efficiency and profitability opportunities.
• Maintain efficient merchandise controls and develop loss prevention awareness.
• Support merchandising to reflect brand initiatives and local customer needs.
• Audit store cleanliness and visual standards.
• Support management in making merchandise moves based on feedback.

Requirements

• 9+ months as Assistant Manager in a similar volume type business.
• 1-2 years of retail experience.
• Strong interpersonal communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to plan, manage time, and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven success in staff development and mentorship.
• Awareness of competition and industry trends.
• Commitment to personal and team career growth.
• Team-focused, confident, and professional demeanor.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform effective selling techniques to achieve sales and repeat business.
• Excellent retail business acumen including selling skills and sales analysis.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including holidays, overnights, and weekends.
• Ability to actively supervise the sales floor.
• Passion for making people happy and leading by example.
• Excitement for recruiting, training, and motivating the team.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively receive and communicate feedback.
• Proactive networking skills.
• Passion for the Vineyard Vines brand.