Seattle Retail Assistant Store Manager

Purpose

The Assistant Store Manager partners with the Store Manager to launch and operate Snow Peak's new Seattle retail location, including pre-opening training, store setup, and ongoing operations. This role combines customer service, team development, merchandising, inventory management, and event coordination while supporting the April 2025 store opening.

Classification

• FLSA: Nonexempt
• Status: Full Time, Benefit Eligible
• Compensation: $27-$31
• Reports To: Store Manager
• Start Date: Mid-March 2026 (approximately 6 weeks before store opening)
• Schedule: Required availability on evenings, weekends, and holidays

Essential Duties

Store Opening & Setup

• Travel to Portland store for training during pre-opening phase
• Support physical store setup including merchandising, inventory systems, and operational readiness
• Help establish opening procedures, systems, and standards for the Seattle location
• Participate in hiring and onboarding the retail team

Manage Operations

• Ensure consistent excellence in customer service and resolve escalated issues
• Open and close the store
• Track and report daily and monthly sales performance
• Receive deliveries and maintain sales floor presentation
• Plan, promote, and coordinate events; track event profitability and maintain event calendar
• Oversee retail inventory and restocking
• Manage store window and showroom floor updates monthly

Lead Retail Team

• Deliver comprehensive training on gear, apparel, policies, and procedures; identify additional training needs
• Model best practices in sales, customer service, cash management, inventory handling, and follow-up
• Create and manage shift schedules; verify hours for payroll
• Lead monthly retail contests
• Recognize individual staff strengths and support employee development
• Monitor productivity and adherence to store standards; ensure health, safety, and security protocols are followed; address performance issues promptly and escalate discipline to Store Manager

Support Store Manager & Company Objectives

• Serve as Manager on Duty when Store Manager is not present
• Assist with reporting, purchase orders, and other operational tasks
• Partner with Store Manager on recruiting efforts
• Build and maintain tools, reports, and documentation
• Recommend process improvements
• Support change management within the store
• Contribute to cross-functional projects and participate in team meetings

Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience

• 3 years in a retail environment
• Experience leading a team, enforcing policies and procedures, and managing employee scheduling

Skills

• Ability to learn new software and systems
• Business and financial acumen to support store profitability
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Intermediate Excel and Word skills
• Intermediate mathematics and reporting capabilities
• Strong verbal and written communication

Abilities

• Quick learner with creative problem-solving skills
• Acts with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Effective interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities
• Motivates and develops team members
• Manages multiple concurrent projects efficiently
• Delivers excellent customer service
• Comfortable with ambiguity and adaptable during store opening phase

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods standing
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Regular public interaction

Travel

• Required travel to Portland for training during pre-opening phase (Mid-March through early April)

All of our employees enjoy paid time off for qualifying sick leave and are also eligible for wilderness first aid certification, annual company retreat and/or camping trip, public transportation assistance, bike commuting allowance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Snow Peak gear package, access to third-party outdoor gear discounts, and generous discounts on Snow Peak gear and apparel.

In addition, our regular full-time employees are eligible for medical coverage with vision and alternative care, comprehensive dental, employer match to retirement contributions, short and long-term disability insurance, life and AD&D insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and paid family and medical leave.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age. With that said, research shows that women and other underrepresented groups apply only if they meet 100% of the criteria. Snow Peak USA is committed to leveling the playing field, and we encourage women, people of color, and those in the LGBTQ+ communities to apply for positions even if they don’t necessarily check every box outlined in the job description. Please still get in touch – we’d love to connect and see if you could be good for the role.