Retail Store Operations Manager Jobs in Athens, AL

At Academy Sports + Outdoors our vision is to be the best sports + outdoors retailer in the country — but what truly sets us apart is our people. We’re a passionate, purpose-driven team that’s as committed to each other as we are to our customers. We’ve spent over 80 years building a culture that puts people first. We believe in creating opportunities for growth, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting every Team Member’s journey. What fuels us? Our belief in the power of fun. Here, you won’t just help customers gear up for their next adventure — you’ll launch one of your own. Whether you're starting out or leveling up, Academy is a place where fun can’t lose!

As a Operations Manager, you will play a hands‑on role in delivering a strong store experience while building leadership capability and operational excellence. You will support daily execution across departments, ensuring sales, service, and safety standards are consistently met. Through active engagement on the sales floor, you will learn to translate strategy into action. You will partner with store leaders to plan priorities, coach team members, and respond quickly to business needs. By learning key processes such as inventory flow, labor planning, and merchandising execution, you will strengthen your ability to influence results. This role is designed to prepare you for broader leadership responsibility through exposure and development.

You will work alongside experienced Store Directors, Assistant Managers, and Team Leads who provide guidance, feedback, and coaching. Together, you will align on priorities, problem‑solve operational challenges, and model the behaviors expected of strong store leaders.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant leadership or management experience required
• Demonstrated success leading departments of up to 40 team members while driving operational excellence and achieving sales targets
• Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to develop people
• Solid business acumen with the ability to interpret operational and financial data
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with inventory systems, order processing, payroll systems, and Microsoft Office
• Sound judgment and decision‑making skills in a fast‑paced environment
• Ability to complete required certifications, including Firearms Sales and Power Industrial Truck
• Comfortably manage and audit firearm sales, ensuring all transactions meet federal and state requirements through accurate completion of ATF Form 4473, background check verification, and final approval
• A team‑first attitude; while your core duties are your priority, you're happy to step in wherever you're needed

• Flexibility to work varying schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs
• Full‑time position averaging 45‑50 hours per week during peak times
• Capability to remain on your feet and move throughout the store for extended periods during scheduled shifts
• Ability to perform physical job functions such as walking, bending, reaching, pulling, carrying, and lifting items up to 50 lbs
• Capacity to complete repetitive tasks, including scanning, stocking, and folding merchandise
• Comfort using ladders or step stools to access merchandise as needed
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced retail environment while adapting to shifting priorities
• Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties
• Ability to adhere to company policies and professional standards

Leadership, Retail Operations, Customer Service, Workforce Management, Driving Results

Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate with regard to employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law. Academy® Sports + Outdoors is one of the nation’s largest sporting goods and outdoor retailers. It’s no surprise that we not only know how to create experiences for our customers, but for our team members as well. Understanding our people and the things that matter to them the most has been at the core of the Academy® culture for over 80 years. With more than 22,000 team members, we take pride in creating a workplace environment that values hard work, commitment, and growth.