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Sporting Goods Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Work closely with management in completing sales objectives and staffing needs. * Conduct and write performance reviews on department team members. * Train new hires, monitor and coach sporting goods ...

Work closely with management in completing sales objectives and staffing needs. * Conduct and write performance reviews on department team members. * Train new hires, monitor and coach sporting goods ...

Work closely with management in completing sales objectives and staffing needs. * Conduct and write performance reviews on department team members. * Train new hires, monitor and coach sporting goods ...

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Sporting Goods Manager information

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$24.5K

$59.5K

$116K

How much do sporting goods manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for sporting goods manager in the United States is $59,525.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $68,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sporting goods manager do?

A Sporting Goods Manager oversees the daily operations of a store or department that sells sports equipment, apparel, and related products. They are responsible for managing staff, maintaining inventory, ensuring excellent customer service, and meeting sales goals. Additionally, they may coordinate promotions, handle vendor relationships, and ensure that the store complies with safety and merchandising standards. Their role is crucial in creating a positive shopping experience and maximizing profitability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sporting goods manager?

To thrive as a Sporting Goods Manager, you need a strong background in retail operations, inventory management, and customer service, often supported by experience or a degree in business or retail management. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory tracking software, and merchandising tools is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you motivate your team and address customer concerns effectively. These skills ensure smooth store operations, high customer satisfaction, and the achievement of sales targets in a competitive retail environment.

What are some common challenges faced by sporting goods managers and how can they be addressed?

Sporting Goods Managers often face challenges such as keeping up with seasonal inventory changes, managing diverse product lines, and maintaining knowledgeable staff. Staying organized with inventory management systems and regularly training team members on new products can help address these issues. Additionally, effective communication with vendors and strong customer service skills are crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction and meeting sales targets.

What is the difference between Sporting Goods Manager vs Retail Store Manager?

AspectSporting Goods ManagerRetail Store Manager
CredentialsRelevant retail experience, sometimes certifications in sports or retail managementHigh school diploma or higher, retail management experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentSporting goods stores, specialty sports shopsVarious retail settings including department stores and specialty shops
Industry UsageSpecifically in sporting goods retailBroader retail industry, including sporting goods stores
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for retail management roles in sporting goodsGeneral retail management roles, including sporting goods

The Sporting Goods Manager focuses on managing sporting goods stores, inventory, and customer service within the sports retail industry. In contrast, the Retail Store Manager oversees overall store operations across various retail sectors, including sporting goods. While both roles require retail experience and management skills, the Sporting Goods Manager specializes in sports-related products and customer base.

What cities are hiring for Sporting Goods Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Sporting Goods Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Sporting Goods jobs?

The most popular types of Sporting Goods jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Sporting Goods Manager jobs?

The top employers for Sporting Goods Manager jobs are:

What states have the most Sporting Goods Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sporting Goods Manager jobs include:

Category Director- Sporting Goods

MID-STATES DISTRIBUTING LLC

Fort Worth, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

About Us:

Mid-States Distributing is the leading Farm, Ranch, and Home Retail Organization. Our 72+ year old company is owned by 29 independent Farm, Ranch & Home retailers (“Members”) who operate approximately 700 stores across the US with combined annual sales in excess of 7.5 billion dollars.  Our member/owners retail items such as agriculture parts & supplies, petroleum products, hardware & tools, pet food, lawn & garden, animal health supplies, apparel & footwear, sporting goods, and various other products for the Farm, Ranch, and Home.

We are looking for enthusiastic people who like to win!  We place a tremendous amount of emphasis on creating a dynamic and positive company culture.  Most of our employees will tell you that Mid-States is the best place they’ve ever worked.  We value high-energy people with positive attitudes who believe in the concept of “serving to wow”!  Our consumers are primarily rural people raising kids, pets, cows, and crops so traditional values like God, family, and patriotism are important virtues.  So, if you are enthusiastic, competitive, have a great attitude, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, like to build strong relationships, like to win, and refuse to eat meat grown in a lab – Mid-States may be the place for you!  If you are not, please apply with our competitors!

Position Overview

We are looking for an experienced Sporting Goods Director for this high-profile role within our organization.  Our ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the Sporting Goods Category and has experience developing products, programs and go-to-market strategies and recommendations. Must have the ability to communicate clearly and create impactful selling stories.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Manage overall strategy for the Sporting Goods categories (Hunting, Shooting Sports, Fishing, & Camping).
  • Manage the P/L for the Sporting Goods Unit.
  • Manage and develop strong vendor relationships and negotiate competitive programs with suppliers.
  • Identify, negotiate, and execute centralized sourcing, purchasing, and distribution opportunities thru Mid-States Warehouse.
  • Drive a growing Private Brand strategy and effectively manage cross-functional execution from inception to implementation.
  • Build & maintain strong relationships with Mid-States ownership, key executives, and buying teams.
  • Become the go-to expert for market strategy, retail execution, and overall category knowledge.
  • Continuously look for new supplier opportunities to deliver the best category offering  for our members, competitive pricing and programs, and industry best Show Specials at our Mid-States tradeshows.
  • Develop impactful category analysis and consumer insights using a range of data sources to impact sales.
  • Manage vendor contracts to ensure timely receipt of rebates and promotional funding.

Minimum Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

  • Industry and category management experience needed.
  • 10 years’ experience in the Sporting Goods category and 5+ years in a leadership role.
  • Willingness to work as part of a team.
  • Knowledge of customer-centric retailing principles and the analytics of customer purchase behavior.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in the sporting goods industry.
  • Experience in sourcing, product development, and building strategic go-to-market plans.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong organizational skills, including prioritizing, scheduling, and time management.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Travel:
Some travel involved.  

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change ay any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to preform essential functions. 

A few words from our COO:

I have had the pleasure to work for some incredible companies during my career, but Mid-States is truly the best company I have ever worked for.  Lead by our dynamic CEO, Tom Mahlke, our team strives to provide a unique, exciting, fun, and fulfilling work environment for our staff.  Things like drama, laziness, and entitlement have no place in Mid-States, which makes Mid-States a refreshing place to work.  We offer competitive salaries, have a fantastic benefits package, and believe in rewarding those who produce.  We serve a wonderful industry, and we are financially sound and growing rapidly.  If you are an enthusiastic, high-energy person with a positive attitude and the skills described above, you may have just found the last job you will ever apply for!  I look forward to meeting you. – Jeff Rash, COO