Ashley Furniture is a privately held company with over 75 years in business. We wouldn’t be the World’s Largest Furniture Manufacturer without those that make us One Ashley. When you join the Ashley Furniture team you are joining the history and the future of furniture.
Position Summary:
The Sales Manager is primarily responsible for managing and driving sales and margin in alignment with the financial plan of the retail store by managing a sales team.
The Sales Manager must also assist Store Manager in building and supporting a high performing sales culture, maintaining a strategic view of store talent needs, recruiting, and developing sales staff, role model Ashley’s Culture and Vision to create strong brand perception to become destination of choice for home furnishing needs.
The Sales Manager is a role model for building and maintaining guest relationships that are the foundation of the Company’s retail sales success. This position will work to develop and lead retail sales associates in the implementation of the Company’s sales approach, perform store operations functions such as opening and closing the store, and maintain compliance with the Company’s policies and operating procedures to ensure the delivery of an exceptional in-store experience for every guest that results in increased store sales, profitability and guest loyalty.
The Sales Manager may be expected to provide full leadership over the store at any point in absence of the Store Manager.
Primary Job Functions:
Leadership and Team Manager -
· Recruit, onboard, train, and motivate a team of sales associates,
· Cultivate a positive and collaborative work environment that fosters high performance and low turnover.
· Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and development opportunities.
· Strategic Engagement – e.g. Huddles that align every decision in the store with the company Strategy.
Sales and Revenue Growth:
· Help in leading store sales associates in meeting Sales and Profit Goals
· Selling system/ standards for selling aligned to company strategy – High performing sales culture.
· Understand and facilitate the offer/ event and prepares the store team to maximize the results of every promotional event.
· Conducts daily sales role playing and product education for all sales associates – is an expert in both selling and the product being sold.
· Focused on development of critical strategic categories and offers – specifically bedding, product protection and financing.
· Sell consistently to every guest and align selling strategy with company standards (e.g. We are not a discount seller)
Store Operations and Inventory Management:
· Use of analytics/ insights to build RSA specific selling development plans.
· Provide relevant insights on offers, assortment and selling process/ standards, etc. to ensure success is expanded.
· Visual presentation (e.g. knowing what “good” looks like and partnering with the visual team to optimize) and consistent maintenance of the store.
· Ensures standards are being followed by every associate in every part of the store – including every associate delivering the standard greet.
· Assortment optimization (e.g. velocity walks/ optimizing the floor to win in the local market)
· Highly visible and present on the floor and engaged with guests and sales associates in order to win business the right way.
· Develops understanding of P&L to support lever pulling/ strategic/ operational decisions.
· Develops understanding to support of other operational areas (e.g. inventory management, warehouse ops, other ops)
Customer Service Excellence:
· Foster a customer-centric culture throughout the store.
· Empowers team to resolve customer issues efficiently and with empathy.
· Track and analyze customer feedback to identify areas for improvement.
· Act as a role model of Ashley culture and vision.
· Customer engagement/ full customer lifecycle management.
· Demonstrate the Company’s Core and Growth Values in the performance of all job functions.
Secondary Job Functions:
· Maintain reliable attendance.
· Actively participate in departmental meetings, training, and education. Assist with training other employees and providing backup.
· Complete other assignments and special projects as requested.
Requirements & Qualifications:
· Associate degree in Business Administration or related field, or equivalent work experience, Required
· Experience: 2 years’ experience in retail sales, Required
· Supervisory/Management experience
· Strong knowledge of furniture products and styles
· Strong business knowledge with basic financial acumen
· Exceptional relationship building skills
· Excellent interpersonal skills
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Strong attention to detail
· Effective time management and organizational skills
· Work independently as well as in a team environment
· Analytical and problem solving skills
· Maintain confidentiality
· Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement
· Handle multiple projects simultaneously within established time constraints
· Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, internet
· Proficient with various mobile devices
· Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment
· Work professionally with customers and co-workers to efficiently serve our customers, treating both with enthusiasm and respect
· Display empathy, understanding and patience with employees and external customers
· Respond professionally in situations with difficult employee/vendor/customer issues or inquiries