Store Operations Manager
Company : Kirkland's, Inc.
Location : Blacksburg, VA, 24061
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 23 December 2025
Overview
The Store Manager oversees all aspects of operations, including the service focus and merchandising for their store. The Store Manager is responsible and accountable for driving business results through the effective coaching of the store team. Areas of focus include customer service, sales and profit growth, expense control, promotional and merchandising execution, and store management and team development. The Store Manager role requires a high level of communication, efficiency and drive for results.
Responsibilities
- Leads, supports and values Customer Service in both the in store and online shopping experience.
- Ensures every employee greets customers with enthusiasm and maintains a positive, can do attitude at all times.
- Proactively engages with customers, reads cues and responds appropriately.
- Educates each customer on current promotions and merchandise assortment to support buying decisions.
- Makes suggestions to build the customer’s basket that compliments the customer’s choices.
- Understands and supports a caring, fun, and engaging work environment for the team and great shopping experience for the customers.
- Supports the company’s branding at all times by treating all customers and co-workers in a respectful and professional manner while supporting a common goal. Accountable for driving profitable sales, protecting company assets and support of the Company Handbook.
- Understands performance targets and monitors achievement of benchmarks and goals.
- Uses objective business analysis to evaluate business choices.
- Observes trends and patterns to determine root causes of problems and identify solutions.
- Responsible for networking and recruiting within the market to ensure the store has appropriate staffing levels to support the business and accountable for making sound hiring decisions within the store.
- Builds high performing teams that can accomplish company goals, initiatives, and priorities, and builds and sustains productive relationships across the area or district and the industry.
- Creates an atmosphere where all team members are held accountable for both individual and team performance.
- Models the way, protects company branding at all times and ensures all team members are treated in a respectful and professional manner.
- Ensures that strategies, change initiatives, and business opportunities are communicated in compelling ways to their store team and supervisor.
- Communicates clearly and objectively in ways that build commitment and demonstrate support for company initiatives.
- Identifies store opportunities that are consistent with company strategies and takes action to address these opportunities.
- Ensures that desired changes in initiatives and direction are implemented appropriately and timely in order to drive results.
- Travel occasionally to the other store locations and the Sales Support Center for meetings.
- Champions and demonstrates a commitment to Kirkland’s values.
- May perform other duties as necessary.
Qualifications
- College preferred or 1-3 years management experience in a retail environment preferred.
- Energetic, results oriented and competitive with a drive to succeed.
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
- Ability to effectively communicate both written and verbally.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays and evenings.
- A valid driver’s license.
- Ability to handle and transport company funds to the bank location designated by Kirkland’s. Transportation of company funds will be conducted in a manner that does not place the funds in a vehicle with any non-Kirkland’s employee.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office.
- Must be able to ascend/descend a ladder to retrieve and stock products on the shelf or to hang overhead banners/product.
- Frequently positions self to retrieve and stock products in the stock room and sales floor and to place merchandise in bags.
- Must be able to constantly move around the store for prolonged periods to greet and assist customers.
- Must be able to frequently communicate with the customers in person, electronically, and telephonically.
- Must be able to frequently move merchandise that is 50 pounds or more to and from the stock room to sales floor.
- Must be able to operate a Point of Sale system, registers and hand held devices efficiently and accurately.
Related Jobs
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Store Operations Manager
Frequently asked questions
In Blacksburg, VA, a Store Operations Manager must align store strategies with the town's unique customer preferences and seasonal shopping patterns. Understanding the local community's buying behavior helps tailor merchandising and promotions, boosting sales while fostering meaningful customer connections that reflect the regional retail landscape.
While no mandatory certifications exist, having retail management credentials or courses in leadership and customer service can distinguish candidates in Blacksburg's competitive market. Additionally, a valid driver’s license is essential for roles requiring travel between local stores and sales support centers.
A Store Operations Manager excels in data-driven decision-making, team leadership, and multi-channel merchandising oversight. Unlike general managers, they integrate online and in-store sales strategies, control expenses meticulously, and coach teams to exceed sales and service benchmarks, driving comprehensive operational excellence.
Day-to-day hurdles include balancing staff engagement with customer service demands and adapting to fluctuating sales targets. Proactive communication, leveraging performance metrics, and fostering a positive team culture are vital strategies for swiftly resolving operational bottlenecks and sustaining store profitability.
Progression typically leads to district or regional management positions, overseeing multiple stores. Gaining expertise in e-commerce integration and strategic business analysis also opens doors to corporate roles such as retail operations director or merchandising leadership within the retail industry.
Kirkland's, Inc. emphasizes a respectful, collaborative environment where Store Operations Managers champion brand values through hands-on leadership and team development. Managers are encouraged to cultivate fun, engaging workplaces that reflect Kirkland’s customer-first philosophy and support company-wide initiatives effectively.
At Kirkland’s, the focus extends beyond sales targets to include proactive customer engagement and merchandising that complements personal customer choices. Managers also handle cash transport with stringent security protocols and participate in occasional travel to foster regional cohesion, differentiating this role from standard retail management.
Store Operations Managers in Blacksburg typically earn between $50,000 and $65,000 annually. Salary varies based on experience, store size, and performance metrics. Local cost of living and competition among retail employers also influence compensation, with Kirkland’s offering competitive packages to attract skilled managers.
Blacksburg’s retail market shows steady demand for Store Operations Managers due to a mix of local businesses and university-driven consumer traffic. Compared to larger metro areas like Richmond or Virginia Beach, competition is moderate, offering promising opportunities for qualified candidates seeking growth in a community-focused setting.
Key focuses include coaching teams to deliver exceptional customer service, executing merchandising plans that reflect current promotions, and analyzing sales data to adjust strategies promptly. Sustaining a positive store atmosphere and ensuring accountability across staff contribute significantly to driving sales growth at Kirkland’s stores.