Area Manager - Chicago

AKIRA Area Manager

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 30+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com.) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.

AKIRA’s culture has one very large, distinct difference from other fast-fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer’s needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position:

Area Manager

Location:

Chicago

Overview:

The Area Manager position plays a crucial role in the growth, development, and image of AKIRA. The ideal candidate will possess leadership qualities as well as a proven ability to continuously coach, teach, and improve selling techniques. Motivating and mentoring are crucial components necessary in order to be successful in this position. You should have experience leading multiple stores and/or high-volume retail management.

Responsibilities:

● Responsible for all aspects of 1-3* women’s clothing stores

● Improve, augment, and reinforce the current selling culture

● Recruit, interview, hire and retain top-notch employees

● Troubleshoot, put out fires, and handle multitudes of personnel issues & needs

● Explain, demonstrate, imitate, correct, and repeat behaviors, practices, and techniques to employees and managers

● Coach, teach, and improve selling techniques throughout all stores

● Be a supreme motivator

● Manage, promote, and exemplify AKIRA's culture and business standards

Requirements:

● 2+ years of experience in a retail environment overseeing multiple locations

● Strong personnel management and retail operations knowledge including inventory control, loss prevention, retail systems, merchandising, customer service, and store budget preparation

● Possess knowledge of effective merchandise presentation standards

● Ability to improve processes. reporting tools, and standardize work

● Prefer working in a highly entrepreneurial environment where being hands-on is critical to the day to day running of the business

● Be decisive and have the ability to “get the job done”

● Be innovative and forward-thinking; not satisfied with the status quo

● Possess strong communication skills, product knowledge, and a balance of analytical and creative abilities

● Ability to work in a collaborative environment and build cross functional relationships

● Demonstrate strong organizational, presentation, and communication skills

● Have the ability to supervise and direct employee

● Fanatical work ethic, boundless energy, and enthusiastic

● Strong analytical and computer skills

Benefits and Perks:

AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA, 401(k), and employee discount. We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA’s growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company - if you’re filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you.

Job Type: Full-time