Torchora
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firearms team lead

title: 'Firearms Team Lead: Lead, Mentor, and Drive Excellence in a Dynamic Retail Environment'
salary: $45,000 - $65,000
categories: [Retail, Management, Sales, Sporting Goods, Leadership]
description: A comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities, required technical skills and professional background for the role of a 'Firearms Team Lead: Lead, Mentor, and Drive Excellence in a Dynamic Retail Environment'.

🎯 Role Definition

As the Firearms Team Lead, you are the cornerstone of our firearms department. This role is a unique blend of expert-level sales, stringent regulatory oversight, and inspirational team leadership. You will be responsible for not only achieving sales targets but also for upholding the highest standards of safety and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, particularly ATF regulations. You will mentor a team of associates, manage inventory with precision, and serve as the ultimate resource for both our customers and our staff, ensuring every transaction is handled with integrity and accuracy. This position is critical to our brand's reputation and operational success.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Firearms Sales Associate
  • Gunsmith or Gunsmith Apprentice
  • Key Holder / Department Supervisor
  • Range Safety Officer with retail experience

Advancement To:

  • Assistant Store Manager / Store Manager
  • Regional Firearms Compliance Manager
  • Corporate Firearms Buyer or Category Manager
  • District or Regional Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Inventory Control Manager
  • Loss Prevention Manager
  • Customer Experience Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of firearms sales associates, providing ongoing coaching, product knowledge training, and guidance on consultative sales techniques.
  • Ensure 100% compliance with all Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulations, as well as all applicable state and local laws governing firearms sales.
  • Meticulously manage and audit all firearms transactions, ensuring the accurate and timely completion of ATF Form 4473 and proper use of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
  • Maintain the physical and/or electronic Acquisition and Disposition (A&D) "Bound Book" with flawless precision, ensuring every firearm is accounted for from receiving to final sale.
  • Drive department sales and profitability by analyzing performance metrics, setting individual and team goals, and implementing effective sales strategies.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for escalated customer issues, leveraging deep product knowledge and conflict resolution skills to ensure a positive and satisfactory outcome.
  • Oversee the merchandising, organization, and cleanliness of the firearms counter and all related product areas to create an engaging and professional shopping environment.
  • Manage the receiving, logging, and secure storage of all incoming firearms shipments according to strict company and ATF protocols.
  • Conduct regular cycle counts and full physical inventories of all firearms and ammunition, investigating and resolving any discrepancies immediately.
  • Foster a culture of safety, responsibility, and professionalism within the team, enforcing all handling and security procedures without exception.
  • Develop and manage the weekly work schedule for the firearms team to ensure optimal floor coverage, operational efficiency, and customer service.
  • Conduct performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and partner with store management in the hiring, training, and development of department associates.
  • Maintain an expert-level, up-to-date knowledge of a wide range of firearms, optics, ammunition, and accessories to effectively assist customers and train staff.
  • Educate customers on the principles of safe firearms handling, secure storage, and proper maintenance to promote responsible gun ownership in the community.
  • Manage the customer-facing process for special orders, layaways, and firearm transfers, ensuring all legal requirements and paperwork are perfectly executed.

Secondary Functions

  • Analyze sales reports and market trends to provide recommendations for product assortment, inventory levels, and promotional opportunities.
  • Collaborate with the store leadership team to plan and execute in-store events, workshops, and community outreach programs related to shooting sports.
  • Act as a key-holding member of the store leadership team, assisting with opening, closing, and manager-on-duty responsibilities as required.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of new operational procedures and training materials for the firearms department.
  • Liaise with vendors and sales representatives to stay informed about new products, training opportunities, and industry developments.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert Firearms Knowledge: Deep and broad understanding of firearm types (handguns, rifles, shotguns), actions, manufacturers, and models.
  • ATF Compliance Mastery: Expertise in federal and state firearms laws, including the proper completion of Form 4473 and management of A&D records.
  • NICS & POS Proficiency: Experience processing background checks through the NICS system and operating retail Point of Sale (POS) systems.
  • Inventory Control Systems: Proficiency with inventory management software for tracking, auditing, and reporting on high-value, serialized items.
  • Basic Gunsmithing: Ability to perform basic firearms maintenance, cleaning, scope mounting, and troubleshooting for common issues.
  • Merchandising Acumen: Skill in creating visually appealing and effective product displays that drive sales and customer interest.

Soft Skills

  • Inspirational Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team to achieve and exceed performance goals.
  • Unwavering Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise, especially regarding compliance paperwork and inventory records, where errors are not an option.
  • Exceptional Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting clearly with customers, team members, and regulatory agents.
  • Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: The ability to think critically, assess complex situations, and make sound decisions quickly, especially under pressure.
  • Customer-Centric Mindset: A genuine passion for providing outstanding customer service and building lasting relationships.
  • High Ethical Standards & Integrity: A steadfast commitment to honesty, ethical conduct, and responsible business practices.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
  • Certification from a recognized gunsmithing program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Business Administration
  • Criminal Justice
  • Retail Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5+ years of experience in a firearms retail environment, with at least 1-2 years in a leadership, supervisory, or key-holder capacity.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of experience in a high-volume firearms retail setting.
  • Direct experience managing ATF compliance, including participation in an official ATF audit.
  • Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets in a retail leadership role.
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