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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Footwear Team Lead

💰 $45,000 - $65,000

RetailManagementSalesFashion

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a passionate leader with a love for footwear? We are searching for a dynamic and results-driven Footwear Team Lead to inspire our team and elevate our customer experience. In this pivotal role, you will be the driving force behind the department's success, responsible for managing daily operations, achieving ambitious sales goals, and mentoring a team of dedicated footwear associates. The ideal candidate is an expert in all things shoes, from athletic performance technology to the latest fashion trends, and possesses a natural ability to connect with both customers and team members. You will serve as the on-the-floor leader, ensuring visual merchandising standards are impeccable, inventory is accurately managed, and every customer leaves with the perfect pair. If you're ready to step up and make a significant impact in a leading retail environment, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Sales Associate (Footwear)
  • Footwear Specialist / Expert
  • Assistant Department Manager

Advancement To:

  • Assistant Store Manager
  • Store Manager
  • District Footwear Manager or Brand Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Apparel Team Lead
  • Accessories Department Manager
  • Visual Merchandising Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Drive team performance by providing in-the-moment coaching, training, and motivation to a team of footwear specialists, ensuring they are equipped with deep product knowledge and superior sales techniques.
  • Develop and execute strategic plans to consistently meet and exceed departmental sales targets, gross margin, and other key performance indicators (KPIs), analyzing sales data to identify trends and opportunities for growth.
  • Oversee all aspects of footwear department inventory management, including receiving, processing, and replenishing stock, conducting regular cycle counts, and minimizing shrinkage through diligent oversight.
  • Champion an exceptional customer service culture within the department, acting as the lead example, resolving escalated customer issues with professionalism, and ensuring every customer receives personalized fitting and styling advice.
  • Execute and maintain visually compelling merchandising presentations according to company standards and seasonal directives, ensuring the footwear department is always clean, organized, and easy to shop.
  • Manage the sales floor to ensure proper staff coverage in all areas of the department, delegating tasks effectively to maintain productivity and customer service levels during peak and non-peak hours.
  • Lead daily team huddles to communicate sales goals, new product arrivals, promotional activities, and to celebrate individual and team successes, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
  • Act as the primary expert on all footwear brands, technologies, and fitting techniques, providing ongoing education to the team and serving as the go-to resource for complex customer inquiries.
  • Collaborate with the store management team to develop and implement loss prevention strategies, training staff on awareness and best practices to protect company assets.
  • Assist in the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process for new footwear associates, ensuring a strong talent pipeline for the department.
  • Monitor and analyze competitor activities, market trends, and customer feedback to provide actionable insights and recommendations to senior management.
  • Manage the department's operational budget, including payroll and supplies, ensuring efficient use of resources to maximize profitability.
  • Facilitate the execution of all special orders, online order fulfillments (BOPIS), and customer returns within the department, ensuring a seamless omnichannel experience.
  • Ensure all operational and safety policies and procedures are consistently followed by the team, conducting regular checks and providing corrective action when necessary.
  • Build a loyal customer base by empowering the team to utilize CRM tools and clienteling techniques to foster lasting relationships.
  • Plan and lead product knowledge sessions for new launches and key seasonal items to ensure the entire team can confidently speak to the features and benefits of the merchandise.
  • Address and document employee performance issues in a timely and professional manner, partnering with the Store Manager and HR as needed.
  • Uphold all company values and standards of professionalism, acting as a brand ambassador both on and off the sales floor.
  • Skillfully manage stockroom organization for the footwear department, ensuring all products are easy to locate, handle, and replenish efficiently.
  • Coordinate with the visual merchandising team to plan and execute floor sets, window displays, and promotional setups specific to the footwear category.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to department performance.
  • Contribute to the organization's broader retail strategy and roadmap with on-the-ground insights.
  • Collaborate with buying and planning teams to provide feedback on product assortment and inventory levels.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies if the retail environment adopts such methodologies for projects.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency with Point of Sale (POS) systems
  • Expertise in Inventory Management Software
  • Strong Retail Math & KPI Analysis (Sales, Margin, Sell-through)
  • Advanced Product Knowledge (Footwear construction, materials, brands, and technology)
  • Visual Merchandising and Planogram Execution
  • Workforce Management & Scheduling Software (e.g., Kronos, Dayforce)
  • Loss Prevention Techniques and Asset Protection
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) for reporting and communication
  • Clienteling and CRM Software proficiency
  • Stockroom and Back-of-House Operations

Soft Skills

  • Inspirational Leadership & Team Motivation
  • Exceptional Coaching and Employee Development
  • Advanced Communication and Interpersonal Skills
  • Customer-Centric Mindset & Service Excellence
  • Strategic Problem-Solving and Decision Making
  • Adaptability and Composure Under Pressure
  • Time Management and Prioritization
  • Conflict Resolution and De-escalation
  • Persuasive Salesmanship and Negotiation
  • Collaborative Teamwork

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Business Administration
  • Retail Management
  • Fashion Merchandising

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-4 years of retail experience, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or leadership capacity.

Preferred: Direct experience in a high-volume footwear retail environment (e.g., athletic, fashion, or department store) is strongly preferred. Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales goals and developing a successful team.

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