Team Lead, Used Firearms

🎯 Role Definition

The Team Lead, Used Firearms, serves as the engine of the pre-owned firearms department. This role is not just about managing transactions; it's about curating a collection, building customer trust, and leading a high-performing team in a highly regulated environment. Success in this position directly impacts customer satisfaction, store reputation, and financial performance by ensuring a high-quality, compliant, and profitable inventory. This leader is the bridge between business strategy and on-the-ground execution, responsible for upholding the company's standards of safety, integrity, and expertise.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Firearms Specialist
Lead Sales Associate (Firearms)
Gunsmith
Inventory Control Lead

Advancement To:

Department Manager, Firearms
Category Manager (Firearms & Ammunition)
Store Operations Manager
Regional Compliance Manager

Lateral Moves:

Firearms Buyer / Purchasing Agent
Compliance Auditor
Training & Development Specialist (Firearms)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Used Firearms Specialists, providing regular coaching, performance feedback, and training to foster a culture of excellence and accountability.
Manage the daily workflow and scheduling of the used firearms team to ensure adequate coverage for customer service, intake, processing, and sales floor activities.
Oversee the entire lifecycle of used firearm inventory, from acquisition and trade-in evaluation to pricing, online listing, and final sale, ensuring optimal turn rates and margin.
Act as the primary appraiser for incoming used firearms, accurately assessing condition, originality, and market value to make competitive and profitable purchase offers.
Ensure meticulous and unwavering compliance with all Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulations, including the accurate maintenance of the Acquisition and Disposition (A&D) book.
Conduct and oversee the proper completion and verification of ATF Form 4473 and associated background checks (NICS) for all firearm transactions, resolving any delays or denials professionally.
Develop and implement standardized operating procedures for the grading, photographing, and description writing for all used firearms to be listed on the company's e-commerce platform.
Analyze sales data, market trends, and inventory levels to make strategic decisions regarding pricing adjustments, promotional activities, and inventory mix for the used firearms category.
Serve as the department's primary point of contact for complex customer inquiries, special orders, and escalated issues, providing expert advice and ensuring a positive resolution.
Cultivate and manage relationships with suppliers, collectors, and other sources to proactively acquire desirable used and collectible firearms for inventory.
Plan and execute the merchandising of the used firearms display cases and sales floor, ensuring products are presented in a safe, secure, and appealing manner.
Drive the team to meet and exceed established sales goals, revenue targets, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for the used firearms department.
Conduct regular internal audits of firearms inventory and ATF paperwork to ensure 100% accuracy and readiness for any potential regulatory inspections.
Partner with the Loss Prevention department to maintain and enforce all security protocols related to firearm handling, storage, and transport.
Oversee the safe and compliant shipping and receiving of firearms, including dealer-to-dealer transfers and online order fulfillment.
Stay current on firearms industry trends, product-specific knowledge, and changes in federal, state, and local firearms laws to act as a subject matter expert for both staff and customers.
Manage the disposition of aged inventory through strategic markdowns, special sales events, or bulk sales to other dealers while maximizing cost recovery.
Train team members on effective sales techniques, product knowledge, and the nuances of selling used and collectible firearms.
Perform detailed function checks and basic safety inspections on all incoming firearms to ensure they are safe for resale.
Collaborate with the marketing team to develop content and campaigns that highlight unique or high-value items within the used firearms inventory.
Take ownership of the profit and loss (P&L) statement for the used firearms department, monitoring expenses and driving revenue to ensure long-term profitability.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive knowledge of both modern and classic firearms, including their historical significance, mechanical operation, and collector value.

Secondary Functions

Assist with store-wide inventory counts and reconciliation efforts.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Contribute to the organization's broader merchandising strategy and promotional planning.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the retail operations team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expert Knowledge of ATF Regulations & Compliance (Form 4473, A&D Records)
Firearm Identification, Grading, and Market Value Appraisal
Proficiency with Point-of-Sale (POS) and Inventory Management Systems
Deep Understanding of NFA (National Firearms Act) Items and Regulations
Basic Gunsmithing Skills (Disassembly, Cleaning, Function Checks)
Strict Adherence to Firearms Safety & Handling Protocols
Experience with E-commerce Platforms and Digital Listing Management
Digital Photography and Photo Editing for Product Listings
Data Analysis using Microsoft Excel for sales/inventory tracking
Comprehensive Knowledge of State and Local Firearms Laws and Ordinances

Soft Skills

Team Leadership & Employee Development
Exceptional Customer Service & Interpersonal Skills
Strong Negotiation and Persuasion Abilities
Meticulous Attention to Detail and Organizational Skills
Effective Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Clear and Professional Written and Verbal Communication
High Level of Integrity, Ethics, and Discretion
Ability to De-escalate and Manage Conflict
Time Management and Task Prioritization
Business Acumen and Financial Awareness

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Business Administration
Retail Management
Criminal Justice

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5 years of progressive experience in a firearms retail environment.

Preferred: 5+ years in the firearms industry, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership capacity. Direct experience in buying, trading, and appraising used firearms is highly preferred. Demonstrable experience managing an ATF bound book and navigating compliance audits is essential.