Job Title: Regional Manager
Department: Retail Merchandising Operations
Status: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt
Reports To: General Manager
Direct Reports: Field Supervisors and Area Managers
Territory: Multi-State Territory | Approximately 25-35 Retail Locations | Based out of central or western MA (Worcester or Springfield)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Merchandising Regional Manager to lead retail merchandising operations across a multi-state territory of approximately 25–35 retail locations.
This position is responsible for leading Area Managers and Field Supervisors while ensuring consistent execution of live goods merchandising, plan-o-grams, CVP processes, inventory management, staffing, labor budgets, and customer service.
The Regional Manager will build strong relationships with retail store leadership, store associates, TAP providers, and GMS merchandising personnel while driving operational excellence, sales growth, and employee development throughout the territory.
This is a highly visible field leadership position for an experienced retail or merchandising professional who is comfortable leading through other leaders and traveling extensively throughout a large geographic territory.
Key Responsibilities
Regional Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop Area Managers and Field Supervisors.
- Establish performance expectations and hold field leadership accountable for results.
- Conduct regular leadership meetings, coaching sessions, and performance reviews.
- Develop future leaders and maintain succession plans.
- Support recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, and employee development.
- Address performance and employee relations issues in accordance with company policy.
- Ensure company policies, procedures, and operating standards are consistently followed.
Merchandising & Store Execution
- Ensure live goods are merchandised according to plan-o-grams and company standards.
- Ensure displays are properly maintained, condensed, signed, and salable.
- Ensure CVP processes are properly executed to minimize markdowns and shrink.
- Monitor inventory levels and product availability.
- Conduct regular store visits and operational audits.
- Identify opportunities to improve store presentation, product availability, and sales.
- Ensure field teams properly utilize company applications, timekeeping systems, and mobile technology.
Customer & Store Relationships
- Build and maintain strong relationships with store management and retail leadership.
- Develop effective relationships with TAP providers and GMS merchandising personnel.
- Serve as an escalation point for significant operational concerns.
- Communicate professionally with customers, store associates, vendors, and internal teams.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen customer relationships and improve service.
Business & Financial Management
- Manage and monitor budgeted labor hours across the assigned territory.
- Monitor productivity, overtime, staffing levels, and labor utilization.
- Work toward sales growth objectives established by the General Manager.
- Analyze operational performance and develop action plans to address opportunities.
- Monitor shrink, markdowns, inventory, and overall store execution.
- Support regional budgeting, forecasting, and business planning.
Staffing & Employee Development
- Assist Area Managers and Field Supervisors with recruiting and hiring.
- Support training and onboarding of new employees.
- Develop and coach field leadership and merchandising teams.
- Monitor staffing levels and turnover throughout the territory.
- Develop seasonal staffing plans based on business needs.
- Conduct timely and constructive performance evaluations.
Operations & Administration
- Review KPI dashboards and regional performance.
- Review and approve appropriate employee documentation.
- Support payroll, timekeeping, expense reports, PTO, and HR documentation.
- Partner with Human Resources regarding employee relations and performance matters.
- Coordinate shipping and delivery communications with field teams.
- Work closely with Operations, Transportation, Payroll, HR, and other support functions.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 5+ years of progressive retail, merchandising, or multi-unit operations experience preferred.
- Experience leading multiple retail locations or geographic markets.
- Experience leading and developing Area Managers, Field Supervisors, or other field leaders.
- At least 3 years of experience recruiting, training, coaching, and developing employees.
- Experience managing labor budgets and staffing resources.
- Experience executing plan-o-grams and merchandising standards.
- Knowledge of live goods merchandising and CVP processes preferred.
- Strong customer relationship and communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and mobile technology.
- Experience timekeeping systems preferred.
- Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.
Travel & Transportation
This position requires extensive daily travel throughout a multi-state territory and regular visits to approximately 25–35 retail locations.
- Must have reliable personal transportation.
- A company vehicle is not provided.
- Mileage and fuel reimbursement are provided in accordance with company policy.
- Must be comfortable spending significant portions of the workday traveling between retail locations.
- Must be available to travel on weekends and holidays when business needs require.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to repeatedly reach, bend, stoop, and kneel.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to work in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to perform regular store and garden-center visits.
- Ability to work in an active retail environment.
Schedule
- Full-time, salaried, exempt position.
- Flexible schedule based on business and customer requirements.
- Weekend and holiday availability may be required during peak seasons, special events, or other business needs.
Benefits
- Flexible Schedules
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Fuel Allowance
- $7.50 Cell Phone Reimbursement for Every Pay Period Worked
- Paid Sick Leave in Accordance with Company Policy
- 10 Days of Vacation
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a large multi-state territory and make a direct impact on store execution, customer relationships, sales growth, and the development of field leadership.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on, relationship-driven leader who enjoys working in the field, developing people, solving operational challenges, and driving consistent results across multiple markets.
