Retail Store General Manager

By exhibiting exceptional teamwork, boundless curiosity, and the utmost care, the General Manager will lead their team to fulfil Blick’s commitment to our customers, the Arts, and our local communities.

• Supervise the Assistant Manager(s), Key Holder(s), Receiver, Framer (if on staff), and Sales Associates; train and develop store management in all aspects of the business; direct and monitor training and development for all associates; continually evaluate and react to performance issues; and actively recruit, interview and hire management and associate candidates.
• Contact and meet with current and potential House Account customers on a regular basis, process House Account orders, maintain and develop customer relationships as outlined by the National Sales Manager.
• Drive revenue by ensuring associates are providing our customers with outstanding customer service, helpful product knowledge, building individual customer relationships and handling all customer contacts in a friendly, courteous and professional manner.
• Review and monitor all aspects of inventory management including Vendor Direct Orders, Special Orders, Min/Max changes, PDA Adjustments, weekly Cycle Counts, Store to Store transfers, returns to D.C., RTVs, shipment processing, and shipping discrepancies.
• Maintain a regular routine of maintenance and housekeeping to ensure safety of associates, customers, and protection of company assets.
• Plan and coordinate merchandise set‑ups, visual compliance, promotional signage compliance, layout changes, and implementation of the store as set forth by Blick Management.
• Supervise shift activities, including opening and closing the store, managing payroll, creating weekly schedules, and assigning daily staff tasks and duties.
• Provide input to the District Manager concerning customer needs, new products, competition, and pricing.
• Implement local marketing initiatives at store level while ensuring compliance with National Marketing programs.
• Manage the store’s financial performance, controlling shrink, expenses, and payroll, and utilizing the annual budget and monthly Profit & Loss statements.
• Process inter‑company communications and forms, pay bills, and report payroll in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with all Dick Blick Company Policies and Procedures, loss prevention initiatives, and operational controls.

• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to relocate for future opportunities if required.
• Minimum of two nights per work week; must close Friday and Saturday a minimum of one weekend per accounting period, and minimum of one Sunday per accounting period.
• Availability for flexible schedules including day/evening shifts, weekends, and holidays as required by the business.
• Regular attendance in accordance with the retail attendance policy.

• Elevates service standards.
• Leadership.
• Champions core values.
• People orientation.
• Operations management.

The General Manager directly supervises a minimum of two full‑time associates and indirectly supervises all personnel within their store location, leading associate performance and development.

• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds using appropriate lifting techniques and safety rules.
• Prolonged walking, standing, and climbing ladders.

Primarily local travel during business hours; occasional out‑of‑area and overnight travel may be required.

• High school graduate; college preferred but not required.
• Three years of previous retail management experience or one year of employment with Blick.
• Demonstrated superior sales performance throughout career.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and supervise personnel.
• Computer literate, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

This job description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this role. Duties may change at any time with or without notice.

$75,000 – $80,000 per year + sales incentives.

• Medical/Dental/Vision insurance.
• 401(k) & profit‑sharing plan.
• Incentive bonus plans.
• Paid holidays & paid time off.
• Paid parental leave.
• Short‑term & long‑term disability.
• Training opportunities.
• Basic & optional life insurance.
• Employee discount.

Founded in 1911, Blick Art Materials is in its third generation of family ownership and is the largest and oldest provider of art supplies in the United States. Our family owners and dedicated staff support the visual arts community by providing the widest selection of art supplies at the lowest prices. With extraordinary service and integrity, we strive to provide artists, educators, students, and our employees with the tools, assistance, and training they need to grow, innovate, and reach their creative potential.