District Manager in Training

For Washington-based roles:
Annual pay ranges may fall between $33,863 - $78,249.60. You may also be offered a bonus, and other benefits.

Req

Location:

8105 - Bellevue Square

Lids Sports Group is the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, selling fan and fashion-oriented headwear and apparel across the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Australia. Operating out of Indianapolis, IN, our retail stores offer officially licensed headwear and apparel from collegiate and professional sports teams, plus top brands like Nike, New Era, Adidas, and Mitchell & Ness.

We currently operate 1,200+ locations domestically and 50+ internationally, including specialty concept stores for the NBA, NHL, Paris Saint‑Germain, and numerous MLB teams. In recent years, Lids has built partnerships with iconic global brands including Marvel, Playboy, and the Harlem Globetrotters, and gained ambassadors like Justin Jefferson, Quavo, and Josephine Skriver – creating a community for both sports fans and fashion lovers.

The company is currently expanding with the goal of becoming the largest licensed brick‑and‑mortar sports retailer across the globe.

The District Manager in Training is an inspiring field leader who trains under the District Sales Manager within a specific geographic area to drive strategic product sell‑through, deliver key business results, hire, and develop store associates. As a DMIT you ensure that store operational principles are followed and that each store provides exceptional service by offering expertise on Lids’ products and services.

District Managers in Training are accountable for their smaller market (approximately 3‑5 stores) within the district under the support and guidance of the District Sales Manager.

• Manage the store’s hiring strategy, including planning needs, recruitment strategy, projected turnover, and leaves of absence. Develop Store Managers (SM) in the skills of recruiting and training to continually strengthen the talents and results in the market.
• Share role and behavior expectations and coordinate onboarding training programs to acclimate new team members to Lids.
• Engage team members by creating a fun and productive environment, including helping them understand how their work supports the success of the district and Lids overall.
• Contribute to a respectful and inclusive team environment by establishing supportive working relationships and adhering to Lids Brand Standards (e.g., company dress code, etc.).
• Hold SMs accountable for managing and developing their store team.
• Address all employee concerns or issues and administer the progressive steps of discipline, including knowing when to partner with internal support (e.g., HR, RD, etc.) to take appropriate action.
• Drive team engagement through impactful store visits and follow‑up by ensuring DMIT’s stores are provided recognition, gap assessment, ongoing training, and continuous check‑ins, including performance management and documentation when relevant, to support and reinforce career and personal growth.
• Provide consistent, documented appraisal of the store’s performance and work to give feedback on areas of strength and opportunity while keeping in line with company objectives.
• Collaborate across store channels and/or districts using company discussion boards or district and regional chat platforms.
• Ensure compliance of all established company policies, procedures, and guidelines including, but not limited to, safekeeping of company inventory, funds, and property.
• Successfully complete the DMIT Training Program to enhance core skill set (e.g., recruiting, developing, coaching, leading and training).

• Ensure that stores deliver exceptional customer service, achieving key performance indicators (KPIs) and sales targets.
• Create a “selling culture” within the stores by training and coaching on selling techniques with all associates and helping them understand how their work supports company objectives and the success of the store and Lids overall.
• Resolve customer feedback and address issues, including customer escalations, urgent requests, and resolve to…