Who We Are

At Academy Sports + Outdoors our vision is to be the best sports + outdoors retailer in the country — but what truly sets us apart is our people. We’re a passionate, purpose-driven team that’s as committed to each other as we are to our customers.

We’ve spent over 80 years building a culture that puts people first. We believe in creating opportunities for growth, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting every Team Member’s journey. What fuels us? Our belief in the power of fun.

Here, you won’t just help customers gear up for their next adventure — you’ll launch one of your own. Whether you're starting out or leveling up, Academy is a place where fun can’t lose!

What You Will Work On

As a Operations Manager, you will play a hands‑on role in delivering a strong store experience while building leadership capability and operational excellence. You will support daily execution across departments, ensuring sales, service, and safety standards are consistently met. Through active engagement on the sales floor, you will learn to translate strategy into action.

You will partner with store leaders to plan priorities, coach team members, and respond quickly to business needs. By learning key processes such as inventory flow, labor planning, and merchandising execution, you will strengthen your ability to influence results. This role is designed to prepare you for broader leadership responsibility through exposure and development.

Who You Will Work With

You will work alongside experienced Store Directors, Assistant Managers, and Team Leads who provide guidance, feedback, and coaching. Together, you will align on priorities, problem‑solve operational challenges, and model the behaviors expected of strong store leaders.

What You Bring

Bring your energy, your ideas, and your love for sports and the outdoors.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant leadership or management experience required

• Demonstrated success leading departments of up to 40 team members while driving operational excellence and achieving sales targets

• Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to develop people

• Solid business acumen with the ability to interpret operational and financial data

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Experience with inventory systems, order processing, payroll systems, and Microsoft Office

• Sound judgment and decision‑making skills in a fast‑paced environment

• Ability to complete and maintain required certifications, including Firearms Sales and Power Industrial Truck

• Comfortably manage and audit firearm sales, ensuring all transactions meet federal and state requirements through accurate completion of ATF Form 4473, background check verification, and final approval

• A team-first attitude; while your core duties are your priority, you're happy to step in wherever you're needed

Work Style and Physical Requirements

• Flexibility to work varying schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs

• Full-time position averaging 45-50 hours per week during peak times

• Capability to remain on your feet and move throughout the store for extended periods during scheduled shifts

• Ability to perform physical job functions such as walking, bending, reaching, pulling, carrying, and lifting items up to 50 lbs

• Capacity to complete repetitive tasks, including scanning, stocking, and folding merchandise

• Comfort using ladders or step stools to access merchandise as needed

• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced retail environment while adapting to shifting priorities

• Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties

• Ability to adhere to company policies and professional standards

Key Skills

Leadership, Retail Operations, Customer Service, Workforce Management, Driving Results

Job Profile Summary

At Academy Sports + Outdoors, our purpose is to make it easier for everyone to enjoy more sports and the outdoors. The Operations Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence across the entire store, with direct leadership accountability for store Operations, including Asset Protection, Cashiers, Loss Prevention, Inventory Control, and Maintenance. This role leads and coordinates team members through effective supervision, communication, and execution to ensure store standards are met consistently. The Operations Manager plays a critical leadership role in influencing overall store performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability while advancing Academy’s purpose.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred

Work Experiences

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience required
• Proven success leading large departments of up to 40 team members while driving operational excellence and sales performance

Skills

• Strong supervisory and leadership capabilities with the ability to coach, develop, and hold team members accountable while modeling company standards
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional service
• Effective problem-solving and communication skills with team members, customers, and business partners
• Solid business acumen with an understanding of financial impacts, market dynamics, and profitability targets
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business reports, professional publications, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Clear, professional verbal communication and active listening skills across diverse audiences
• Effective presentation skills with the ability to respond to questions and provide guidance to groups
• Sound judgment and reasoning skills to make timely, appropriate decisions
• Working knowledge of retail systems including inventory, order processing, payroll, and Microsoft Office applications
• Comfort applying basic mathematical concepts and following written, oral, and diagram-based instructions
• Experience using data dashboards, reporting tools, and AI-supported retail analytics to inform decisions

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and accountability for store operational execution and excellence
• Lead store Operations team members and actively participate in talent decisions including hiring, training, discipline, recognition, development, and separation
• Deliver daily operational direction and oversight to Team Leads, Cashiers, Custodians, Asset Protection, Loss Prevention, Inventory Control, and Seasonal Team Members, ensuring customer service excellence
• Develop and execute strategies to achieve weekly and monthly operational goals, including staffing plans, training, payroll management, and scheduling
• Drive workforce productivity, efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with sales, safety, and security standards in alignment with company policies and regulatory requirements
• Maintain departmental zoning and consistent adherence to store and company standards
• Oversee execution of assignments outlined in company Playbooks
• Participate in store walks with senior leadership and develop action plans based on feedback
• Audit firearm sales in compliance with applicable laws, complete ATF Form 4473, conduct required background checks, and serve as final approver
• Complete and maintain required Firearms Sales Certification and Power Industrial Truck Certification training
• Provide leadership across the full team member lifecycle, including onboarding, performance coaching, and development
• Learn, communicate, and enforce company policies, procedures, and safety standards
• Promote professionalism, accountability, and positive team engagement
• Maintain awareness of omnichannel fulfillment operations and adapt to evolving retail technology and AI-enabled tools
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support business needs
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced retail environment while adapting to shifting priorities
• Adhere to company policies and professional standards

Physical Requirements and Attendance

• Flexibility to work varying schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs
• Full-time position averaging 45–50 hours per week during peak times
• Capability to remain on your feet and move throughout the store for extended periods during scheduled shifts
• Ability to perform physical job functions such as walking, bending, reaching, pulling, carrying, and lifting items up to 50 lbs
• Capacity to complete repetitive tasks, including scanning, stocking, and folding merchandise
• Comfort using ladders or step stools to access merchandise as needed
• Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties

Targeted Pay Range: $57,000 - $80,500. The starting rate of pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, location, experience, certifications, and position offered.

Additional compensation includes the potential to earn performance-based annual and quarterly bonuses.

Team members may qualify to enroll in a comprehensive benefits package, subject to terms and conditions of respective plans and employment eligibility. Team members are also eligible for a 20% Academy discount. To learn more about our comprehensive benefits package, visit

Equal Employment Opportunity

Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate with regard to employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law.​