Junior Area Manager

AT A GLANCE

The Junior Area Manager is a developmental role designed for high-performing store leaders, such as Eyewear Managers or equivalent retail leadership roles, who have demonstrated strong store performance and readiness for expanded operational responsibility.

This role serves as a bridge between store leadership and area leadership. The Junior Area Manager supports area-level execution through a defined specialization or assignment, such as Training, Store Audit, New Store Openings, or Compliance.

Depending on business need, the Junior Area Manager may be assigned to support a small cluster of stores or may operate across the assigned region to execute a specific area-wide function. The role is intended as a structured development path toward becoming a full Area Manager.

YOUR OVERALL MISSION & DAY-TO-DAY

Area Operations Support

·        Support the day-to-day execution of retail operations within the assigned scope, whether through a store cluster or area-wide special assignment.

·        When assigned stores, help oversee a small cluster of 3–6 stores, including sales performance, staffing, compliance, and operational readiness.

·        When not assigned stores, travel across the assigned region to deliver assigned functions such as training, audits, new store opening support, or compliance checks.

·        Conduct regular and structured store visits using approved checklists and operational standards.

·        Identify operational concerns, recurring issues, and execution gaps, and recommend practical solutions to the supervising Area Manager.

Store Standards, Compliance, and Audit

·        Monitor adherence to company standards, SOPs, cash handling procedures, inventory controls, grooming, service standards, and other operational requirements.

·        Conduct scheduled or surprise store checks depending on the assigned function.

·        Document findings clearly, including root causes, required corrective actions, responsible owners, and target completion dates.

·        Track closure of corrective actions and escalate unresolved or repeated issues as needed.

·        Support the consistent implementation of policies and procedures across assigned stores or region.

Training, Coaching, and People Development

·        Deliver initial and ongoing training, coaching, and refreshers to Brand Advisers, Eyewear Managers, and other store team members as assigned.

·        Reinforce company standards, core values, customer service expectations, and operational best practices.

·        Support onboarding activities for new team members and help ensure proper store-level integration.

·        Coach store leaders on execution gaps, team management, and operational follow-through.

·        Shadow Area Managers as part of the development path toward full area management responsibilities.

Reporting and Performance Monitoring

·        Prepare clear and timely store visit reports, audit summaries, training updates, or project status reports.

·        Present findings, updates, and recommendations to the Area Manager or Retail Operations Manager.

·        Monitor assigned metrics such as training completion, audit results, corrective action closure, store readiness, sales performance, or compliance status.

·        Help Area Managers track tasks, deadlines, and completion of assigned operational priorities.

·        Maintain organized records, meeting notes, and follow-through documentation.

Cross-Functional Coordination

·        Coordinate with Retail Operations, Optometrists, HQ Support, and other relevant teams to address store concerns and operational needs.

·        Help maintain a collaborative working relationship across store teams and support functions.

·        Escalate employee-related, compliance-related, or operational concerns through the proper channels.

·        Support new store openings, special projects, and other Retail Operations initiatives as assigned.

·        Perform other reasonable tasks related to the role, as needed by the business.

YOUR TALENT

·        High-performing store leader, preferably an Eyewear Manager or equivalent retail leadership role.

·        Minimum of 2 years of store-level retail experience, including people leadership.

·        Strong working knowledge of store operations, sales execution, service standards, and SOPs.

·        Good communication, coaching, and presentation skills.

·        Developing analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales and operational reports.

·        Basic financial acumen and understanding of store-level performance drivers.

·        Strong customer management skills and standards-enforcement mindset.

·        Willing to travel across the assigned region.

·        Demonstrates Sunnies core values and potential to grow into a full Area Manager role.