The Opportunity: The Department Manager is located at our AG Flagship Retail Stores and reports directly to the Store Director. This position is responsible for ensuring daily operations in their respective departments meet financial, customer service, and operational goals. This role requires the ability to motivate and develop staff, implement merchandising strategies, and deliver exceptional customer service experiences aligned with company objectives.What Your Impact Will Be: Premiere Customer Service:Direct daily operations of the department, ensuring financial goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and customer service standards are met while adhering to company policies and procedures.Train and coach sales associates on suggestive selling techniques to promote targeted products and increase KPIs, focusing on UPT (Units Per Transaction), ADS (Average Dollar Sale), and data capture.Monitor store floor activity, ensuring adequate coverage by rotating staff or using MOD (Manager on Duty) and support teams.Oversee the curbside and in-store pickup process to ensure it aligns with company standards.Review daily departmental revenue performance and take appropriate action to meet goals.Demonstrate and train the principles of M.A.G.I.C. and Mattel Leadership Behaviors to create an exceptional customer experience.Collaborate with the retail management team on short- and long-term business strategies to drive revenue.Build customer databases proactively by capturing phone numbers and zip codes during purchases.Act as a role model for floor leadership, ensuring a professional and positive environment at all times.Collaborate with marketing, PR, and retail management to plan and execute in-store programs, events, and product launches.Team Development:Hire, train, motivate, and develop a strong and effective team capable of meeting company standards.Communicate department goals, service standards, and delegate responsibilities among team members appropriately.Provide regular performance feedback, conduct performance evaluations, and set measurable goals (CAP goals).Recognize and reward top performers through Matty Awards and other recognition programs.Address performance concerns promptly and implement action plans as needed.Lead informative and impactful storewide or department meetings to keep staff aligned with business objectives.Ensure all associates attend and actively participate in company-provided training sessions.Maintain compliance with all company policies, including recruiting processes and training programs, and ensure adequate staffing to support peak and non-peak trading periods effectively. Merchandising Strategy:Oversee SKU planning, merchandise presentation, and product launches to align with company goals.Utilize data analysis to identify revenue opportunities and manage inventory positions effectively.Partner with Visual Merchandising and Operations Managers to maintain and enhance visual merchandising standards.Build strong communication channels with corporate partners, forecasters, and external teams to secure in-stock product positions for revenue opportunities.Regularly shop competitor stores and provide insights and recommendations based on findings.Analyze inventory and sales reports from systems such as Congo’s, taking proactive measures when discrepancies arise.Conduct, or oversee, cycle counts and physical inventories to ensure inventory accuracy.Collaborate with internal teams to develop and execute merchandising strategies.