THE ROLE: Retail Regional Manager, Collegiate Athletics
LOCATION: Legends Global Merchandise | Remote, USA
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Retail Regional Manager is responsible for leading the performance and operations of multiple collegiate athletics retail locations, including campus bookstores, athletic venue stores, stadium and arena retail locations, and e-commerce fulfillment support operations. This role drives revenue growth, enhances the fan experience, develops retail talent, and ensures execution of best-in-class merchandising and operational standards.
The Retail Regional Manager serves as a strategic partner to university athletics departments, campus administration, licensing partners, and corporate leadership to maximize merchandise sales, strengthen brand engagement, and support key athletic and campus initiatives.
WHAT YOU9LL DO (KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & OUTCOMES)
Business Growth & Financial Performance
- Lead the financial performance of multiple collegiate athletics retail locations within an assigned territory.
- Develop and execute sales strategies that capitalize on athletic seasons, championship events, special promotions, and campus initiatives.
- Analyze sales trends, customer traffic, inventory performance, and key business metrics to identify growth opportunities.
- Deliver revenue, margin, and expense targets while maintaining operational excellence.
- Create strategic business plans that support long-term growth and university partner objectives.
University & Athletics Partnership Management
- Build strong relationships with Athletics Departments, Campus Administrators, Licensing Offices, and University stakeholders.
- Collaborate with university partners to develop merchandise strategies that align with institutional branding and fan engagement goals.
- Participate in regular business reviews, planning sessions, and performance discussions with campus leadership.
- Serve as the primary field-level representative for retail initiatives and strategic projects.
Game Day & Event Operations
- Ensure successful execution of retail operations for football, basketball, baseball, and other athletic events.
- Oversee staffing, inventory planning, merchandising, and operational readiness for game days, tournaments, bowl games, conference championships, and special events.
- Evaluate event performance and implement strategies to maximize sales and elevate the fan experience.
- Partner with athletics and venue personnel to support evolving operational needs throughout the season.
Leadership & Talent Development
- Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing Store Managers and retail leadership teams.
- Conduct regular store visits, business reviews, and coaching sessions.
- Establish a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.
- Create succession plans and leadership development opportunities across the region.
- Lead performance management processes and ensure consistent execution of company standards.
Retail Operations
- Ensure all locations operate in accordance with company policies, university requirements, and NCAA licensing standards.
- Monitor inventory management, loss prevention, cash controls, safety compliance, and operational procedures.
- Support store refreshes, renovations, expansions, and new location openings.
- Drive operational consistency while adapting to the unique needs of each campus and athletic venue.
- Identify efficiencies that improve service levels and profitability.
Merchandising & Fan Experience
- Partner with merchandising teams to deliver compelling assortments of licensed apparel, headwear, gifts, collectibles, and athletic merchandise.
- Ensure stores effectively tell the university's brand story through visual merchandising and promotional execution.
- Leverage student, alumni, and fan purchasing trends to optimize assortments and maximize sales opportunities.
- Maintain high standards for store presentation, product availability, and customer service.
- Champion an engaging fan experience that strengthens school pride and customer loyalty.
WHAT YOU BRING (QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE)
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management, Marketing, Sports Management, or related field.
- 5+ years of multi-unit retail leadership experience.
- Proven success driving sales growth, profitability, and operational excellence across multiple locations.
- Experience leading teams in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Strong financial acumen and analytical capabilities.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to travel frequently, including weekends and evenings during athletic seasons and major events.
Preferred
- Experience managing collegiate retail, campus bookstores, licensed merchandise programs, athletic venue stores, or professional sports retail operations.
- Understanding of collegiate athletics, fan engagement, and university business environments.
- Experience working with licensing partners and licensed merchandise programs.
- Experience supporting stadium, arena, or event-based retail operations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL
- This is a remote opportunity with required travel to multiple retail locations in the U.S.
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this role is $85,000 - $100,000 commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications. This role is also bonus eligible. Legends Global offers a generous total rewards package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid vacation, and 401k plan.
