District Manager

With over 50 stores and the largest avocational cooking program in the US, Sur La Table offers an unsurpassed selection of exclusive and premium-quality goods for the kitchen and table – and the culinary expertise and inspiration to go along with it. Whether the job entails interacting with our customers, driving digital growth, or providing vital behind-the-scenes support, we’re all here for the same reason – to roll up our sleeves and create happiness through cooking and sharing good food.

The District Manager contributes to the success of Sur La Table by inspiring customers on all points of their culinary journey. The District Manager blends talent for people development and operational knowledge to drive business results while developing a high performing team. This role uses discretion in assigning duties to employees and in employment decisions and is accountable for the customer experience, people development, store operations and financial results of a multi-store district (16+ stores) and one more Area Managers. The District Manager reports to the Sr. Director, Stores.

The home base for this location will be within a major city in the district.

• Collaborates cross functionally to drive a key priority or initiative that impacts overall store operations nationwide.
• Ensures customer service standards are consistently met across the district.
• Creates an environment where employees are informed and capable by directing and following up on training initiatives for the district.
• Models and follows up to ensure all Sur La Table policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are communicated effectively, maintained and consistently followed district-wide.
• Maintains an active performance development process. Provides coaching in the moment and performance feedback to managers using the appropriate levels of direction and support. Conducts formal performance reviews.
• Proactively monitors and manages district staffing levels according to retail and culinary census and fluctuations in seasonal business needs.
• Analyzes and measures district sales results and trends to achieve sales driving initiatives.
• Holds managers accountable for the accuracy and integrity of employee information including, but not limited to, requisition data, personal data, and payroll.
• Holds managers accountable for store operations, scheduling, visual presentation and merchandise stock levels to ensure district is optimized to meet retail & culinary objectives.
• Ensures adherence to applicable employment laws, including but not limited to, wage and hour; and workplace safety and health.
• Manages travel expenses to budget; maximizes district and stores’ 4-Wall EBITDA.
• Appropriately partners with corporate departments such as Retail Operations, HR, Loss Prevention, Planning, Real Estate and other departments.
• Demonstrates exceptional verbal and written communication skills with employees, customers, field management and corporate office.

• 8+ years of progressively responsible retail management experience.
• 5+ years multi-unit management experience.
• Proven ability to build effective teams and motivate employees.
• Proven ability to drive sales.
• Proven financial skills and business acumen.
• Functional knowledge of retail/store systems.
• Familiarity with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• May require valid Food Handlers and/or Food Manager certification.

• Focus on the Customer: You inspire and delight your customers.
• Be Genuine: Your communication style is respectful, effective and sincere.
• Make the Right Call: You effectively blend knowledge, experience, wisdom & decisive action.
• Take Ownership: You are committed, responsible and provide solutions.
• Achieve Results: You meet and exceed goals and expectations.
• Sur La Table Leadership Competencies for People Managers
• Develop People: You never compromise on people.
• Lead the Way: You influence positive outcomes.
• Facilitate Success: Your team is motivated, engaged and accomplished.

• Ability to communicate verbally and work cooperatively with employees and customers.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for up to 3 hours at a time.
• Ability to move about the workplace coaching and directing General Managers and Store Managers and/or coaching employees on selling skills.
• Ability to grab, reach, push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel and crouch in order to demonstrate and retrieve merchandise.
• Ability to work a varied schedule including nights and weekends as business dictates.
• Ability to operate a computer, POS system, keyboards, merchandise scanners and mouse in order to accomplish work.
• Ability to travel up to 75% of the time including overnights.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Ability to lift and/or move merchandise weighing up to 35 lbs.

The CSC family of brands provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, state or local laws. 

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie-detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. 

The CSC family of brands is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact [email protected].