Company Introduction
La Jolla Group is a leading apparel management company with a proven track record of building, growing, and supporting some of the industry’s most recognized and exciting brands. Through strong partnerships, innovative thinking, and operational expertise, we provide the infrastructure and resources brands need to thrive in a fast-moving marketplace. As part of our portfolio, La Jolla Group proudly operates O’Neill Retail stores, bringing an iconic lifestyle brand to customers through an engaging and memorable shopping experience.
Our O’Neill Retail team thrives in a collaborative, high-energy environment where great ideas, teamwork, and a passion for customer service make an impact. We believe in creating a positive and supportive workplace where employees can grow, develop their skills, and contribute to the success of their store. Team members enjoy generous discounts on O’Neill merchandise, opportunities for professional growth, and a fun, team-oriented atmosphere. Most importantly, we believe our people are our greatest asset and are committed to investing in their growth, development, and success
General Summary
The Assistant Store Manager partners with the Store Manager to oversee daily operations of a high-volume retail apparel store, drive sales and profitability, and deliver a consistent, guest-first shopping experience. This role provides hands-on leadership to sales associates, including coaching, training, performance feedback, and support with staffing and scheduling. The Assistant Store Manager helps maintain strong visual merchandising, product presentation, inventory accuracy, fitting room standards, and operational execution while promoting a safe, organized, and welcoming store environment. In the Store Manager’s absence, this position assumes responsibility for day-to-day store leadership, team direction, and timely resolution of guest and operational concerns in accordance with company policies.
Essential Job Functions
- Partner with the Store Manager to achieve daily, weekly, and monthly sales goals; monitor key performance indicators such as conversion, units per transaction, and average transaction value.
- Lead sales floor coverage and fitting room service to maximize productivity, deliver personalized styling and product recommendations, and create a welcoming guest experience.
- Coach associates on selling techniques, product knowledge, promotions, and service standards through regular observation, feedback, and recognition.
- Assign daily responsibilities, communicate shift priorities, and support effective staffing and break coverage to meet business needs.
- Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, training, and ongoing development of store associates.
- Provide input on associate performance, attendance, and conduct concerns; promptly communicate issues to the Store Manager and follow company procedures.
- Oversee opening and closing routines as assigned, including register readiness, cash handling, deposits, and securing the store.
- Ensure accurate point-of-sale transactions, returns, exchanges, discounts, and other register activities in accordance with company policies.
- Support shipment receiving, processing, replenishment, stockroom organization, transfers, and inventory counts to maintain product availability and accuracy.
- Execute visual merchandising directives, floor sets, signage, promotional changes, and apparel presentation standards to support the brand and seasonal assortments.
- Maintain clean, organized, and guest-ready sales floors, fitting rooms, stockrooms, and cash-wrap areas throughout the day.
- Resolve guest questions, complaints, and service issues professionally, escalating matters when appropriate.
- Help identify and prevent inventory loss by reinforcing asset protection practices, reporting concerns, and following safety and security procedures.
- Monitor store supplies, equipment, and maintenance needs and promptly report or coordinate resolution of operational issues.
- Support accurate timekeeping, schedule adherence, and compliance with applicable meal and rest period policies and procedures.
- Serve as the manager on duty when assigned or when the Store Manager is absent, making operational decisions within established authority.
- Communicate store results, team needs, and operational updates to the Store Manager; perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of retail sales practices, guest service standards, and store operations.
- Ability to motivate, coach, train, and develop retail associates.
- Strong organizational, multitasking, prioritization, and time-management skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to maintain merchandising and operational standards.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with guests and team members.
- Ability to support sales goals and build guest loyalty.
- Ability to maintain a guest-ready sales floor and fitting rooms.
- Knowledge of store safety, asset protection, and company policy compliance.
- Ability to work collaboratively and lead by example.
- Flexible availability to work based on store and guest needs.
- Ability to support daily store operations and respond to changing priorities.
- Commitment to integrity and a positive, guest-first store environment.
Required Education and Experience
- Minimum of 2 years management experience in a retail apparel or similar environment.
- High School Diploma
- Must satisfactorily complete a background check following a conditional offer of employment, in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Benefits
La Jolla Group offers a comprehensive benefits package for regular, full-time employees designed to support overall well-being and work-life balance. Eligible team members can participate in:
- Health, HSA, Dental, and Vision insurance options
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Paid Time Off
- Enjoy great employee discounts and exciting contests for free merchandise!
Physical Requirements
Seeing: Must be able to see well enough to read reports.
Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with customers, vendors and employees.
Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: Must be able to climb ladders, reach and bend.
Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to type and use technical sources.
Must be able to work a sales floor.
La Jolla Retail provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Equal opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and termination. La Jolla Retail is committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and to fostering an inclusive, respectful environment where all employees can thrive.
The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position. This job description does not constitute a contract for employment, and the Company reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply it in any way the Company desires at any time. Employment with La Jolla Retail is at-will.