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About the job

Who We Are

At Academy Sports + Outdoors our vision is to be the best sports + outdoors retailer in the country — but what truly sets us apart is our people. We’re a passionate, purpose-driven team that’s as committed to each other as we are to our customers.

We’ve spent over 80 years building a culture that puts people first. We believe in creating opportunities for growth, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting every Team Member’s journey. What fuels us? Our belief in the power of fun.

Here, you won’t just help customers gear up for their next adventure — you’ll launch one of your own. Whether you're starting out or leveling up, Academy is a place where fun can’t lose!

What You Will Work On

As a Hardlines Manager, you will own the day‑to‑day leadership and execution of some of the store’s most dynamic and high‑impact departments, including Camping, Fishing & Hunting, Outdoor, Firearms, and Team Sports. You’ll translate business priorities into clear actions for your team, ensuring every area is ready to serve customers through strong merchandising, staffing, and operational discipline. Your leadership will directly influence sales results, customer trust, and overall store performance.

You will drive operational excellence by planning labor, coaching leaders, and holding teams accountable to safety, compliance, and service standards. From walking departments and setting priorities to reviewing performance metrics, you’ll balance strategic thinking with hands‑on problem solving. Every day, you’ll turn feedback, data, and observation into improvements that elevate the customer experience and team engagement.

Who You Will Work With

You’ll partner closely with the Store Director and fellow store leaders to align on goals, priorities, and execution strategies. On the floor, you’ll lead and develop Team Leads and Team Members, creating a culture of accountability, trust, and continuous improvement across all hardlines areas.

You’ll also collaborate with cross‑functional partners, including operations and support teams, to ensure compliance, training completion, and consistent standards. Through daily communication and collaboration, you’ll help connect company initiatives to real‑world execution that benefits both customers and team members.

What You Bring

Bring your energy, your ideas, and your love for sports and the outdoors.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred

Minimum of 3 years of relevant leadership or management experience required

Demonstrated success leading departments of up to 40 team members while driving operational excellence and achieving sales targets

Strong customer focus with a proven commitment to delivering exceptional service

Ability to analyze business results and translate insights into action

Clear and confident communication skills across diverse audiences

Comfort making decisions in a fast‑paced, retail environment

Knowledge of operational processes, safety standards, and compliance requirements

Ability to complete required certifications, including Firearms Sales and Power Industrial Truck

Comfortably manage and audit firearm sales, ensuring all transactions meet federal and state requirements through accurate completion of ATF Form 4473, background check verification, and final approval

A team-first attitude; while your core duties are your priority, you're happy to step in wherever you're needed

Work Style and Physical Requirements

Flexibility to work varying schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs

Full-time position averaging 45-50 hours per week during peak times

Capability to remain on your feet and move throughout the store for extended periods during scheduled shifts

Ability to perform physical job functions such as walking, bending, reaching, pulling, carrying, and lifting items up to 50 lbs

Capacity to complete repetitive tasks, including scanning, stocking, and folding merchandise

Comfort using ladders or step stools to access merchandise as needed

Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced retail environment while adapting to shifting priorities

Acceptable level of hearing and vision to perform job duties

Ability to adhere to company policies and professional standards

Key Skills

Operations, Workforce Management, Driving Results, Customer Service, Strategy and Execution

Equal Employment Opportunity

Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate with regard to employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by law.