Store Operations Project Manager

The Store Operations Project Manager supports the Director of Store Operations in improving store efficiency, increasing productivity, and identifying measurable cost savings across Dunham’s Sports. This role evaluates how work is performed in stores, develops practical solutions, and leads projects from initial assessment through testing, implementation, and follow-up. The ideal candidate combines hands-on retail operations knowledge with strong analytical, project management, and communication skills. This individual must build effective partnerships across departments and organizational levels, working comfortably with senior leadership, field management, and store associates to implement sustainable improvements.

Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings

• Evaluate store processes to identify unnecessary steps, duplicated work, operating costs, and opportunities to improve productivity.
• Conduct store visits, process observations, and time studies to understand workload and identify improvements.
• Analyze labor usage, operating expenses, and performance data to develop recommendations supported by clear operational and financial benefits.
• Distinguish between direct expense savings and time savings that allow store teams to focus on customers, selling, and other priorities.
• Ensure recommendations support customer service, safety, inventory accuracy, and company standards.

Project Management and Implementation

• Manage assigned store operations projects, establishing clear objectives, timelines, responsibilities, and measures of success.
• Coordinate store pilots, gather feedback, evaluate results, and refine processes before broader implementation.
• Partner with corporate departments and field leadership to coordinate resources, resolve issues, and keep projects on schedule.
• Provide concise progress updates, communicate risks, and bring forward recommendations or decisions needed.
• Monitor results after implementation to confirm adoption and determine whether expected benefits are achieved.

Process Development and Store Communication

• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures, store direction, training materials, checklists, and other operational resources.
• Translate complex requirements into clear, practical instructions that store teams can understand and execute consistently.
• Incorporate feedback from store associates and field leaders to improve usability and address operational challenges.
• Coordinate updates to existing procedures so stores receive consistent, accurate direction.
• Build and support training and communication for new processes, systems, and operational initiatives.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Build productive relationships with senior leadership, regional and district managers, general managers, and store associates.
• Collaborate with departments such as IT, Human Resources, Merchandising, Allocation, Distribution, Finance, and Visual Merchandising.
• Influence decisions and gain support for improvements, including situations where the role has no direct authority over participating teams.
• Represent store execution needs in corporate discussions, considering workload, staffing, space, systems, and customer impact.
• Help departments align priorities and implementation plans to support successful store execution.

Areas of Project Support

Projects may include labor productivity, freight processing, replenishment, inventory management, stock balancing, clearance execution, buy online, pick up in store, new store openings, and other operational priorities assigned by the Director of Store Operations.

• Relevant experience in retail operations, multi-store support, project management, or process improvement.
• Strong understanding of store workflows, staffing demands, inventory handling, and customer service expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to identify operational problems, develop practical solutions, and follow through on implementation.
• Ability to analyze data, estimate costs and benefits, and communicate findings clearly.
• Strong business writing skills, including experience developing procedures, instructions, or training materials.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.
• Effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate, influence, and build partnerships at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, with the ability to learn company reporting and operating systems.
• Sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while keeping leadership informed.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience considered.
• Experience supporting multi-location initiatives, conducting time studies, or measuring productivity improvements preferred.

Work Environment and Travel

This position works in both a corporate office and store environments. Regular in-office collaboration and periodic store visits are expected. Travel may include overnight and out-of-state assignments based on project needs. Scheduling flexibility may be required to observe store activities, support pilots, or assist with implementations.