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!
As a Manager in Training, you will immerse yourself in every facet of running a high‑volume retail business, gaining hands‑on experience across operations, sales leadership, and people management. You will rotate through store departments to understand how merchandising, staffing, inventory, and customer experience all connect to overall performance. Each day brings new opportunities to apply business insights while learning how decisions made on the floor impact results.
Throughout the program, you will partner closely with store leadership to develop and execute strategies that drive sales, service, and operational excellence. You will learn how to analyze performance metrics, plan labor effectively, and adjust priorities in real time to meet business demands. This role is designed to stretch your leadership capability while preparing you for full accountability as a future store leader.
Who You Will Work With
You will work side‑by‑side with experienced Store Directors, Assistant Managers, and department leaders who are invested in your development and long‑term success. These leaders will coach you through real‑world scenarios, provide feedback, and support your growth as you learn how to lead teams, manage performance, and uphold company standards.
In addition, you will collaborate daily with cross‑functional store teams, from sales and merchandising to operations and inventory. Building strong relationships with team members at every level will be key as you learn how to motivate, communicate, and lead through influence in a fast‑paced environment. Successful completion of the MIT program is required for promotion into a Manager role.
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 leadership and coaching skills with the ability to motivate and develop others
Customer‑focused mindset with a passion for delivering a great shopping experience
Solid business acumen and comfort working with performance metrics and reports
Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to make sound decisions using judgment, logic, and common sense
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
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
Management, Workforce Management, Customer Service, Training, Strategy and Execution
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.
At Academy Sports + Outdoors, we believe in the power of fun. And we believe in helping our customers have more of it. With a wide assortment of sporting and outdoors gear, Academy offers the best brands under one roof — curated to make the most of every budget. Day in and day out, our 20,000+ Team Members bring a sense of adventure, energy, and passion to work. Understanding our people and the things that matter to them has been at the core of Academy culture for over 80 years. We take pride in creating a workplace that values hard work, commitment, growth, and of course, FUN.
Academy — headquartered in Katy, TX, a suburb of Houston — is one of the nation’s largest sporting goods and outdoor stores. We offer a broad assortment of quality hunting, fishing, and camping equipment and gear, as well as sports and leisure products, footwear, apparel, and much more.
Originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy has grown to a wide network of 301 stores across 21 states as of March 7, 2025.
Looking to join our team? Search available opportunities today: careers.academy.com
