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 Store Director, you will lead the overall success of your store by driving exceptional customer experiences, strong financial performance, and a culture rooted in teamwork and accountability. You will set the vision for the store, translating company priorities into clear goals while creating an environment where team members feel empowered to perform at their best. Through hands-on leadership, you will balance day-to-day operations with long-term strategy to consistently deliver results.
You will oversee all aspects of store operations, including merchandising, inventory control, loss prevention, expense management, and talent development. By analyzing performance trends and customer insights, you will identify opportunities to grow sales, improve efficiency, and strengthen execution across every department. You will also serve as the face of the store within the community, building relationships that drive traffic, brand loyalty, and sustained growth.
You will work closely with a team of department and assistant store leaders who rely on your guidance, coaching, and clear direction. Together, you will create alignment across departments, ensuring every team member understands how their work contributes to the overall success of the store.
You will also partner with regional leaders and cross‑functional teams to share insights, execute initiatives, and maintain consistency with company standards. Through these partnerships, you will help shape strategies that elevate performance while staying connected to broader business priorities.
Bring your energy, your ideas, and your love for sports and the outdoors.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and related experience
10 years of retail experience, including 7 years of progressive leadership responsibility
Demonstrated success leading retail teams, including salaried leaders and teams of 40-80 people
Strong customer service mindset with a focus on delivering exceptional in‑store experiences
Demonstrated ability to drive sales, profitability, and operational execution
Experience managing store operations including merchandising, inventory, and loss prevention
Financial acumen with experience in budgeting, payroll, and expense control
Ability to communicate, interpret, and execute company policies and initiatives effectively
Willingness to travel periodically to support operations in other stores as needed
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
Leadership Development, Customer Service, Operations, Strategy and Execution, P&L Responsibility, Workforce Management
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
