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 Sales Manager, you will lead the day-to-day performance of a high‑volume retail store, shaping how customers experience Academy Sports + Outdoors every time they walk through the doors. You will oversee both Hardlines and Softlines, translating business goals into clear priorities that drive sales, merchandising excellence, and operational consistency across all departments. Through hands-on leadership on the sales floor, you will set the standard for service, execution, and team engagement.
You will coach, develop, and inspire a diverse team of leaders and team members, building capability through training, feedback, and accountability. Using sales metrics, labor plans, and inventory insights, you will plan and adjust strategies that improve productivity and profitability while maintaining strong in‑stock and visual standards. Your role balances people leadership with execution, ensuring policies, safety standards, and regulatory requirements are consistently upheld.
You will work closely with the Store Director and fellow store leaders to align priorities, share insights, and deliver a seamless, best‑in‑class store experience. You will partner daily with Team Leads and department leaders to set expectations, problem‑solve in real time, and create an environment where team members can perform at their best.
You will also collaborate with corporate and field partners through store walks, reporting, and execution of company initiatives. These relationships help ensure your store remains aligned with brand standards, compliance requirements, and evolving business strategies.
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 service mindset with effective communication and problem‑solving skills
Business acumen with an understanding of sales performance, labor planning, and profitability
Ability to interpret reports and use metrics to inform decisions and priorities
Working knowledge of inventory systems, payroll processes, and Microsoft Office applications
Sound judgment and decision‑making skills in fast‑paced, high‑traffic environments
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
Customer Service, Management, Workforce Management, Driving Results, Operations
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
