Store Director #262 - Columbia, MO

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 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.

Who You Will Work With

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.

What You Bring

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

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

Leadership Development, Customer Service, Operations, Strategy and Execution, P&L Responsibility, Workforce Management

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.​