Department Manager - Sporting Goods - Watford City, ND

Ready to Runn With Runnings? Lead a Sporting Goods team in a BRAND-NEW 21,000 sqft retail store!

Sporting Goods Department Manager

Runnings is looking for a motivated, hands-on leader to join our team as a Sporting Goods Department Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to lead one of the most dynamic departments in the store while helping customers find the products they need for hunting, shooting sports, fishing, and the outdoors.

We're seeking an individual who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused, high-energy environment and brings a strong knowledge of sporting goods, especially firearms, ammunition, and accessories. In this role, you'll take ownership of merchandising, inventory, sales performance, and customer service while helping develop a high-performing team.

If you're passionate about the outdoors, enjoy working with people, and are ready to take the next step in your retail leadership career, we'd love to hear from you.

Hourly Pay Range: $18.00-$22.00 per hour, based on experience.

Why This Role Is Special

• Lead a Key Department: Take ownership of a high-traffic department and play a direct role in delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Fast-Paced & Hands-On: Enjoy an active, always-moving environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities.
• Growth Opportunity: Build leadership skills, gain retail management experience, and grow your career with a company committed to developing talent.
• Make an Impact: Help create a welcoming, knowledgeable shopping experience for customers who share your passion for the outdoors.

What You'll Do

• Lead the merchandising and presentation of sporting goods products.
• Coordinate the placement and distribution of new merchandise within the department.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels and product availability.
• Deliver outstanding customer service and assist customers with product selection and purchases.
• Share product knowledge and expertise, particularly related to firearms, ammunition, and sporting goods accessories.
• Partner with Retail Buyers to identify inventory needs and product opportunities.
• Train, mentor, and support department team members.
• Ensure safe handling of merchandise by both customers and employees.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked department.
• Support store operations and complete additional responsibilities as assigned.

What We're Looking For

• Sporting Goods Knowledge: Strong understanding of sporting goods products, with extensive knowledge of firearms, ammunition, accessories, hunting, or outdoor recreation products preferred.
• Customer-Focused Mindset: A passion for helping customers and delivering an exceptional shopping experience.
• Leadership Ability: Ability to coach, train, and positively influence team members while promoting accountability and teamwork.
• Results-Driven Approach: Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and maintain department standards.
• Flexibility: Ability to work a varied schedule including days, evenings, and every other weekend.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work a flexible and irregular schedule.
• Frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Extended periods of standing and walking.
• Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, and moving merchandise.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous retail, sporting goods, or customer service experience preferred.
• Prior leadership, supervisory, or department management experience is a plus.

Work Environment

• Retail store environment.
• Active, fast-moving setting with frequent customer interaction.
• Exposure to a variety of sporting goods merchandise, equipment, and inventory.

Benefits

• Employee Discount
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Training and Development Opportunities
• Advancement Opportunities

About Runnings

For more than 75 years, Runnings has been committed to providing quality products and exceptional customer service throughout the Midwest and Northeast. As a family-owned retailer with stores serving rural communities, we proudly offer products for homes, farms, ranches, pets, hunting, fishing, and outdoor living. At Runnings, we believe in hard work, integrity, community involvement, and developing our team members for long-term success.

Runnings is an Equal Opportunity Employer.