Area Manager

With over 57 stores and the largest avocational cooking program in the US, Sur La Table offers an unsurpassed selection of exclusive and premium-quality goods for the kitchen and table – and the culinary expertise and inspiration to go along with it. Whether the job entails interacting with our customers, driving digital growth, or providing vital behind-the-scenes support, we're all here for the same reason – to roll up our sleeves and create happiness through cooking and sharing good food. 

The Area Manager contributes to the success of Sur La Table by inspiring customers on all points of their culinary journey. The Area Manager blends talent for people development and operational knowledge to drive business results while developing a high performing team. This role uses discretion in assigning duties to employees and in employment decisions and is accountable for the customer experience, people development, store operations and financial results of a multi-store area (approximately 3-5 stores). The Area Manager reports to the District Manager.

• Ensures customer service standards are consistently met across the area.
• Creates an environment where employees are informed and capable by directing and following up on training initiatives for the area.
• Models and follows up to ensure all Sur La Table policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are communicated effectively, maintained and consistently followed area wide.
• Maintains an active performance development process. Provides coaching in the moment and performance feedback to managers using the appropriate levels of direction and support. Conducts formal performance reviews.
• Proactively monitors and manages area staffing levels according to retail and culinary census and fluctuations in seasonal business needs.
• Analyzes and measures area sales results and trends to achieve sales driving initiatives.
• Holds managers accountable for the accuracy and integrity of employee information including, but not limited to, requisition data, personal data, and payroll.
• Holds managers accountable for store operations, scheduling, visual presentation and merchandise stock levels to ensure area is optimized to meet retail & culinary objectives.
• Ensures adherence to applicable employment laws, including but not limited to, wage and hour; and workplace safety and health.
• Manages travel expenses to budget; maximizes area and stores' 4-Wall EBITDA.
• Demonstrates exceptional verbal and written communication skills with employees, customers, field management and District Manager.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by District Manager.  

• Ability to communicate verbally and work cooperatively with employees and customers.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for up to 3 hours at a time.
• Ability to move about the workplace coaching and directing General Managers and Store Managers and/or coaching employees on selling skills.
• Ability to grab, reach, push, pull, bend, stoop, kneel and crouch in order to demonstrate and retrieve merchandise.
• Ability to work a varied schedule including nights and weekends as business dictates.
• Ability to operate a computer, POS system, keyboards, merchandise scanners and mouse in order to accomplish work. 
• Ability to travel up to 75% of the time including overnights.
• Regular and predictable attendance. 
• Ability to lift and/or move merchandise weighing up to 35 lbs.  

• 5-7 Years of progressively responsible retail management experience.
• Experience in Multi-Unit management preferred.
• Proven ability to build effective teams and motivate employees.
• Proven ability to drive sales.
• Proven financial skills and business acumen.
• Functional knowledge of POS systems.
• Familiarity with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• May require Valid Food Handlers and/or Food Manager Certification.

• Focus on the Customer: You inspire and delight your customers.
• Be Genuine: Your communication style is respectful, effective and sincere.
• Make the Right Call: You effectively blend knowledge, experience, wisdom & decisive action.
• Take Ownership: You are committed, responsible and provide solutions.
• Achieve Results: You meet and exceed goals and expectations. 

• Develop People: You never compromise on people.
• Lead the Way: You influence positive outcomes.
• Facilitate Success: Your team is motivated, engaged and accomplished.

This job description represents a summary of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. Responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder might differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, may be part of the job. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  Sur La Table has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.  

The CSC family of brands provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, state or local laws.  

Washington state applicants only: If you believe that this job posting does not comply with applicable Washington state law, please notify us by sending an email to  

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie-detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. 

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