General/Operations Manager

Alright, let's talk about this job. It's for a General Manager at a Leslie's store in Tampa, FL. I've been placing people here for years, and if you know pools, know retail, and know how to run the show, this is a solid spot. The company's been around since '63 and they're the biggest name in the pool care game. They've got stores all over, plus service, manufacturing; the whole deal. They're looking for someone to take full ownership of one of their retail locations.

What You'd Be Doing

You're running the store. That means everything from the sales numbers to the team on the floor. Your main job is to make sure the place hits its targets and runs smoothly.

• Hire top tier people; they call them "A Players"; to help you get there.
• The goals are clear: meet or beat the sales budget, hit your EBITDA/SOC target, and manage your labor rate effectively.
• You need to keep shrink at 0.4% or lower.
• Hit your gross margin budget for the year.
• Increase customer count over last year's numbers.
• Aim for a Mystery Shop score of 95% or higher; that's about delivering consistent, standout customer service.
• Manage payroll and other controllable expenses tightly.
• Make sure all company programs and initiatives are executed properly in your store.
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop your team members.
• Set the tone through leadership and personal example to create a positive, customer focused environment where people actually want to work.

The Kind of Person They Need

This isn't just about managing tasks; it's about how you operate. They've got a detailed list of what they call "essential competencies." Think of it as their blueprint for a successful GM.

• You have to be good at finding and hiring truly excellent people.
• Efficiency is key; getting a lot done without wasted effort or needing someone looking over your shoulder.
• You plan and organize your work (and your team's work) effectively.
• A deep knowledge of the pool industry, their products, and their competitors is non negotiable.
• Everything is driven by a customer service mindset; you understand what they need and you're focused on delivering it.
• You're aggressive in pursuing goals; highly productive and able to take a firm stand when needed.
• When you say you'll do something, you follow through. No excuses.
• You learn fast and can absorb new information quickly.
• Strong analytical skills help you process data and draw useful conclusions from it. You need to have a probing mind.
• You hold yourself and your team to very high standards; "good enough" isn't in your vocabulary.

A Few More Things About You

The list keeps going. Attention to detail so nothing slips through the cracks. Proactivity; you act without being told and bring new ideas to the table. You can coach people up in their current roles and prepare them for future ones (that's part of their succession program). Honesty and integrity are paramount; you do what's right even when it's not easy. They also want creativity in solving problems, a positive attitude about the work itself (a real "can do" spirit), an undeniable work ethic with a history of putting in hard hours when necessary. Your communication needs to be clear; both speaking and writing; without being long winded. Teamwork means reaching out across departments at corporate headquarters. And finally, you've got to be flexible; priorities change fast in retail, so adjusting quickly is part of the job.

The Basics You Need