Mitchell & Ness - Flagship Assistant Manager, Operations

Mitchell & Ness - Flagship Assistant Manager, Operations

We represent authentic, high-quality vintage sports apparel, honoring sports history through meticulously crafted jerseys, hats, and gear from the NBA, NFL, MLB, and beyond. Mitchell & Ness is known for its Nostalgia collections, historically accurate designs, and partnerships that bridge sports heritage with modern streetwear culture. We celebrate iconic athletes, legendary moments, and the fans who live at the intersection of sport, fashion, and culture.

We’re more than just a leader in licensed sports merchandise; we’re a team united by a relentless passion for our fans and a commitment to innovation.

As we continue to scale our global platform, the Flagship Assistant Manager, Operations will play a critical role in driving operational excellence and authentic fan experience at Mitchell & Ness flagship retail.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Mitchell & Ness, a Fanatics brand, is the originator of authentic vintage sports apparel and one of the most iconic names in licensed sportswear — and the Flagship Assistant Manager, Operations is the engine behind the store's day-to-day performance. Partnering closely with the General Manager, this leader drives operational structure, team development, P&L accountability, and immersive in-store experiences that reflect the heritage, craftsmanship, and cultural relevance that define the Mitchell & Ness brand. As the Flagship Assistant Manager, Operations, you’ll lead a team that brings Mitchell & Ness to life on the floor, protecting the culture of the brand, honoring the nostalgic stories behind every jersey, delivering a premium experience to every customer, and carrying a legendary Philadelphia legacy that dates back to 1904.

HOW WILL YOU DRIVE IMPACT

Success is measured by the ability to deliver results through BOLD capabilities and measurable outcomes.

Team & Leadership Impact (Build Championship Teams)

Cross-Functional Leadership:

• Partner with the General Manager, Assistant Manager Warehouse, and Events Coordinator to align scheduling, activations, and operational priorities across the store, ensuring seamless execution that reflects Mitchell & Ness brand standards.
• Collaborate with corporate partners on visual presentation, payroll planning, and policy implementation to reinforce consistency and accountability across the flagship environment.

People Leadership:

• Build and manage staff schedules that align with business needs while maintaining payroll and labor budgets, balancing team wellbeing with store performance goals.
• Motivate and inspire the team to bring energy and brand passion to every customer interaction.
• Coach associates in real time on product knowledge, storytelling, and selling skills.
• Provide regular, timely and constructive feedback that recognizes strong performance and addresses gaps early.
• Hold the team accountable to store standards, goals, and the premium experience the brand is known for.

Fan & Customer Impact 

• Champion the guest experience by leading the visual presentation standards that reflect the heritage, quality, and storytelling behind Mitchell & Ness product.
• Create an environment where every fan interaction — whether a first-time visitor or a longtime collector — feels authentic, informed, and memorable.
• Support the planning and execution of in-store events and activations that bridge sports history and modern streetwear culture, resonating with both legacy fans and new audiences.
• Ensure the sales floor consistently reflects the premium craftsmanship and cultural identity that make Mitchell & Ness an iconic destination, not just a retail transaction.

Innovation & Problem Solving 

• Continuously evaluate store operations and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce friction, and elevate the overall retail experience.
• Bring a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset to daily challenges — anticipating issues before they escalate and driving continuous improvement across all operational touchpoints.
• Leverage available data and digital tools to surface insights on traffic, conversion, and team performance that inform smarter operational decisions.

Ownership & Execution 

• Own the store's operational rhythm — from opening and closing procedures to policy enforcement and loss prevention — ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
• Support P&L management alongside the General Manager, taking shared accountability for sales goals, labor efficiency, and overall store performance.
• Maintain safe practices and reinforce operational standards across the team, holding yourself and others to a high bar every shift.
• Demonstrate flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays, modeling the reliability and commitment expected of a flagship leadership team.

AI & DIGITAL CAPABILITY

We are building a future-ready organization. This role is expected to:

• Apply AI and technology to improve efficiency, quality, and outcomes
• Use data and digital tools to inform decisions and enhance performance
• Demonstrate curiosity and adaptability in adopting new technologies and ways of working
• Contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of retail leadership or management experience, preferably in a specialty, lifestyle, or brand-driven retail environment aligned with sports, streetwear, or culture.
• Strong operational and financial acumen, including staff scheduling, payroll management, labor budget oversight, and sales performance analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams with confidence, humility, and accountability in a fast-paced, high-volume retail environment.
• Passion for sports history, streetwear culture, and delivering authentic brand experiences consistent with the Mitchell & Ness identity.
• Proven ability to support P&L management, drive toward sales goals, and partner with a General Manager on operational efficiency.
• Proven experience leading retail operations in a high-volume, high-profile Flagship environment, ideally in close proximity to corporate headquarters.
• Strong understanding of creating foundational retail operations, including opening and closing procedures, inventory management, workforce planning, and process development.
• Demonstrated ability to build, implement, and refine operational processes that drive efficiency, accountability, and business performance.
• Experience working with Players, teams, influencers, and leagues, with a strong understanding of the professional sports landscape and fan culture.
• Ability to balance operational excellence with an elevated, brand-driven customer experience in a highly visible Retail environment.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK AND WHAT’S REQUIERED

• On-site: Your work location will be onsite in Philadelphia, PA.
• We prioritize work-life balance while recognizing the flexibility required of a salaried manager to meet business needs. 
• Evening and weekend availability is essential, with additional flexibility required during holidays and peak business periods.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, move throughout the store, and lift up to 50 lbs as needed.