Flagship Factory Store Manager at Lodge Cast Iron

South Pittsburg, Tennessee, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

12 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

14 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Retail Management, Hospitality, Guest Experience, Team Development, Operational Excellence, Community Engagement, Event Programming, Talent Development, Change Leadership, Inventory Stewardship, Merchandising, Storytelling, Performance Metrics Analysis, Cash Handling, HR Practices, Safety Protocols

Industry

Manufacturing

Description

Flagship Factory Store Manager South Pittsburg, TN (on-site) ABOUT LODGE CAST IRON  We got our start over 125 years ago when Joseph Lodge founded the Blacklock Foundry in South Pittsburg, TN. His scrappy, hardworking spirit continues to lead us today. As a team, we believe cast iron is for everyone. We’re dedicated to manufacturing American-made cookware that we’re proud to use in our very own homes and excited to bring to kitchens, backyards, and campfires around the world. Day in and day out, we work together to stay safe, have fun, and be better than we were the day before.  WHAT FIRES US UP?  By now, you may have caught on to the fact that we’re serious about spreading the joys of cast iron. And while we’re always on the lookout for ways to innovate, we believe in the adage: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s why we stand by a simple recipe of just iron and oil (no forever chemicals, since forever!). It’s also why we’re passionate about keeping our campus in our hometown of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, providing great jobs to our community. As we bring our cookware to the next generation of cast iron chefs, we’re looking for people to help us stay true to our roots every step of the way. Does that sound like something you can get behind?  A DAY IN THE LIFE This is not just any store manager role- this is the pinnacle of the Lodge retail experience. As Manager of our Flagship Factory Store, you are the steward of Lodge's most visible and storied retail destination: the birthplace of our brand, steps from the foundry floor, anchored by a rich museum experience, and woven into the fabric of our South Pittsburg community. You are a hands-on leader who brings energy, authenticity, and strategic vision to every aspect of our store, museum, and community presence. You are driven to create memorable, guest-focused experiences and passionate about developing a team that embodies our heritage of craftsmanship and quality. In this role, you'll cultivate a culture where every team member is equipped and empowered to welcome guests like family, share the rich stories behind our products, offer personalized recommendations, and serve as ambassadors for Lodge in our community. You set high expectations for team performance, operational excellence, and the kind of heartfelt connection that reflects our commitment to treating every guest as if we've invited them into our own kitchen. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS: * Proven retail management experience in a high-service, destination-oriented environment where hospitality and guest connection are paramount. * Experience managing or programming a heritage, museum, or tourism experience is strongly preferred. * Demonstrated track record of community engagement, event programming, or partnership development that has meaningfully grown visitation and brand affinity. * A demonstrated track record of developing talent with care and investment, consistently improving team performance while honoring individual strengths. * Confidence in leading teams through change with steady guidance while raising performance expectations. * Strong operational and organizational skills with a ‘roll up your sleeves’ attitude and meticulous attention to detail across the full scope of a multi-faceted flagship environment. * A genuine passion for cookware, food, storytelling, or cultural heritage that connects with our love for bringing people together around the kitchen table. RESPONSIBILITIES: Flagship Store Leadership * Lead daily store operations with pride and attention to detail that reflects our commitment to excellence, ensuring our store is always guest-ready and welcoming. * Foster a team culture that embodies our values- being present, attentive, and engaging every guest as if welcoming them into our home kitchen. * Hire, train, and develop a team that confidently carries forward our tradition of genuine hospitality, asking thoughtful questions and offering personalized recommendations rooted in generations of expertise. * Coach team members to share our product stories and share knowledge with authenticity, using hands-on demonstrations and storytelling that connects guests to our heritage. * Analyze performance metrics and sales data with an owner's mindset, making strategic decisions and creating action plans that uphold our standards while driving growth. * Ensure proactive inventory stewardship and thoughtful merchandising that reflects our reputation for quality and attention to detail. * Uphold our commitment to safety, cleanliness, and operational integrity by maintaining compliance with all company standards and protocols. * Partner with field leadership as a trusted business owner representative, implementing initiatives and sharing valuable store insights that strengthen our retail business. Team Development & Culture * Provide real-time coaching and recognition that builds accountability while celebrating successes, nurturing each team member's growth. * Champion our values of inclusion, respect, and development through authentic leadership that honors our heritage while embracing the future. * Guide the team in adapting their approach to honor each guest's journey — whether they're discovering cast iron for the first time or are seasoned collectors adding to their Lodge family. Museum Experience * Oversee the day-to-day operation and guest experience of the Lodge Museum, ensuring it functions as an engaging, informative, and inspiring extension of our brand. * Drive traffic to the museum through strategic programming, seasonal events, and collaboration with regional tourism boards and cultural organizations. * Develop and evolve the museum guest journey - from signage and exhibits to guided storytelling moments - ensuring it reflects the highest standards of our Lodge legacy. * Partner with internal teams and external storytellers to keep exhibits and programming fresh, relevant, and emotionally resonant. * Train team members to serve as knowledgeable museum ambassadors, weaving the museum experience seamlessly into the overall flagship store visit. * Monitor guest feedback and visitation data to continuously improve the museum experience and identify opportunities for new programming or exhibits. Community Outreach & Brand Presence * Champion Lodge's role as a cornerstone of the South Pittsburg community by building and sustaining meaningful relationships with local organizations, businesses, schools, and other groups. * Develop and execute an elevated community outreach calendar that includes events, sponsorships, partnerships, and participatory moments that bring people together around the table. * Identify and cultivate strategic relationships with regional tourism authorities, culinary influencers, travel media, and hospitality partners to grow Lodge's reputation as a must-visit destination. * Serve as a brand ambassador at community events, representing Lodge with warmth, professionalism, and a genuine connection to our heritage. * Collaborate with marketing teams to amplify community events and flagship programming across channels. * Create programming pathways that draw repeat visitors- from cooking demonstrations and cast iron care workshops to foundry tours and seasonal gatherings. BASIC REQUIREMENTS (Degree, Experience, Specific Experience Preferred): * High school diploma or equivalent * Ability to lift up to 50 pounds * Ability to climb, bend, push, kneel, and pull as needed * Weekend and evening availability, as needed to support store operations SUMMARY OF NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS: * Ability to read and interpret operational documents with thoroughness that ensures our standards for safety, procedures, and quality are consistently maintained. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and modern point-of-sale systems that support efficient operations. * Comprehensive knowledge of cash handling, inventory management, and merchandising practices executed with integrity and accountability. * Exceptional oral and written communication skills reflecting a commitment to clear, respectful, and meaningful connections with team members and guests. * Strong interpersonal abilities that foster a welcoming and inclusive environment in every interaction. * Knowledge of HR practices including recruiting, hiring, development, and performance management, all conducted with fairness and legal compliance. * Understanding of security, facility management, and safety protocols that safeguard our team, guests, and business. * Superior organizational skills and problem-solving abilities that enable you to handle diverse situations with adaptability and sound judgment. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS * Competitive Pay * Generous Paid Time Off * Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Life, and Short-Term Disability) * On-Site Clinic and Fitness Center * 401K Match and Deferred Profit-Sharing Program * Quarterly Profit Sharing * Employee Assistance Program * Scholarship Opportunity and Tuition Reimbursement * $150 Boot Allowance * Employee Discount at Lodge Factory Store and Big Bad Breakfast * Safety, Holiday, and Celebration Events EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Lodge Manufacturing does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law).

Responsibilities

The manager will lead daily operations of the flagship store and museum, fostering a guest-focused culture that embodies Lodge's heritage of craftsmanship and quality. Key duties include hiring, training, coaching the team, analyzing performance data, and driving community outreach and brand presence.