Assistant Manager — Bigfoot in the Smokies (Townsend, TN)
Location: Townsend, TN Reports To: General Manager / Owner Employment Type: Full-Time, Year-Round (seasonal peak hours during summer/fall) Compensation: Based on experience, plus performance incentives
About Bigfoot in the Smokies
Bigfoot in the Smokies is a one-of-a-kind Smoky Mountains attraction and retail experience celebrating the legend of Bigfoot and the mystery of the surrounding wilderness. Located in the heart of Townsend, TN — the "peaceful side of the Smokies" — we welcome visitors from around the world for an immersive, family-friendly experience paired with unique merchandise, photo opportunities, and local flavor. We're part of a growing family of Smoky Mountains-area businesses committed to quality guest experiences and genuine Appalachian charm.
Position Overview
The Assistant Manager plays a key leadership role in the daily operation of Bigfoot in the Smokies, supporting the General Manager/Owner in ensuring smooth store operations, outstanding guest experiences, strong retail performance, and a motivated, well-trained team. This is a hands-on leadership position — you'll be on the floor, working alongside staff, solving problems in real time, and helping build a destination that guests remember and recommend.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, tourism-driven retail environment and takes ownership of results, not just tasks.
Key Responsibilities
Store Operations
- Oversee daily opening and closing procedures, ensuring the store is guest-ready every day
- Manage cash handling, POS operations, and daily sales reconciliation
- Monitor and maintain inventory levels; assist with receiving, stocking, and merchandising
- Ensure the sales floor, displays, and photo areas are clean, organized, and visually appealing
- Help enforce safety, security, and loss-prevention procedures
Team Leadership
- Supervise, coach, and schedule sales associates and seasonal staff
- Train new hires on customer service standards, product knowledge, and POS systems
- Foster a positive, high-energy team culture that reflects the brand's fun, welcoming personality
- Step in to resolve staffing gaps, performance issues, or scheduling conflicts
- Conduct or assist with performance check-ins and feedback conversations
Guest Experience
- Ensure every visitor receives a warm, memorable experience consistent with the Bigfoot in the Smokies brand
- Handle escalated customer concerns with professionalism and a solutions-first mindset
- Encourage staff to engage visitors, share the Bigfoot lore/story, and promote photo moments and merchandise
- Monitor guest feedback (in person, online reviews) and relay insights to ownership
Sales & Merchandising
- Support achievement of daily, weekly, and seasonal sales goals
- Assist with merchandise planning input based on what's selling and guest requests
- Help execute promotions, seasonal displays, and new product launches
- Track key performance metrics (sales per visitor, conversion, top sellers) and report to ownership
Administrative Support
- Assist with scheduling, timekeeping, and payroll prep
- Help maintain vendor and inventory records
- Support ordering and restocking processes
- Communicate regularly with ownership on operational needs, staffing, and store performance
Qualifications
Required:
- 2+ years of retail or hospitality supervisory/management experience
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Comfortable with POS systems, basic cash handling, and inventory processes
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and extended hours during peak tourist season
- Reliable, punctual, and able to lead by example on the floor
- Physically able to stand for extended periods, lift up to 30–40 lbs, and assist with stocking/merchandising
Preferred:
- Experience in a tourism, attraction, or destination retail environment
- Familiarity with the Townsend/Smoky Mountains area and visitor base
- A natural storyteller who enjoys engaging guests and creating fun experiences
- Prior experience training or mentoring staff
What We're Looking For
We want someone who treats this store like it's their own — someone with an owner's mentality who takes pride in a well-run shop, a motivated team, and happy guests. You should be someone who notices the small things (a crooked display, a slow morning, a guest who needs help finding something) and fixes them without being told.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive hourly or salaried pay based on experience
- Performance-based incentives tied to sales and operational goals
- Opportunity for growth within a expanding family of Smoky Mountains businesses
- Employee discount on merchandise
- A fun, one-of-a-kind work environment unlike any typical retail job
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief note on relevant experience to [contact/application method].
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