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 where you'll be on the floor, working alongside staff, solving problems in real time, and helping build a destination that guests remember and recommend.

Benefits:

• Employee discounts
• Paid time off
• Bonus based on performance
• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Free uniforms
• Opportunity for advancement

Bigfoot in the Smokies is a one-of-a-kind Smoky Mountains attraction and retail experience and we're looking for an Assistant Manager! 

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 where you'll be on the floor, working alongside staff, solving problems in real time, and helping build a destination that guests remember and recommend.

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

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