Store Manager | AKILA – Los Angeles, California

AKILA is an independent eyewear brand from Los Angeles focused on handmade, limited-run designs. Each frame is crafted from plant-based acetate, recycled lenses, or optical-grade titanium, with an ongoing commitment to responsible production. We operate flagship stores in Los Angeles and New York City.

We’re seeking a Store Manager to lead our Los Angeles flagship with strong operational discipline and sharp cultural awareness. This role is responsible for building and developing a high-performing team, delivering exceptional in-store experiences, and upholding the standards of the AKILA brand.

You will own daily operations, drive sales performance, and ensure the store reflects both our design ethos and our community presence. The Store Manager sets the tone on the floor. You are organized, decisive, and service-driven, with the ability to balance hospitality, product knowledge, and operational rigor.

What You’ll Do

Customer Experience & Sales

Lead by example on the sales floor, and create a welcoming, inclusive environment.
Style customers, guide frame selection, and explain fix, lenses, and care in a clear friendly way.
Build genuine relationships with regular customers and the local community.
Handle customer issues and in-store escalation.

Store Operations

Oversee and delegate daily operational tasks, including checking unfulfilled orders and coordinating packing to maintain a high standard of store presentation, cleanliness, merchandising throughout the day.
Ensure daily opening and closing checklists are completed by the team to ensure the store is ready, clean, and on brand.
Help manage orders that involve prescription lenses, stylist pull pickups and in-store pickups in coordination with our HQ team.
Ensure accurate use of our POS system for sales, exchanges, returns, and special orders.
Proactively monitor supplies and communicate needs so the store stays stocked
Schedule and review staff timesheets for accuracy.

Inventory & Product

Support inventory counts, transfers, and restocks, monitor incoming shipments, and new releases to ensure timely and accurate product flow.
Schedule and supervise inventory cycle counts and spot checks of low or negative stock.
Help receive products shipments and maintain a well-organized stock room
Partner with HQ on product feedback, sell-through, and what customers are responding to

Team Leadership

Lead, motivate, and develop a small team of retail associates.
Set clear expectations for service, pace, professionalism and appropriate device usage.
Lead in training and onboarding new team members on AKILA’s brand, products and in-store experience to uphold Akila Eyewears’ service standards.
Create a positive, respectful environment where people feel supported and accountable.
Manage the floor - delegating tasks, setting focus during slow times, and keeping energy high during busy ones.

Communication & Reporting

Keep clear, consistent communication with HQ and other teams as needed.
Share feedback from customers and staff that can help improve our products, policies or experience.
Support basic reporting on store performance and day-to-day wins, challenges, and needs.
Owen end-of-day procedures including deposit reconciliation, cash variance reporting, and Shopify closeouts.
Maintain compliance with company policies including gifting, discounts, returns, Rx processing and customer hand-offs.
Ensure accurate Shopify order in timeline notes, staff tags, and communication for customer service team visibility.
Report incidents, losses, or policy breaches immediately to HQ leadership

What We’re Looking For

4+ years of retail management experience (eyewear or fashion preferred).
Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
Ability to multitask, delegate effectively, and maintain high standards under pressure.
Passion for exceptional customer service.
Familiarity with inventory systems, cash handling, and scheduling tools.

Schedule & Work Environment

Full-time position - 5 days per week, including rotation weekends

In-store, customer-facing role with periods of standing, moving, and light lifting (frames, boxes, supplies).

Reports to: Operations Manager & Director of Operations

System Proficiency

Shopify POS & Order Management

Gusto for scheduling & timesheet review

Email/Milanote for cross-team communication

Why Join Us

Be part of an independent, design-focused eyewear brand with a growing retail presence.
Opportunity to shape the in-store experience and lead a passionate, creative team.

To apply for a position, please email a brief cover letter and resume to jobs@akila.la with the position you're applying for in the subject line.

View additional career opportunities on the AKILA page. Please cite Calibre Careers as your referral source.