Central Regional Manager

About SEE Eyewear

SEE Eyewear is dedicated to uncovering hidden gems—not only in our exclusive, limited-edition product assortment, but also in the exceptional individuals who bring our brand to life. We believe in recruiting top talent and cultivating a diverse, sophisticated, and expert team, from our Optical Stylists and Licensed Opticians to our Field Leaders.

We hold the same standard for our people as we do for our product. We're committed to building a Best-in-Class team of Experts and Authorities where career development, accountability, and personal growth are foundational to our success.

Role Overview

The Central Regional Manager oversees a portfolio of approximately 12 SEE Eyewear retail locations across Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana. This is a highly visible, field-based leadership role responsible for driving sales performance, developing Market Managers and Store Managers, building high-performing teams, and ensuring operational excellence throughout the region.

The ideal candidate will reside in either the Chicago metropolitan area or Metro Detroit and have the ability to travel extensively throughout the region. This is not a corporate or remote role—it requires a strong in-market presence, frequent store visits, and hands-on leadership across multiple states.

As a senior retail leader within the organization, the Central Regional Manager plays a critical role in executing company strategy, driving business growth, and developing future leaders. This position works closely with executive leadership and serves as a key partner in shaping the performance and culture of the region.

Weekend availability is required, as supporting stores during peak business periods, special events, and key selling weekends is an essential component of the role.

Sales & Business Growth

• Drive sales performance, profitability, and overall business growth across approximately 12 retail locations.
• Develop and execute regional business strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Analyze KPIs, financial performance, labor metrics, and market trends to identify opportunities and drive results.
• Partner with Market Managers and Store Managers to develop action plans that improve sales, productivity, and profitability.
• Ensure consistent execution of company initiatives, promotions, and customer experience standards throughout the region.
• Maintain accountability for achieving regional sales and financial goals.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Market Managers, Store Managers, and emerging leaders throughout the region.
• Build and maintain a strong succession pipeline through active talent assessment and development planning.
• Partner with Human Resources and Talent Acquisition to recruit, hire, and retain top retail talent.
• Foster a culture of accountability, performance, collaboration, and continuous development.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and leadership development discussions.
• Identify high-potential talent and create growth opportunities that support long-term organizational success.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure stores consistently uphold SEE's standards for customer experience, visual presentation, merchandising, and operational execution.
• Monitor compliance with company policies, operational procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee labor management, payroll performance, scheduling effectiveness, and expense control throughout the region.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to drive operational improvements and support store performance.
• Evaluate business trends and proactively address operational challenges.

Communication & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Serve as the primary link between the field organization and Home Office leadership.
• Communicate company priorities, initiatives, and expectations clearly and consistently.
• Partner closely with Human Resources, Finance, Operations, Marketing, Training, and Doctor Relations teams.
• Provide regular business updates, market insights, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
• Lead regional meetings, business reviews, and performance discussions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of multi-unit retail leadership experience required.
• Minimum 3 years overseeing multiple districts, markets, or regions preferred.
• Proven success leading leaders, including District Managers, Market Managers, or Store Managers across multiple locations.
• Experience managing large geographic territories and dispersed teams.
• Strong business acumen with advanced knowledge of retail KPIs, financial reporting, labor management, and operational performance.
• Demonstrated success driving sales growth and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, coaching, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Must reside in the Chicago metropolitan area or Metro Detroit.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana.
• Comfortable with significant windshield time, overnight travel, and frequent in-market visits.
• Weekend availability is required. Candidates must be willing to support stores during key business periods, including weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Optical industry experience strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with retail point-of-sale (POS) systems.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Experience with workforce management, scheduling, payroll, and reporting systems.
• Ability to analyze and interpret business performance data to drive decision-making.

SEE Core Competencies

Professional

Leads with integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

Team Player

Builds strong partnerships and fosters collaboration across teams.

Entrepreneurial

Thinks strategically, identifies opportunities, and drives business growth.

Eager to Learn

Seeks feedback, embraces challenges, and continuously develops self and others.

Accountable

Owns results and creates a culture of follow-through and execution.

Open Communicator

Communicates directly, transparently, and respectfully.

Passionate About Fashion

Champions the SEE brand and creates an exceptional customer experience through style, service, and product expertise.

Location: Chicago Metropolitan Area or Metro Detroit

Region: Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana

Store Portfolio: Approximately 12 Retail Locations

Travel Requirement: Extensive regional travel, including overnight travel as needed

Schedule: Full-time, field-based leadership role with required weekend availability

Required Experience: Multi-unit retail leadership experience required; experience leading leaders strongly preferred; optical industry experience preferred