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Store Manager, Oakbrook Center

Knitwell Group · Oak Brook, IL · $54,290–$65,150 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 29, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you hit a stretch sales goal. How did you get there?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain the specific actions that drive results, not just say the team worked hard.

Tell me about the best associate you ever developed. What did you do to help her grow?

What they are checking: Whether they invest in people, since the posting makes coaching and developing a team a core accountability.

How do you deliver feedback to someone who does not think they need it?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay clear and caring when feedback is not welcome, a frequent test for store leaders.

What would you do

As Store Manager at Soma in Oakbrook Center, how would you set the tone for a customer-centered culture?

What they are checking: Whether they can define and model a clear service standard, which the posting says a Store Manager owns.

Your loyalty sign-ups are well below the district average. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can find the cause and coach the team, since loyalty programs are part of the brand's strategy.

An associate comes to you upset about a schedule conflict with school. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can balance fairness, coverage and caring for people, which keeps good associates around.

How do you build community connections for a store inside a large shopping center?

What they are checking: Whether they think about local partners and events, which the posting lists as part of the role.

About the work

Soma sells intimate apparel. How would you train your team to give personal, discreet service?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the sensitivity of the product and can turn it into a teachable service approach.

How do you build schedules and manage payroll in a high-traffic mall like Oakbrook Center?

What they are checking: Whether they can match labor to busy times and protect the payroll budget, which the posting names.

Which store reports do you rely on, and how do you share them with your team?

What they are checking: Whether they use data to plan and can make numbers meaningful to associates, not just leaders.

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The full job description

As published by Knitwell Group.

About us Inspired by our customers who appreciate fashion as much as function, Soma is an intimate apparel brand that embraces a passion for comfort and confidence by offering beautiful, innovative solutions. At Soma, every day is a chance to make women feel more empowered. Join the movement. Bring your talents and discover opportunities, support, and growth. About the role As Store Manager, you lead the team, build community connections, and shape a seamless customer experience. This position fosters a welcoming environment—for both associates and customers—that enables us to create memorable, personalized experiences that reflect our culture of hospitality. This role is accountable for driving store performance while coaching and developing a successful team. As Store Manager, you'll make an impact by boldly leading and elevating the customer experience. The impact you can have In this role, you'll have the opportunity to: • Define a clear vision and strategy to prioritize a customer-centered culture, drive operational excellence, and deliver business results. • Hire, develop and coach an effective retail team to deliver a customer-centered experience. • Take ownership of the store’s financial performance; manage payroll and schedules; and achieve sales goals. • Lead the team by communicating expectations, providing guidance, delivering feedback, and empowering the team to be their best. • Use store reporting to proactively create action plans to improve metrics and run the business effectively. • Maintain a visually inspiring store environment that reflects brand standards. • Actively share brand priorities, initiatives, and messages with store teams. • Ensure compliance with all policies, guidelines, and business practices. • Build community connections through in-store company-sponsored events, philanthropy, and other initiatives. You'll bring to the role • Passion for our brand, fashion, and empowering confidence. • Must be at least 18 years old. • 5+ years of retail management experience required; 2 of those years in a Store Manager position. • Flexible availability — including nights, weekends, holidays. • Demonstrates an ownership mindset and leads by example. • High level of accountability and initiative. • Effective leadership, people management, and communication skills. • Collaborative leadership style that invests in the process of developing talent. • Strong business acumen and the ability to drive results through reporting analysis and strategic planning. • Action-oriented approach to organize, delegate, and prioritize assignments to stay on top of deadlines. • Ability to bend, reach, stretch for products as well as maneuver around the sales floor and stockroom, operate the register, and lift/carry up to 50 pounds. Benefits • Optional medical, dental, and vision insurance • 401(k) plan • Paid time off & holidays • Opportunities for monthly bonuses • Merchandise discounts plus eligibility for discounts at our sister brands • Professional development and opportunities for advancement across our brands • Community impact through our philanthropic partnerships Availability of these benefits is based on employment type, role, and certain eligibility requirements. Job offers will consider factors such as your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Location: Store 5016-Oakbrook Center-Soma-Oak Brook, IL 60523 Position Type: Regular/Full time Pay Range: $54,290.00 - $65,150.00 USD Equal Employment Opportunity The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law. The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process, please contact myHRSupport@knitwellgroup.com. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.

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