General Manager – L.L.Bean Flagship Store, Freeport, Maine

At L.L.Bean, we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome—both here and Outside. We value individual differences and are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment where everyone can bring the best of their experience and talents and truly thrive.

Position Overview

Lead where American Icon began. 
This is more than a job—it’s a once-in-a-career opportunity to steward one of the most iconic retail destinations in the world. As General Manager of L.L.Bean’s Flagship Store in Freeport, Maine, you’ll lead a newly renovated, historic location that embodies the spirit of a brand beloved for its quality, authenticity, and deep connection to the outdoors. 

This role calls for a visionary leader—someone who thrives on crafting unforgettable customer experiences, building high-performing teams, maintaining a visually stunning store, and setting the pace for operational excellence. You’ll oversee a dynamic, multi-shift operation—including our renowned Hunt/Fish department—and serve as a beacon of retail innovation and legendary service. 

If you’re ready to lead with purpose, inspire with passion, and shape the future of a brand that’s shaped generations, this is your moment. 

Anticipated start date: Late Spring / Early Summer 2026 

What You’Ll Do

Lead People & Culture 

• Champion a culture of excellence, inclusion, and growth across all store teams. 
• Recruit, develop, and retain top talent through strategic hiring, coaching, and recognition. 
• Build a strong leadership pipeline and foster a collaborative, high-energy environment. 
• Represent the brand in the community through meaningful partnerships and local engagement. 

Deliver Unforgettable Customer Experiences 

• Set the tone for world-class service and an inspiring, adventure-ready atmosphere. 
• Lead the evolution of the Leader on Duty (LOD) program to elevate customer engagement. 
• Act on customer feedback with agility and empathy, turning insights into action. 

Drive Merchandising & Product Strategy 

• Lead visual merchandising, inventory planning, and floor set execution across all departments. 
• Bring to life a compelling visual merchandising standard that sets the industry benchmark and distinguishes the brand as best in class. 
• Maintain brand standards that simplify the customer shopping experience and help convert shoppers into buyers. 
• Possess visual merchandising industry knowledge which evolves through time. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to align product strategy and performance. 
• Ensure the store reflects the brand’s heritage while staying fresh, relevant, and inspiring. 

Optimize Operations & Performance 

• Oversee all aspects of store operations, including shipment processing, omnichannel fulfillment, and replenishment. 
• Identify and implement process improvements to maximize efficiency across all shifts. 
• Monitor KPIs and drive results through data-informed decision-making. 

Champion Safety & Loss Prevention 

• Ensure full compliance with safety protocols and loss prevention standards. 
• Lead by example in creating a safe, secure, and healthy workplace. 
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required. 
• Experience: 10+ years in retail management, including multi-store or high-volume leadership—Flagship experience preferred. 
• Visual Merchandising: Expert level apparel merchandising experience required.   
• Leadership: Proven success leading large teams and delivering exceptional results. 
• Strategic Thinking: Strong communication, analytical, and decision-making skills. 

What You Bring

• Authentic, People-First Leadership: You lead with empathy, humility, and heart—rallying teams through change and celebrating shared success. 
• Situational Agility: Comfortable navigating ambiguity, press inquiries, high-profile visits, and executive walk-throughs with confidence and discretion. 
• Tech Proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office and retail management systems. 
• Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. 
• Why This Role Matters 

The Flagship Store is more than a retail space—it’s a global destination, a symbol of our heritage, and a living expression of L.L.Bean’s mission to inspire and enable people to enjoy the restorative power of being outside. As General Manager, you’ll preserve this legacy while shaping its future—leading the most iconic team in retail and setting the standard for what’s possible. 

If you care about the outdoors, joining L.L.Bean is a great way to feel good about what you do. Our benefits package makes a good thing even better, with programs and perks designed to support your health and financial goals. Plus, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and re-charging outside are all part of the plan.

If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you'd be great at this role, we'd love to learn more about you!   At L.L.Bean, we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us.  We strive to reflect this every day in our commitments to employees and partners and in our efforts to promote belonging.