If you’re looking for a career that combines leadership, innovation, and growth in a dynamic work environment, becoming a District Manager at Extra Space Storage might be the perfect opportunity for you. As a leading company in the self storage industry, Extra Space emphasizes a strong company culture, employee development, and innovative leadership. As an employer, we offer a unique blend of responsibility and growth potential that is hard to match in today’s job market.
Why Work at Extra Space Storage?
Extra Space has been recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work” by Forbes and Glassdoor, highlighting our commitment to employee satisfaction and growth. In fact, we’ve never stopped growing since our founding in 1977.
We grew during the downturn of the Global Financial Crisis, we grew during COVID, and we’ve taken the last year [2023-2024] to integrate additional locations and grow through a merger. Extra Space has always been a growth story, and we enjoy the challenge and the opportunities that come with growth. —Scott Stubbs, Extra Space Storage CFO
In addition to being a financially stable and growing company, we offer a vibrant work environment with steady hours, avoiding the typical late-night retail schedules. Employees benefit from a comprehensive rewards package, including medical benefits, a generous 401(k) match, and a focus on work-life balance.
What are the Responsibilities of a District Manager?
District Managers at Extra Space are responsible for overseeing multiple store locations, ensuring operational efficiency and high customer satisfaction. Some of the essential duties include:
- Lead and develop teams by hiring, training, and retaining top talent to ensure each store delivers exceptional customer experiences.
- Drive operational excellence by leading change management initiatives that foster innovation, uphold facility standards, and enhance customer experience across all properties, while consistently reviewing and optimizing store performance goals.
- Execute strategic planning by developing district-level strategies that leverage each store’s unique strengths and opportunities to achieve overall business goals.
What are the Qualifications and Skills of a District Manager?
To qualify for a District Manager position at Extra Space, candidates should:
- Demonstrate experience with at least three years of multi-unit operations in sectors like retail, restaurant, hotel, or customer service, managing 10 or more stores.
- Exhibit strong skills in leadership, communication, interpersonal relations, and problem-solving, with a focus on integrity and customer service.
- Leverage education and experience by holding a bachelor’s degree (preferred but not mandatory) and possessing hands-on leadership experience.
What is a Typical Day Like as a District Manager?
As a District Manager at Extra Space, your days will be dynamic and diverse, offering a variety of tasks that keep the role engaging and challenging. Your work environment may include time spent in a division office, a home office, or on-site at the stores within your district.
A tip I received early on in my District Manager career was staying faithful to my office day on Mondays. This way, I plan out my week, look at the stores that may need more attention than others, and make changes to my schedule as needed. It’s all about managing expectations for the week. —Iveth Rubio, Extra Space Storage Sr. District Manager
A significant portion of your time will be spent visiting the stores you oversee, where you’ll engage with store management teams, provide leadership and training, and ensure store performance and the successful implementation of company initiatives. Depending on the region you oversee, travel distances between stores can vary significantly. In more densely populated areas, your stores may be close together, while in more sparsely populated areas, you might need to cover larger distances. To support this, Extra Space provides perks such as a company car, ensuring that you can travel efficiently between locations. Another benefit of this role is the favorable work-life balance, as most Extra Space locations operate during daytime hours, offering a more predictable schedule compared to traditional retail or hospitality District Manager roles.
What is a Bench District Manager?
At Extra Space, the role of a Bench District Manager serves as a stepping stone to becoming a full-fledged District Manager. Bench District Managers typically oversee a smaller portfolio of stores, usually managing around 6 to 8 locations, compared to the 14 to 16 stores a District Manager is responsible for. This role is often created in response to various scenarios, such as the opening of a new cluster of stores, significant growth within a particular district, or anticipation of a current District Manager retiring or accepting another role within the company. The Bench District Manager role is designed to prepare individuals for the broader responsibilities of a District Manager, typically within 6 to 12 months.
How Can I Prepare for a District Manager Interview at Extra Space Storage?
For those preparing for a District Manager interview at Extra Space, it’s important to demonstrate leadership abilities, experience in managing multiple locations, and a customer-centric approach. Typical interview questions may include scenarios on ensuring productivity across stores, using data for decision-making, and motivating teams.
We value innovation and passion at Extra Space. Approaching an interview with the ability to discuss your future contributions to the company shows initiative that will be sure to set you apart. —Tyler Jacobsen, Extra Space Storage Sr. Director of Talent Acquisition.
What is the Company Culture Like at Extra Space Storage?
We pride ourselves on a people-focused culture, where employees are considered the lifeblood of the company.
People drive our business. Ever since we were a very small company, our culture has valued people, and we want to attract the best group of diverse teammates we can. —Joe Margolis, Extra Space Storage CEO
We invest in employees’ growth and development, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. We also emphasize sustainability and community involvement, reflecting a commitment to doing the right thing beyond our business operations.
If you are driven, strategic, and passionate about leadership, a District Manager position at Extra Space Storage could be your next career move. With a solid foundation of success and a bright future ahead, we offer an environment where your professional aspirations can grow.
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Extra Space Storage (EXR) is a publicly-traded company headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT. The company owns and/or operates over 3,800 self storage properties across the U.S. Visit careers.extraspace.com for current District Manager job opportunities near you.
