As the top leader of our retail store management, the Operating Partner role is accountable for developing their amazing team, driving overall business results, and providing phenomenal customer service in support of operating a thriving Fleet Feet. This position is responsible for the overall leadership of the Fleet Feet Virginia & Maryland markets consisting of 3 stores. Success in this role is achieved by putting people first, driving community engagement, and maximizing sales and profitability through implementing brand initiatives and systems. We are looking for a results-inspired leader to be accountable for the overall store, customer, and community experience. Each Operating Partner has a suite of resources available to help them achieve objectives including Human Resources, Marketing, our national Distribution Center, and more. Operating Partners are responsible for developing and building a positive and inclusive culture while contributing to the overall running culture in the community. When you join Fleet Feet, you are joining a community that ignites and promotes running and fitness.

We believe Running Changes Everything. If you believe that, too, we want to talk. With more than 270 stores and a robust e-commerce site, Fleet Feet is the largest running retailer in the country. Catering to more than runners, we pride ourselves on having an inclusive environment! We believe it’s a privilege to serve and remain committed to delivering unmatched service and support when outfitting customers in everything they need to have a successful run, whether that’s introducing them to their new favorite running shoes, socks, or gear, or inviting them to our next training program run. We like to keep things high-spirited, fast-paced, and fun. We don’t mind wearing more than a few hats and stepping in to help out wherever is needed. Our team is a group of knowledgeable and hardworking individuals who work, sweat, and live passionately. We run together to tackle a problem, reach a goal, get encouraged, and nurture our brand each day. We are in full pursuit to find hardworking people to join us on our quest and bring our core values to life.

• Build and maintain store staff through recruiting and selecting qualified associates
• Utilize coaching, counseling, and corrective action techniques to enhance employee performance
• Identify and develop employees with potential to grow by using tools such as on-the-job training, performance metrics, and performance reviews.
• Leader in customer engagement and education as it relates to proper fit, product usage, and injury treatment and prevention.
• Work to consistently achieve financial objectives by preparing an annual budget, scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and initializing corrective actions.
• Build a strong customer base by designing and implementing store events and programs
• Lead and influence the community by developing relationships with local leaders in business, non-profit, and running organizations
• Be an entrepreneur within your local store by identifying opportunities that tackle customer problems and create additional revenue within our area of expertise.
• Facilitate training programs for runners and walkers that create a positive environment within the local community while maintaining profitability.
• Maintain an accurate inventory with monthly and annual cycle counts.
• Create or oversee the creation of employee schedules to ensure adequate coverage for store operations based on day-to-day sales volumes.
• Proactively respond to customer and employee questions and issues in a timely, professional manner.
• Other duties as required

• 5+ years of retail leadership experience
• Demonstrated track record of building teams
• Experience sourcing, training, and retaining sales talent
• Enthusiastic, energetic, and personable professional demeanor
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ambitious, hardworking and team-oriented
• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays

Perks:

• High energy and fun atmosphere
• Training and advancement opportunities within the Fleet Feet brand
• Exciting professional development opportunities, including a mentorship program, talent development initiatives, employee resource groups, a monthly learning opportunities on diverse topics
• 401(k) Retirement Plan for all part and full-time employees (Age 21+) with 4% employer matching and immediate vesting (company-owned stores)
• Community involvement and community service activities
• Training Program and Product Discounts
• Passionate team members
• Check out our Fleet Feet Benefits Summary for full-time employees averaging 30+ hours/week at company-owned stores

We are an equal opportunity employer and believe having diverse teams in which everyone brings their whole self to Fleet Feet is key to our success. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. That is why we value diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices, our culture, and our engagement with the community.  Learn more about our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. 

Additional Requirements - Hours of work for this position are approximately 40+ hours per week.  Position requires moving around for periods of 2-4 hours without a rest break, and task sequencing and the completion of complex administrative responsibilities. Occasional moderate to heavy (10-25+lb) lifting and carrying, bending and reaching overhead may be required. Work environment includes substantial communication with customers, working in a retail environment with product displays and stockroom with inventory, and potentially slippery surfaces. Position is under minimum levels of day-to-day supervision. Some travel may be required for meetings, training or conferences.

Fleet Feet utilizes E-Verify in all corporate and company-operated stores as part of the hiring process.