The Fleet Feet Operating Partner Development Program (OPDP) is an immersive training experience designed to develop successful, growth-oriented leaders into future Operating Partners of our company-owned retail locations. Serving as the face of the brand within their community, Operating Partners leads all aspects of the staffing process, marketing and customer acquisition, and all store operations within their market. With Fleet Feet, you not only operate a business, but you have a platform to help your community become healthier and more active.
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 to deliver unmatched service and support when outfitting every customer. We like to keep things high-spirited, fast-paced and fun, wearing more than a few hats and stepping in to help out wherever it’s needed. We run together to solve problems, reach goals, encourage others and champion our brand. We are always in pursuit of hardworking people to join our quest and bring our core values to life.
Responsibilities
As part of the Operating Partner Development Program, you will receive regular coaching and mentorship to help you grow both personally and professionally. While following the business operations and leadership training curriculum, you will apply what you learn to real-world scenarios and gain on-the-job experience across all areas of the business over the course of nine months.
This curriculum is crafted to fast-track the growth and development of aspiring business leaders within Fleet Feet. Temporarily moving to Fleet Feet’s headquarters in Carrboro, North Carolina, future Operating Partners will gain hands-on experience during the following three-month rotations of targeted on-the-job training:
1. Sales, Inventory Management, and Training Programs
2. Retail Management
3. Marketing
Upon completion of the program, Fleet Feet works with the future Operating Partner to identify market placement opportunities. Our goal is to match Operating Partners in market areas that appeal to them and where there is a business need. Once a match is identified and agreed upon, a bonus will be issued to recognize the future Operating Partner’s accomplishment.
Qualifications
• At least 6 months of front-line retail experience required
• Leadership experience required; management experience preferred
• Must be an active member of your local community
• Must be mobile for training and store placement – see perks section for details on relocation
• Passionate, positive, self-motivated and detail-oriented
• Eager to learn new skills and open to receiving coaching and feedback
• Builds and maintains trust from staff and customers by using sound judgment
• Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Deliver the best customer experience by creating a positive staff culture with a focus on performance management and education.
• Support all Fleet Feet initiatives, activities, and functions
Perks:
• Competitive pay and bonus upon successful completion
• Relocation reimbursement of up to $5,000 for each required move
• Lease breakage covered by Fleet Feet
• 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)
• Annual Salary for the 9-month program is $60,000/yr
• Bonus upon successful completion
• 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 inclusivity in our hiring practices, our culture, and our engagement with the community.
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.
