Operating Partner Development Program

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 lead 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.

Are you the right applicant for this opportunity Find out by reading through the role overview below.

We believe Running Changes Everything. If you believe that, too, we want to talk. With more than 260 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. 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.

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 :

• Sales, Inventory Management, and Training Programs
• Retail Management
• 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
• 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 $58,000 / yr
• Community involvement and community service activities
• Training Program and Product Discounts
• Passionate team members

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.

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