Work at Fleet Feet Fox Valley

OPEN POSITIONS (last updated Jan. 2, 2025)

Outfitter - Fox Valley - Full-time & Part-time available

We are currently looking for Outfitters (sales associates) who are passionate about the sport of running and walking, highly motivated, excited about quality merchandise, and committed to exceeding customer expectations. Outfitters are responsible for assisting in the accomplishment of day-to-day retail operations focused around customer service and overall store appearance. This includes educating customers regarding training, injury prevention, sports nutrition, and recommending appropriate products. Outfitters report directly to their floor manager and will go through a thorough training program to be prepared for success.

Inventory Manager/Buyer - Fox Valley - Full-time

We believe Running Changes Everything. If you believe that, too, we want to talk. 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. 

Responsibilities 

As Inventory Manager/Buyer, you will manage inventory by having a clear understanding of store and customer needs. Buying decisions will be based on product selection, price points, and inventory levels. You will have the opportunity to curate an assortment of products that engage and empower your local customer base with guidance from the owner. You will place weekly fill-in orders and future orders. Inventory Managers/Buyers are responsible for ensuring core products and sizes/quantities are always available and not over stocked. You will communicate drop dates, selling points, sell-through strategy, store performance, product launches, and sales/unit numbers. You will get this information by collaborating with our vendor partners and establishing positive relationships with Brand representatives. You will also need to understand the products, how they fit and relate to customers. The goal is to keep inventory at a suitable level to meet store needs without going over or under while making sure staff is fully aware of incoming or outgoing products. This role reports directly to the Owner. 

Qualifications

• Exceptional knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), with superior Excel skills 
• Professional and timely internal and external communication 
• Strong mathematical skills required 
• Process-driven and detail-oriented 
• Able to work effectively in a cloud-based inventory management system 
• Has a basic understanding of retail buying principles, best practices and inventory management 
• Strong communication skills and able to work within a team 
• Self-driven, self-taught, comfortable making decisions and deadline driven 
• Proficient using vendor based order management sites (B2B websites) 
• Understanding of run footwear, apparel and accessories preferred, but not required. 
• Create and follow a budget 
• Ability to work with global brands on planning future product assortment. 
• Support all Fleet Feet initiatives, activities, and functions 
• This is an in-person role residing mainly at the Fox Valley location, but there is some travel between future locations. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects, strong planning skills and see plan through to completion. 
• Willing to go above and beyond when needed 
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including mornings, days, evenings, weekends and holidays • Ability to lift and move inventory as required (boxes can weigh up to 50 lbs) 
• Valid Driver’s License Required Compensation/Perks: 
• $18-$20 per hourly depending on experience 
• Up to 120 hours Paid Time Off based on accrued hours 
• High Energy and Fun Atmosphere 
• Employee Discounts of 50% off for employees and 30% off for direct family (certain exclusions apply)

Submissions 

Please submit resume, cover letter and references to Randy Reed (randy.reed@fleetfeetfoxvalley.com). 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 prioritize diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices, our culture, and our engagement with the community. Fleet Feet franchisees operate as independent business owners. If you apply and are hired at a Franchise location, you would be an employee of that Fleet Feet franchisee and not an employee of the Fleet Feet Corporation. Additional Requirements: Hours of work for this position may vary based on work schedule. Position requires moving around for periods of 2-4 hours without a rest break, task sequencing, and using point-of-sale computers. Occasional moderate to heavy (50+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.

Employment at Fleet Feet Fox Valley

Before you consider joining our team, test yourself with these questions:

Do you have a sales sense? Our customers appreciate learning about our products…from shoe technology to the importance of carrying a hydration pack. You should be comfortable (even passionate and excited!) about suggesting items people might enjoy.

Are you good at switching gears? When customer traffic slows, you will find yourself busy with stocking, cleaning and more. But when somebody walks in the door, your focus has to switch 100% to friendly customer service, even if you are behind in your other tasks.

Can you stay calm and friendly under pressure? Imagine providing superior customer care to 2 guests at the same time (with your other team members doing the same) while 5 more guests are waiting. They all want the same level of attention and care, they want it in a timely fashion and they want you to be friendly and appreciative. Things can get very busy here and there is always other work to be done. Expect a fast pace for hours on end.

Are you a team player? Fleet Feet is like a family and we work closely with each other, sometimes under stress. And no matter what’s going on in your week, your team members will be counting on you to be here 100% when your shift starts. We all depend on each other and support each other. You need to be respectful and patient, and you also need to pull your own weight when it comes to customers and other work that has to get done.

Are you willing to learn new things? People know us as the FIT experts. “FIT” does not just refer to shoes but all of our products and our service. You’ll need to make an effort to get educated about all of our products, so that you can deliver the highest level of service our guests have come to expect. We’ll help you, but it will be up to you to ask questions and take the time to learn and remember things.

Do you pay attention to the little things? It’s the thoughtful little touches that make a “specialty” store so special, like remembering a frequent guests’ name or what type of shoe they run in. Going an extra mile for a guest by staying open late or rush shipping them a pair of socks before a big race is what sets us apart. Fun little extras go a long way and make your job worth the effort.

Are you patient and eager to serve people? We expect team members to take a friendly attitude towards customers-to smile and greet them as soon as they walk in, to make conversation with all kinds of people, to serve their needs, to take time and care for them. If you feel shy or awkward about talking with strangers or if you are not willing to serve guests (even touch their feet) you might not like it here.

Are you available on evenings and weekends? In this business, evenings and weekends are a KEY TIME when many of our customers shop and stop by the store for one of our many fun runs and seminars. It is critical to our continued success that our employees be flexible and comfortable working a variety of shifts, including evenings and weekends.

**Sales experience preferred.