Career Opportunity

Assistant Store Manager

Running Works | Guelph, Ontario

Location: 89 Gordon St., Guelph, ON

Employment Type: Part-Time, Hourly, 20–30 hours/week

Schedule: Primarily evenings and weekends

Pay: $20–$22/hour

Reports to: Store Owner

About Running Works

Running Works is a specialty running store in downtown Guelph offering expert shoe fitting, running apparel and accessories, and a growing calendar of community-focused clinics, group runs, training programs and events.

We believe running is for everyone — from someone buying their first pair of running shoes to an experienced marathoner chasing a new personal best. Our goal is to provide expert advice, great products and a welcoming community that helps more people discover the joy of running.

We're looking for someone who shares that passion and wants to help us build something special in the Guelph running community.

About the Role

As Assistant Store Manager, you'll play a hands-on role in both the store and the community around it.

You'll help create an exceptional customer experience on the sales floor, while taking ownership of our in-store events, clinics and social media presence. You'll work closely with the Store Owner to keep the store running smoothly, develop our team and find new ways to connect with local runners.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who wants to take on meaningful responsibility and grow with a small, locally owned and focused business. A strong performer will have the opportunity to move into a full-time position.

What You'll Do

Build the Running Works Community

• Plan and execute engaging in-store events, including brand-sponsored test runs, monthly pub runs and training clinics
• Help organize programming for everyone from first-time runners to experienced marathoners
• Build relationships with local runners and help make Running Works a hub for the Guelph running community
• Represent Running Works at community events and activities

Bring the Store to Life Online

• Manage and grow our presence on Instagram and Facebook
• Create and share engaging content featuring our events, products, staff and running community
• Promote upcoming clinics, group runs and special events
• Help develop a consistent social media voice that reflects the personality of Running Works

Lead on the Sales Floor

• Deliver outstanding customer service and personalized shoe fittings
• Develop strong product knowledge across running footwear, apparel and accessories
• Train, coach and motivate sales associates on product knowledge, fitting techniques and customer service
• Lead by example and create a positive, energetic store environment
• Build genuine relationships with customers and help them find products that meet their individual needs

Help Run the Business

• Act as Manager on Duty when the Store Owner is away, handling customer issues and team questions with confidence
• Maintain high standards for merchandising, stock organization and overall store presentation
• Manage the online store and point-of-sale software as needed
• Help track sales performance and contribute ideas for achieving store goals
• Process transactions, returns and exchanges accurately
• Follow store policies related to safety, loss prevention and cash handling

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is:

• Genuinely interested in running and the running community
• Experienced with social media and understands how to create and maintain an engaging presence
• A strong communicator who can build rapport quickly with customers
• Comfortable leading, coaching and motivating a team
• Reliable, organized and able to multitask in a fast-paced retail environment
• Comfortable taking initiative and making decisions independently
• Willing and able to learn about running footwear, apparel and gear
• Comfortable learning and using POS, inventory and online-store systems
• Available to work evenings and weekends

Previous retail experience is preferred but not required.

Experience with running gear, shoe fitting, social media management, community events or team leadership is an asset.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who is enthusiastic, curious and excited to help other people discover running.

Physical Requirements

This is an active, hands-on retail position. You'll need to be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods during shifts
• Lift and move stockroom boxes weighing up to 50 lbs
• Kneel or bend comfortably when assisting customers with shoe fittings

Why Join Running Works?

• $20–$22/hour
• 20–30 hours per week with primarily evening and weekend shifts
• Employee discount on shoes and apparel
• Opportunities to test a variety of footwear from different suppliers
• Hands-on training in shoe fitting and running gear expertise
• The opportunity to organize events and make a real impact in the local running community
• A chance to grow with an independent, community-focused business
• Potential opportunity to move into a full-time position
• Become part of a team that genuinely loves running and helping others enjoy it too

Sound Like You?

If you're someone who loves running, loves people and loves creating things that bring a community together, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply: Please send your resume and a brief introduction telling us why you'd be a great fit for Running Works to [email protected]

Please include Assistant Store Manager in the subject line.

Running Works is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.