Store Manager, Irvine

Brooks Running • Irvine, CA

21h • Onsite

About The Position

As a Retail Store Manager at Brooks, you lead one of Brooks’ brand stores, owning all aspects of daily operations, team leadership, and customer experience. You hire, train, and inspire a high performing team of sales professionals who serve as frontline brand ambassadors, delivering high touch service and representing the Brooks mission to “ awaken the runner in everyone .” You will drive store performance through operational excellence, community engagement, merchandising execution, inventory health, and strong business acumen. You ensure the store is a best-in-class retail environment that fosters connection, builds brand loyalty, and supports runners of all backgrounds and abilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Sales, Marketing, Business Administration, or related field; equivalent years of experience can be considered in lieu of degree(s)
• 3+ years of experience in retail, including full store operations oversight preferred
• 1+ year of leadership experience within the retail industry, preferred
• Proven skill in leading teams, driving store operations, and managing a business independently
• Strong knowledge of retail analytics (inventory management, turn, gross-margin, open to buy, product merchandising, and retail selling skills) preferred
• Knowledge of performance athletic footwear/apparel/accessories and their related technologies
• Ability to lift packages up to 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods
• Ability to successfully lead independently or alongside the Retail Operations Manager
• Ability to anticipate how a decision made can affect our customers, our partners, our products or other departments’ operations and/or morale; “connecting the dots”
• Excellent interpersonal skills that inspire and build trust, resulting in effective working relationships across the store and company
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrating effective listening through concise, clear verbal and written communication
• Keen attention to detail in planning, organization and execution of tasks, while still seeing the big picture and understanding how all of the pieces fit together and affect one another
• Passionate participation in Brooks’ sports activities a plus, overridden by the ability to understand and empathize with the runner in order to develop loyal, engaging relationships with our customers and the Brooks community
• Embraces and lives the Brooks values!

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and inspire a diverse retail team to deliver best-in-class customer experience and exceed business goals.
• Recruit, interview, and hire store employees to ensure efficient operations and a high‑performing team.
• Foster a trust‑based, inclusive, team‑oriented culture grounded in Brooks values; maintain high morale and address concerns proactively.
• Build future talent pipeline through ongoing coaching, developmental opportunities, and consistent performance feedback.
• Oversee scheduling, succession planning, and staffing to support peak periods, events, and long-term talent sustainability.
• Oversee all daily store operations, ensuring high standards in service, cleanliness, safety, compliance, and overall brand‑right execution.
• Manage store financials including revenue, margin, staffing, COGS, and operating expenses to achieve profitability and strong business performance.
• Drive daily execution through effective leadership of front-of-house sales and back-of-house logistics functions.
• Use retail systems and analytics to monitor KPIs, optimize inventory, and ensure accurate operational processes.
• Maintain healthy inventory levels and product mix through replenishment, strategic pricing, markdowns, SKU monitoring, and proactive sell‑through solutions.
• Oversee inventory integrity through cycle counts, physical inventories, and loss‑prevention practices.
• Manage store assets, equipment, and, when applicable, the store vehicle.
• Partner with Retail Operations on long‑term planning, seasonal buying, strategic initiatives, and operational readiness for new stores.
• Provide actionable field insights on customer behavior, product performance, inventory needs, and operational opportunities.
• Participate in companywide retail initiatives, system improvements, and ongoing operational enhancements.
• Collaborate with Retail Operations, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Product, and other teams to meet shared business goals.
• Set and model the bar for service: inclusive, authentic, premium, and personalized.
• Ensure every customer receives a premium, inclusive experience backed by strong product and fit process knowledge.
• Lead by example on the sales floor, modeling elevated customer service and storytelling.
• Train and empower the team to deliver biomechanical fit service, high-impact storytelling, and enthusiastic support for all runners – regardless of experience level.
• Use data and feedback to continually improve the in-store journey and customer satisfaction metrics.
• Uphold premium merchandising and visual storytelling standards, executing floor sets, product launches, and brand campaigns with Retail Marketing and Visual Merchandising.
• Support and execute community events and educational activations in partnership with store leadership and local partners.
• Build relationships with local running groups, gyms, organizations, and community partners to strengthen store presence and engagement.
• Manage store‑level marketing channels (social, email, and event promotion) when applicable.
• Support or lead event‑related retail operations, including expos, pop‑ups, and truckload sales, with occasional travel.
• Support cross‑departmental Brooks initiatives, in‑store activations, and broader company events.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, HSA and employer contribution, FSA, family & fertility assistance, 401K Savings Plan and match, employee assistance program, and transportation assistance.
• annual bonus based on company performance.
• generous paid time off package, paid holidays, paid sick and parental leave.
• product discounts and giveaways, employee recognition, and fitness discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager