Retail District Manager

District Manager - Florida, East Coast/Orlando Markets

Position Summary

The District Manager (DM) plays a critical leadership role at Fit2Run, overseeing the performance, culture, and operational excellence of multiple retail stores within an assigned district. This role ensures that each location delivers an unforgettable guest experience, develops strong and capable store leaders, drives profitable sales growth, and upholds all Fit2Run standards, policies, and brand values. The DM partners closely with Store Managers, Market Managers, and Corporate Leadership to execute company initiatives, deliver consistent results, and champion Fit2Run’s mission of serving the running community with expertise, authenticity, and passion.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & People Development

• Recruit, select, and develop Store Managers and key talent; ensure each store has a strong leadership bench and succession plan.
• Coach, mentor, and hold Store Managers accountable to performance standards, operational excellence, and leadership expectations.
• Build a culture of trust, respect, integrity, and teamwork across the district.
• Provide ongoing training, feedback, and performance conversations, including corrective action when necessary.
• Model the Fit2Run values and ensure leaders reinforce the company’s “Unforgettable” customer experience.

Store Operations & Performance Management

• Oversee the daily operational performance of all district stores, ensuring compliance with company policies, operational standards, and visual brand guidelines.
• Ensure consistent execution of merchandising, inventory management, loss prevention, safety, and operational processes.
• Conduct regular store visits to review store readiness, audit compliance, identify opportunities, and guide leaders toward continuous improvement.
• Ensure stores meet or exceed KPIs including sales, payroll targets, conversion, UPT, ADS, shrink, and customer service metrics.
• Support new store openings, remodels, and company initiatives within the district.

Customer Experience & Brand Standards

• Ensure stores deliver an exceptional guest experience aligned with Fit2Run brand expectations.
• Ensure product knowledge, service fundamentals, and running specialty expertise are consistently trained and reinforced.
• Champion the Fit2Run brand by maintaining clean, organized, and visually compelling store environments.

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Partner with HR on employee relations matters, investigations, coaching, and disciplinary action.
• Ensure all stores follow federal and state employment laws, company policies, loss prevention procedures, and safety protocols.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive work environment and ensure managers address issues promptly and professionally.

Business Planning & Execution

• Analyze business trends, KPIs, and financial results to identify opportunities and implement action plans for improvement.
• Lead district communication, ensuring consistent message delivery and understanding of company priorities.
• Collaborate with corporate partners (HR, Buying, Marketing, Finance, Operations) to support district needs and drive company-wide initiatives.
• Manage district labor budgets, staffing plans, scheduling standards, and operational efficiencies.

Community & Market Engagement

• Represent Fit2Run at community events, races, and local partnerships to strengthen brand presence.
• Support local marketing initiatives and build relationships that reinforce Fit2Run’s role in the running community.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of multi-unit retail leadership experience, preferably in specialty retail or athletic/fitness environments.
• Proven success leading multiple store teams, driving sales, and improving operational metrics.
• Strong knowledge of retail operations, merchandising, inventory management, and loss prevention.
• Experience developing leaders, coaching performance, and handling employee relations matters.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret KPIs to drive business plans.
• Exceptional communication, organization, and follow-up skills.
• Ability to travel regularly within assigned district; ability to work flexible retail hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.

Key Characteristics & Competencies

• Integrity & Accountability: Acts with honesty, consistency, and fairness; takes ownership of decisions and outcomes.
• Servant Leadership: Invests in developing people, leading with humility and transparency.
• Operational Excellence: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to executing standards consistently.
• Results-Driven: Motivated by achieving KPIs, improving performance, and building high-performing teams.
• Strong Communicator: Clear, respectful, and engaging communicator across all levels of the organization.
• Adaptable & Solution-Focused: Thrives in a fast-paced, growing retail environment; quickly responds to changing business needs.
• Brand Ambassador: Passion for running, fitness, and delivering a world-class customer experience.
• Coaching Mindset: Gives constructive feedback, builds trust, and influences leaders to grow their capabilities.
• Emotional Intelligence: Uses sound judgment, empathy, and professionalism in every interaction.