Assistant Store Manager

INOV8; Kendal; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in outdoor and fitness retail seeks a full-time Assistant Store Manager for their store in Staveley. The role involves supporting team leadership while ensuring outstanding customer service, community engagement, and sales performance. Ideal candidates will have retail experience and a passion for fitness, contributing to a dynamic brand environment.

Benefits

34 days holiday, including bank holidays

Generous free kit allowance and staff discount

Excellent training and development opportunities

24/7 access to BUPA counsellors

CycleScheme, including e-bikes and accessories

Eligibility for the Company’s contributory pension scheme

Death in Service benefit

Qualifications

• Previous retail experience, preferably with additional responsibilities.
• Passion for the outdoors or fitness.
• Demonstrable interest in running, hiking, or gym.

Responsibilities

• Deliver excellent customer service in-store and online.
• Assist in managing the store team and their well-being.
• Provide knowledgeable advice on INOV8 products.

Skills

Customer Service

Team Leadership

Sales Promotion

Product Knowledge

Job description

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £26,500.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Reporting to: Store Manager

Address: Staveley Mill Yard, Back Lane, Staveley, Cumbria LA8 9LR

We are looking for a full-time Assistant Store Manager to support the leadership of our INOV8 brand store in Staveley.

The Forge is our first-ever brand store, opened in April 2021. Located in the Lake District (UK), where our brand was forged in 2003, the store is open 7 days a week. It sells INOV8 branded run, hike and fitness kit for men and women.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing and dynamic brand.

What you’ll do

As the Assistant Store Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the Store Manager with various responsibilities, including:

• Delivering outstanding customer service, both in-store and during quieter periods, supporting online sales
• Building a sense of community around the store, engaging with customers and local athletes
• Motivating and managing the store team to achieve their best
• Ensuring all colleagues have a strong understanding of INOV8’s products and services
• Driving sales and promoting cost-efficient operations

Who we’re looking for

This hands-on role requires someone who enjoys engaging directly with customers and building a positive team culture. The ideal candidate will have previous retail experience and a genuine passion for fitness, whether that’s gym training, running, or hiking.

Who we are

INOV8 was forged in the fells and mountains of the Lake District and is now a global brand operating in over 60 countries within the run, hike, and gym sectors. We pride ourselves on creating products designed to enhance performance, built with a commitment to bold innovation, toughness, and environmental responsibility.

Our brand stores are more than just shops—they are hubs for community engagement, adventure planning, and connecting athletes with like-minded individuals.

Key Responsibilities(including, but not limited to):

• Delivering excellent customer service in-store and online
• Assisting with leading and managing the store team, including coaching and supporting their well-being
• Providing honest, knowledgeable advice on INOV8 products
• Ensuring the team is kept up to date with product knowledge and store procedures
• Managing customer queries, returns, and complaints both in-store and online
• Overseeing the safety and compliance of the store, including security of stock, cash, and the premises
• Managing stock levels and ensuring effective merchandising and promotional displays
• Maintaining accurate pricing, financial records, and working within store budgets

Requirements

We’re looking for someone with:

• Previous retail experience, preferably with additional responsibilities such as key holding or staff supervision
• Passion for the outdoors, gym, or running experience is preferred
• A demonstrable interest in at least one of our key areas: running, hiking, or gym/training

Benefits

We believe in looking after our team. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• 34 days holiday, including bank holidays
• Generous free kit allowance and staff discount
• Excellent training and development opportunities, including online learning platforms and apprenticeships
• 24/7 access to BUPA counsellors
• CycleScheme, including e-bikes and accessories
• Eligibility to join the Company’s contributory pension scheme after completing the probationary period
• Death in Service benefit, providing four times your annual salary to your next of kin