Store Manager in Kendal

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity at the heart of INOV8’s home territory. As Store Manager, you’ll take ownership of our Staveley flagship store, driving its commercial success while building a thriving local community around run, hike, and gym. The role brings together retail leadership, brand storytelling, events, customer experience, and local outreach — giving you the chance to grow footfall, develop a motivated team, and shape how customers connect with INOV8 in the Lake District.

This role will suit someone who enjoys the challenge of balancing day-to-day retail excellence with the opportunity to grow a destination store, deepen community connections and bring the INOV8 brand to life locally. You will be responsible for leading on all aspects of:

• Delivering fantastic service to all customers (in store and, in quieter times, online)
• Building and curating a community around the store
• Managing and motivating your team
• Ensuring all colleagues have up to date knowledge of INOV8’s products & services
• Optimising sales and cost efficiency

This is a hands-on role requiring someone who is just as passionate about serving customers on the shop floor as they are about managing stock and building community. You will have previous retail management experience and a demonstrable passion for one or more of our gym, hike, and run segments.

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):

• Deliver brilliant customer service to both in-store and online customers
• Lead and manage your store team, including recruitment, development, coaching and well-being
• Give authentic, honest and knowledgeable advice on our products
• Ensure staff are up to date on our products and procedures
• Manage queries, returns, and complaints, both in-store and online
• Ensure the store is safe and legally compliant, maintaining the security of the premises, stock, and cash
• Maintain appropriate stock levels in the store
• Ensure exceptional standards in housekeeping and visual merchandising, including promotional materials and displays
• Oversee pricing and financial records, and manage budgets
• Manage local outreach, including event visits, demo runs, collaboration with other local businesses, and the store’s social media channels, posting content about products and activities

Requirements:

• Previous retail experience is essential, at Manager or Assistant Manager level
• A genuine passion for, and connection to, the trail running, outdoor, or gym community — ideally with active involvement in trail running or gym
• Demonstrable passion for one or more of gym/training, running, or hiking

We’re not all work and no play — we understand that our team plays a huge part in our story. Here are some of the extensive benefits we offer our staff members:

• 34 days holiday including bank holidays
• Profit Share Scheme
• Generous free kit allowance and staff discount
• Enhanced maternity and parental leave
• 24/7 access to BUPA counsellors
• CycleScheme, including e-bikes and accessories
• Eligibility to join the Company’s contributory pension scheme following successful completion of your probationary period
• Death in service benefit, with four times your annual salary paid to your next of kin
• Free parking at work

Education:

• GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

Experience:

• Retail sales: 1 year (required)
• Supervising experience: 1 year (preferred)
• Customer service: 1 year (preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Staveley, Cumbria (required)

You will report to the Stores Operations Manager.