Job Description

Hey Ottawa

! Racing onto the scene in 2013, we've been Toronto's independent urban running specialty store, and now we're lacing up and ready to officially hire for our Founding Ottawa Team! We pair expert guidance with the best gear to help runners of every pace feel strong, confident, and a part of the community. Our stores are fast-paced, friendly, and fun.

Our staff is our biggest strength. We are running gear experts who are passionate about helping runners of all levels. We offer a fun, educational work environment for our team. Daily shifts are full of challenges, triumphs, creativity, and getting to try on some really cool shoes. At BlackToe, we support each other, while supporting the running community!

Important:

To be considered, you must have recent running or racing experience and be available for at least one weekend shift every week.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Casual, comfortable work environment Staff discounts, free run club membership, and occasional freebies Benefits package for full-time employees A team that supports each other and our community

The Role

As a Run Expert, you own the in-store customer experience from the first "hello", to "see you on your next run". You'll work with our community by:

Helping them achieve their running goals by recommending appropriate gear. Act as an ambassador for BlackToe and the sport of running: cheer them on, celebrate their successes, ask questions, and show an interest! Be a peer and a listening ear: share personal experiences and advice.
You will be successful in this role, if you are:

An avid runner with racing experience and a strong interest in running gear and technology Outgoing, personable, and genuinely enjoy connecting with people Energetic, friendly, and a natural conversationalist Caring, empathetic, and committed to helping others achieve their goals Curious and eager to learn--especially about products and trends in running A good listener and creative problem solver Self-motivated, with the initiative to help without being asked Passionate about working for an independent, community-focused business Able to commit to a consistent schedule that includes evenings and weekends

In your cover letter or application, please tell us about your favourite race.

What You Bring

Excellent communication skills with a customer-first mindset Comfort using POS systems and/or learning new tools You're a self-starter who takes initiative and thrives without constant supervision Eager to learn, improve processes, and build new skills Organized with a natural eye for detail -- "Retail is Detail" Highly observant, noticing what others might miss Excellent written and verbal communication skills Thrive in fast-paced environments

What You'll Be Doing

Welcome and connect

: Greet every customer warmly and make them feel at home

Learn their story

: Understand their running history, goals, and challenges

Fit with purpose

: Use our shoe fitting process and technology to recommend the best footwear for their needs

Guide with confidence

: Suggest shoes, apparel, nutrition, and accessories that truly help each customer

Work as a team

: Support your coworkers and help meet sales goals together

Build your expertise

: Stay up to date on the latest products, gear, and nutrition

Keep things running smoothly

: Help maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked store

Support store operations

: Assist with receiving and counting inventory, restocking, and daily tasks

Maintain the store and storage rooms:

Perform general asks to keep the store and storage rooms neat, clean, shoppable, and organized

Daily store operations:

Restock the sales floor daily, flag high/low inventory levels to the manager, and other tasks as needed
All staff are required to agree to core shifts each week at the time of employment. BlackToe is a retail environment, and you must be able to work on evenings, weekends, and some holidays if required.

The Details

Expected Start Date:

A week after construction is completed, to be confirmed and discussed.

Hiring Process:

Selected candidates will be invited to an interview and a skill assessment.
If you're passionate about running, love working with people, and want to be part of a team that lives and breathes the sport, we'd love to meet you. Please contact May at may@blacktoerunning.com with your resume and cover letter!

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

Store discount
Application question(s):

Do you currently run on a regular basis? If so, please elaborate on distances and frequency. Do you have racing experience? If so, what are the most recent races and distances you have completed? How strong is your knowledge of the latest running shoe tech/nutrition? Have you followed a formal training plan for running before? If so, what are the types of training runs that you're familiar with? Are you able to work Saturdays and/or Sundays? What is your expected hourly compensation? Are you able to work long term in this position? What is your timeline for your current availability? How does this role align with your long-term career goals? Would you consider yourself as proactive and self-starter worker? Give us an example! How many days a week are you interested in working? Are you open to half day shifts (4pm-7pm)? Please specify days of the week.
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-09-02