Retail Bike Shop Manager

Bearings Bike Works is a dynamic nonprofit youth development organization transforming Atlanta’s cycling scene with a vibrant social enterprise bike shop at 982 Murphy Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA. Our mission is to empower urban youth with the skills and opportunities to thrive in adulthood. Through our innovative Frameworks Career Accelerator Program, our full-service bike shop serves as an innovative platform, teaching teens and young adults (ages 15-22) advanced mechanical repair, customer service, and professional skills. Every bike repair and sale fuels our youth development programs, positioning our shop as a cornerstone of community impact, workforce training, and an exciting new chapter of growth along Atlanta’s Beltline.

JOB SUMMARY:

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead the charge in Bearings Bike Works’ bold expansion, launching a brand-new bike shop on the vibrant Atlanta Beltline while amplifying our transformative social mission. As the Retail Bike Shop Manager, you’ll spearhead the growth of our retail operations, doubling and tripling our revenue while scaling our impact on urban youth through the Frameworks program. Leverage your proven track record in expanding bike shops or similar ventures to build a thriving hub of cycling, community, and opportunity. This role blends strategic leadership, retail innovation, and hands-on youth mentorship to create a legacy of economic mobility and community connection.

Key Responsibilities:

• Shop Expansion and Brand Building

  • Drive the strategic expansion of our new Beltline bike shop, building a powerful brand presence and boosting foot traffic through innovative marketing and community engagement.

  • Oversee and grow daily operations of the retail bike shop and eBay sales, including sales, repairs, inventory, and customer service, to achieve ambitious revenue goals (doubling and tripling current income in the next 3-5 years).

  • Develop and execute strategies to enhance the shop’s visibility and reputation as a premier cycling destination in Atlanta.

  • Innovate pricing and inventory strategies, conducting market research to ensure competitive offerings and alignment with industry trends.

  • Lead scheduling for shop hours (Monday-Thursday 1:00 pm–6:30 pm, Saturday 11:00 am–5:00 pm) and staff, optimizing coverage to support growth and customer demand.

  • Deliver exceptional customer experiences, providing free repair estimates and transparent communication on costs and timelines.

  • Work closely with the Director of Mechanical Services & Education to ensure timely estimates, repair schedules and services to customers.

  • Manage financial transactions, including point-of-sale operations, e-gift card sales, and detailed sales reporting to track growth metrics.

• Youth Training and Mentorship

  • Working closely with the Director of Mechanical Services & Education, help mentor and inspire young adults in the Frameworks Career Accelerator Program, guiding them through hands-on training with a particular focus on customer service skills and techniques.

  • Cultivate a supportive environment to develop critical soft skills (e.g., teamwork, communication, work ethic) and character strengths (e.g., resilience, leadership) with a high bar of excellence modeled and expected from every employee.

  • Expand and enhance training programs, drawing on your experience to create innovative curricula that prepare youth for careers in cycling or beyond.

  • Collaborate with program staff to monitor participant progress, providing actionable feedback to support their transition to education, training, or employment.

• Community Engagement and Impact

  • Serve as a passionate brand ambassador, forging strong connections with customers, suppliers, and Atlanta’s cycling community to amplify our mission.

  • Lead community outreach, events, and partnerships to promote the shop’s role in the cycling community and drive engagement with our membership model and services.

  • Build a vibrant presence on the Beltline, creating a welcoming hub that attracts cyclists, families, and community members to support our social enterprise.

• Mechanical and Technical Leadership

  • Set the standard for excellence by performing high-quality bike repairs and maintenance, mentoring trainees to follow suit.

  • Working closely with the Director of Mechanical Services & Education, oversee repair schedules and shop mechanics, ensuring efficiency and quality control for all repairs and refurbished bikes to meet safety and performance standards.

  • Maintain supply and part inventory. 

  • While advanced mechanical experience is not required, a thorough understanding of bike styles, sizing, mechanical issues and basic repairs is required.

  • Stay ahead of bicycle repair technologies and techniques to elevate shop offerings and support growth.

Qualifications:

• Bearings serves cyclists and riders from every socio-economic and cultural background our city’s residents come from; there’s no shame for a rider with a big box store brand and no privilege for someone at the other end of the spectrum; a successful candidate will join Bearings’ approachable environment and welcome and support riders no matter their style, experience level or background.

• Minimum of 5 years of professional bike shop experience, with a thorough understanding of mechanical issues across diverse bicycle types.

• Proven leadership in a retail or bike shop setting, with a track record of successfully managing teams and operations.

• Demonstrated success in expanding a bike shop or similar business, driving revenue growth, and increasing community presence.

• Experience developing or scaling training programs, ideally with young adults, to support skill-building and career readiness.

• Passion for and a commitment to mentoring young adults to achieve economic mobility.

• Exceptional customer service and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and simplify technical concepts.

• Strong organizational skills to manage inventory, scheduling, and financial transactions in a high-energy, growth-oriented environment.

• Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, financial reporting, and market research for pricing and trends.

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and handle physically demanding tasks.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; certification from a recognized bike mechanic program is a plus.

• Deep commitment to Bearings Bike Works’ mission of community impact and youth empowerment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in nonprofit or social enterprise environments, balancing mission-driven goals with operational excellence.

• Strong connections within the Atlanta cycling community and a passion for building community through cycling.

• Proficiency with inventory tracking systems and marketing strategies to promote shop services and events.

• Background in youth-focused training or mentorship programs, particularly in technical or customer service fields.

Work Environment:

• Location: Bearings Bike Shop, 982 Murphy Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA (entrance on Brookline Street), with exciting expansion to a new Beltline location.

• Hours: Full-time, covering shop hours (currently Monday-Thursday 1:00 pm–6:30 pm, Saturday 11:00 am–5:00 pm but will change with opening of new shop) and occasional evening or weekend events to support growth initiatives.

• Physical Demands: Standing, walking, lifting, and handling bikes and parts; exposure to shop tools and minor chemicals (e.g., grease, cleaning solutions).

• Culture: Fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven, with a focus on youth mentorship, community engagement, bold expansion and deep commitment to excellence in every sphere.

Why Join Bearings Bike Works?

This is your chance to shape the future of a trailblazing social enterprise at a pivotal moment of growth. As the Retail Bike Shop Manager, you’ll lead the launch of our new Beltline location, drive exponential revenue growth, and transform lives by mentoring urban youth in our Frameworks program. Your expertise will build a thriving bike shop that’s a beacon of community connection and economic opportunity. Join a passionate team dedicated to cycling, youth empowerment, and social impact, and make your mark on Atlanta’s cycling revolution, one bike and one life at a time.