Reports to: Marketing Manager – Trail & Outdoors
Department: Marketing
Type: Full-time, Permanent
About SportsShoes
At SportsShoes, we are driven by greatness.
Founded in 1982, we’ve grown from a local running store to be Europe’s leading performance destination for running and the outdoors. Our mission is simple: to power every runner and adventurer to run faster, go further and climb higher.
We work with the world’s most iconic brands – Nike, adidas, ASICS, Salomon, Patagonia and more – while nurturing deep roots in the UK running community through events, partnerships and brand-aligned athletes and creators. We’re growing fast, expanding internationally and redefining what performance retail looks like in a digital-first world.
The Role
As Marketing Assistant – Trail & Outdoors, you will support the Marketing Manager in delivering SportsShoes’ marketing activity across the trail running and outdoor category. You’ll play a hands‑on role in content creation, brand activations, events and athlete/ambassador management, helping ensure our campaigns, social content and experiences inspire runners and adventurers to explore further.
This role blends operational support with creative execution, giving you the opportunity to work across multiple platforms, social channels and the SportsShoes website while building deep knowledge of trail and outdoor marketing. You will work both independently and collaboratively with the marketing, buying, design and content teams.
Key Responsibilities
Content and Brand Activations
* Assist the Marketing Manager in planning and activating brand campaigns for trail and outdoor partner brands.
* Work with the Marketing Manager to help plan the Trail and Outdoor seasonal calendar, analyse the performance of brand campaigns and contribute to shaping the short and long‑term strategy for the category.
* Coordinate samples for current and upcoming seasons, including briefing product photography shoots with the content team to create assets for the website and social media.
* Collaborate with design teams to produce social media posts aligned with SportsShoes’ Outdoor house style.
* Write copy for social posts to showcase products in an authentic SportsShoes tone of voice.
* Research, write and publish editorial content for the SportsShoes Advice Hub and wider trail/outdoor channels, covering trending topics, footwear and kit reviews, training, advice, nutrition guides, inspirational stories, and product insights. Work alongside the performance marketing team to ensure all content is optimised for SEO performance.
* Assist twice a year in collating the best and most relevant SportsShoes content for the catalogue and Run Journal, highlighting strong athlete and event storytelling, advice articles, and community‑focused features to support our ongoing content strategy.
Events, Races & Community Activations
* Support the Marketing Manager in planning and executing events and activations, including sponsored trail races (Due North Trail Events, RunThrough, community runs and hikes), Kendal Mountain Festival, outdoor trade shows, and international trail events.
* Assist with hosting test and trial opportunities for the latest footwear and apparel.
* Travel and work weekends when required for events and activations.
Working with Athletes and Ambassadors
* Assist in managing the SportsShoes athlete and ambassador teams, including the SportsShoes Pro Alpine Team.
* Support logistics for athlete kit, including ordering, branding, and distribution for testing or racing.
* Help plan race calendars, content capture, photoshoots and product seeding for athletes and ambassadors.
* Contribute to content plans and support on‑site at events.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
* Work closely with marketing, buying, content and design teams to ensure campaigns and activations are delivered efficiently and to a high standard.
* Support the Marketing Manager in administrative and operational tasks, helping to maintain organisation across the trail and outdoor category.
About You
* Deep passion for trail running, hiking and outdoor adventure, with hands‑on experience in these activities.
* Knowledgeable about trail and outdoor products, including footwear, apparel and kit.
* Highly organised, with initiative and confidence to work both independently and collaboratively.
* Skilled in content creation, social media, copywriting and digital platforms.
* Willingness to travel and work weekends for events and activations when required.
* Able to work from the Shipley office (near Leeds) at least 3 times a week.
* Enthusiastic about building relationships with athletes, ambassadors, event organisers and the wider outdoor community.
Success in 90 days looks like:
* Fully integrated into the trail and outdoor marketing team, supporting campaigns, events and content initiatives.
* Assisting in the delivery of brand activations and content on site and online.
* Building strong working relationships with athletes, ambassadors, partner brands and internal teams.
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