OPTIMISTIC RUNNERS

We are a new Berlin-based running apparel brand. Created by runners for runners, our brand captures the positive essence of the running community. Our modern and functional products are designed to empower runners, enabling them to look and feel their best during their active pursuits.

Brand Manager w/m/d

Berlin

Optimistic Runners is a Berlin-based running apparel brand that blends functional design with an art-driven approach. We're a young, international team, and we’re currently looking for a talented Brand Manager to help grow our presence across both the fashion and running industries.

As Brand Manager, you will be responsible for shaping and executing our brand strategy, managing brand communications across all channels, and leading strategic partnerships and collaborations. We're looking for someone with at least 3 years of experience in a similar role, a strong network within the fashion, running and cultural spheres, and excellent organizational skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and execute the overall brand strategy, ensuring a clear and consistent brand voice across all channels and touchpoints.
Monitor brand perception and health metrics, using customer feedback and cultural insights to refine strategy and identify new opportunities.
Act as the voice of the brand, both internally and externally, maintaining alignment across teams, partners, and markets.
Work with internal teams on campaigns, product storytelling, events, and retail activations to strengthen brand presence and engagement.
Support wholesale and retail teams by providing compelling brand materials and storytelling assets.
Drive the brand’s cultural presence by overseeing participation in events, races, pop-ups, and other activations within the running and creative communities.
Identify, plan, and manage strategic collaborations with like-minded brands, artists, and creators to expand reach and brand relevance.
Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, ensuring clear communication and seamless execution of collaborative projects.
Develop and manage a network of ambassadors, creators, and community figures in the running and lifestyle space to strengthen brand visibility and authenticity.

Requirements:

3+ years of experience in brand management, preferably in apparel, sports, or lifestyle.
Experience managing brand collaborations and external partnerships.
Strong understanding of brand positioning, campaign planning, and storytelling.
Excellent communication, project management, and organizational skills.
Ability to work across teams and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
Interest in running, sport, or performance wear is a strong plus.

Benefits:

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
Flexible working hours
Opportunity to develop in a growing team of a new visionary brand
Access to employee discounts on Optimistic Runners products.
A supportive and inclusive work environment.
Potential for growth and advancement within the company.

To apply for this position please send your CV, portfolio and cover letter to projects@optimisticrunners.com with the subject “Application: Brand Manager”

Store & Stock Assistant

Berlin

Optimistic Runners is a Berlin-based running apparel brand that blends functional design with an art-driven approach. We're a young, international team, and we’re currently looking for a Store & Stock Assistant to support our daily retail operations.

The ideal candidate will be a team-player, have excellent communication skills and passion for running and sports. This position offers growth opportunities in a new and expanding team of a new Berlin-based brand. Together we will not only build the brand but also contribute to the development of Berlin's running culture.

Location: Torstrasse 62, Berlin

Job type: Part Time / Full Time

Contracted hours: Part Time: 20 hours per week / Full Time: 40 hours per week
Shift pattern: Varied shifts including mornings; afternoons; evenings and weekends – all will be discussed at interview

Responsibilities

Support store and stock teams with daily operations
Help maintain a clean, organized, and visually appealing retail space
Receive, unpack, and organize incoming stock deliveries
Ensure efficient stock replenishment and accurate backstock organization
Assist with inventory counts, stock transfers, and product tagging
Communicate stock levels, damages, or discrepancies to relevant teams
Provide general customer support on the shop floor when needed
Assist during occasional brand events (e.g. pop-ups, launches, activations)
Help with setup, breakdown, and logistics during in-store or offsite events

Requirements

Previous experience in retail or stockroom
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Confident English communication skills (spoken and written), German language skills are a plus
Comfortable with physical tasks (e.g. lifting boxes, moving stock)
Proactive, reliable, and team-oriented attitude
Flexibility to work weekends and occasional evenings for events
Passion for sports and running or motivation to start running

Benefits

Flexible working hours
Opportunity to develop in a growing team of a new visionary brand
Access to employee discounts on Optimistic Runners products
A supportive and inclusive work environment
Potential for growth and advancement within the company

Send your CV and cover letter to projects@optimisticrunners.com with the subject “Application: Store & Stock Assistant” and join our team!

Community Manager

Berlin

Optimistic Runners is a Berlin-based running apparel brand that blends functional design with an art-driven approach. We're a young, international team, and we’re currently looking for a

passionate and well-connected Community Manager to lead and grow our presence in the running community — in Berlin and internationally.

This role is focused on building awareness of the brand among runners, crews, and partners through strong relationships, consistent engagement, and community activations.

Location: Torstrasse 62, Berlin

Job type: Part Time / Full Time

Contracted hours: up to 40 hours per week

Shift pattern: Varied shifts including mornings; afternoons; evenings and weekends – all will be discussed at interview

Responsibilities

Build and maintain strong relationships with local and international runners, running clubs, and community leaders
Build and nurture a global network of trusted runners — supporting them with product, storytelling, and opportunities to co-create activations that naturally extend the presence of the brand through shared values.
Support, engage, and activate the brand’s core running team
Plan and host community events, and cultural activations
Collaborate with the Running Club Captain to develop and grow the OR Run Club and crew identity, support at regular Club’s runs
Represent the brand at key races and running events, both in Berlin and internationally
Support campaign and product launches from a community perspective
Work with content team to share stories from the community across channels (Strava, Instagram, newsletters)
Lead and manage the Optimistic Runners Strava club, creating content, planning digital challenges, and using the platform to strengthen community engagement and visibility.
Monitor community feedback and stay ahead of trends within the running space

Requirements

Deep understanding of and connection to the running culture and community
Based in Berlin, with flexibility to travel for international races and events
Confident communicator and relationship-builder — both in-person and digitally
Experience working with athletes, crews, or brand ambassadors
Strong English communication skills; German is a plus
Comfortable with event logistics, public speaking, and brand representation
Flexible with availability, including evenings and weekends
Self-driven, organized, and collaborative in a fast-moving environment
Experience in sport, culture, or lifestyle sectors is a plus

Benefits

Flexible working hours
Opportunity to develop in a growing team of a new visionary brand
Access to employee discounts on Optimistic Runners products.
A supportive and inclusive work environment.
Potential for growth and advancement within the company.

Send your CV and cover letter to projects@optimisticrunners.com with the subject “Application: Community Manager” and join our team!