Studio Manager

About the Role

Studs is a modern ear piercing and earring brand that brings piercing, aftercare, and earring shopping together into one seamless Earscaping® journey. The company has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the 10 most innovative retail companies of 2023. This position is officially titled Studio Manager and is based in Houston, TX, reporting to the Regional Manager on a full-time basis.

The Studio Manager is accountable for the overall health of the studio, guiding a high-performing team and delivering an exceptional experience for every customer. The role combines retail leadership with piercing operations, with a focus on revenue, operational discipline, team development, and a welcoming in-store environment.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $65,000 to $75,000 per year.

Key Responsibilities

This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who enjoys achieving results through people leadership, clear expectations, and strong coaching. The Studio Manager is the primary owner of studio performance, customer experience, compliance, staffing, and overall day-to-day execution.

Operational Performance and Revenue

• Take ownership of the studio’s overall results, with responsibility for revenue growth and sales-plan achievement.
• Review reports and performance data to spot opportunities and refine business decisions.
• Assign and manage responsibilities across the leadership team, then follow through to confirm execution.
• Create and maintain schedules within labor targets and verify payroll accuracy through regular checks.
• Keep operational standards high by ensuring compliance with piercing processes, health and safety rules, and inventory controls.
• Work with Piercing Leadership to maintain technical quality, training consistency, and best practices for piercers in the studio.

Customer Experience

• Greet customers warmly and guide them through the Studs experience with knowledgeable, high-quality service.
• Model effective service recovery and make sure customer feedback is built into daily operations.
• Track reviews and customer comments, escalate patterns when needed, and use insights to improve the experience continuously.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead and develop a service-focused team that may include an Assistant Studio Manager, Studio Supervisors, Sales Associates, and Piercers, while coordinating closely with Piercing Leadership.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and accountability to support growth and performance.
• Foster a workplace culture built on trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
• Handle employee relations issues thoughtfully and in partnership with cross-functional partners.
• Support change management efforts and help the team adapt to shifting business priorities.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of management experience in a customer-facing environment, such as Store Manager, General Manager, or Studio Manager; experience in jewelry, piercing, or retail services is a plus.
• Demonstrated success leading a team of 7 or more people, including roles that require specialized skills.
• Ability to work on-site five days per week for at least 40 hours, with open availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays; overnight work is not required.
• Weekend availability on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is required, except during approved PTO.
• Typical days off are Wednesday and Thursday, though this can change based on business needs.
• The role is expected to be the candidate’s primary full-time work commitment.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time, up to 8+ hours, and lift or move at least 20 lbs.
• Must be comfortable working with chemicals and following applicable health and safety procedures.
• Strong business and financial understanding with a history of meeting performance goals.
• Positive, accountable, and resourceful approach to problem-solving.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and able to work effectively in a fast-changing environment using the tools and resources available.

Benefits and Perks

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, including $0 in-network mental health visits.
• Mental health and work/life support resources, including online therapy, gender affirmation support services, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Voluntary life insurance.
• Tax-advantaged health and commuter accounts.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off and paid safe and sick leave accrual.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid sabbatical after 4 years of service.
• Employee discounts on piercings and jewelry, including coverage for friends and family.
• Access to PerkSpot plus additional benefits such as pet insurance, discounted tickets, personal finance coaching, healthy rewards, and more.

Equal Opportunity and Legal Notices

Studs is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a workplace centered on diversity, inclusion, and fair opportunity. Hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, gender, age, creed, sex, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, citizenship, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other legally protected status. Qualified candidates with criminal histories are considered. The company complies with applicable state and local anti-discrimination laws. If an accommodation is needed during the application process, a request form must be completed.

For Massachusetts applicants, note that state law prohibits requiring or administering lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment, and violations may lead to criminal penalties and civil liability.

California applicants can review the Studs Privacy Notice for California Applicants.