General Manager Retail & Studio Operations

The Pottery Lot | Boone, NC The Pottery Lot is seeking a full-time General Manager to oversee the daily operations of our pottery studio and retail store. This role is ideal for an experienced manager who enjoys leading people, creating systems, maintaining high standards, and ensuring a business runs smoothly. Pottery experience is not required. We are looking for a strong operations leader who can manage staff, schedules, inventory, customer experience, classes, events, and facility operations with minimal day-to-day oversight from ownership. This is a leadership position for someone who takes ownership, solves problems proactively, and can confidently manage day-to-day operations without constant direction from ownership. The successful candidate will take ownership of the studio's daily operations and help create a welcoming, organized, and professional environment for both customers and employees. Weekend availability is required. •Key Responsibilities• Operations & Business Management Oversee all day-to-day store and studio operations Ensure the business runs smoothly and efficiently whether or not owners are on-site Develop, implement, and maintain operational procedures and standards Identify operational issues and proactively implement solutions Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and professional facility at all times Staff Leadership Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, and train team members Create and manage employee schedules Delegate responsibilities and hold staff accountable for performance expectations Provide coaching, feedback, and performance management Foster a positive, team-oriented workplace culture Ensure adequate staffing and instructor coverage for classes, retail operations, events, and seasonal programming Customer Experience Maintain exceptional customer service standards Resolve customer concerns professionally and effectively Create a welcoming environment for new and returning customers Support community engagement and customer retention Classes, Events & Studio Programming Oversee the successful execution of classes, workshops, camps, private events, and seasonal programming Ensure classes and events are properly staffed, supplied, and prepared for success Coordinate with instructors regarding schedules, supply needs, and class expectations Monitor attendance, customer feedback, and operational efficiency Help identify opportunities to improve customer experience, class operations, and repeat participation Communicate class-related concerns, staffing needs, or supply issues to ownership in a timely manner Inventory & Retail Management Maintain accurate inventory records for retail products, clay, tools, supplies, and studio materials Monitor inventory levels and identify items approaching reorder thresholds Communicate inventory needs to ownership in a timely manner to prevent shortages Notify ownership immediately of any critical supply concerns that may impact operations Assist with receiving, organizing, and stocking inventory Assist with merchandising and retail presentation Help maintain efficient inventory systems and accurate inventory counts Facility & Studio Oversight Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout the studio and retail areas Ensure cleaning procedures are completed consistently Oversee studio preparation and reset between classes and events Coordinate routine maintenance needs and communicate them to ownership Learn studio-specific procedures including kiln operation and glaze management (training provided) Qualifications Previous management experience required Retail, hospitality, fitness studio, restaurant, service business, or small business management experience strongly preferred Experience hiring, training, scheduling, and supervising employees Strong organizational and time-management skills Ability to manage multiple priorities and solve problems independently Strong communication and leadership skills Ability to work independently with minimal supervision Comfortable working in a hands-on environment Reliable, accountable, and self-motivated Proficient with basic computer systems, scheduling software, and inventory tracking Preferred Qualifications Experience developing operational procedures and systems Experience in a creative, educational, retail, or community-focused environment Pottery or ceramics experience is a plus, but not required What Success Looks Like Staff are well-trained, accountable, and working effectively Classes, workshops, camps, and private events are consistently well-organized, properly staffed, and run smoothly Instructors have the supplies, information, and support needed to deliver a great customer experience Classes and retail operations are consistently staffed and organized Inventory records are accurate and supply needs are communicated before shortages occur The studio remains clean, welcoming, and professionally operated Customers have an excellent experience Owners can confidently step away from daily operations knowing the business is running smoothly Compensation & Schedule Full-Time Position Approximately 40 hours per week, including weekends Competitive compensation based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership ability Opportunities for growth and leadership development How to Apply Please apply here on Indeed or send your resume and a brief introduction outlining your management experience and why you'd be a great fit for The Pottery Lot to: pottery@thepotterylot.com

Work Location:

In person