Studio Manager

Role overview

Studs is a modern ear piercing and earring brand built around a complete Earscaping® experience, bringing together piercing, aftercare, and earring shopping in one place. The company is known for combining safety, expertise, and a playful, welcoming atmosphere with a broad earring selection at an accessible price point. The official title for this position is Studio Manager.

Based in Nashville, TN, this full-time onsite leadership role reports to the Regional Manager. The salary range for the position is $85,000 to $92,500.

What this role does

The Studio Manager is accountable for the overall success of the studio, guiding a high-performing team and ensuring customers receive a standout experience at every visit. The role covers both retail and piercing operations, with responsibility for revenue growth, day-to-day execution, operational standards, and team culture.

This is a practical, hands-on management position for someone who is motivated by results achieved through people leadership. The Studio Manager sets expectations, coaches performance, and builds an environment where customers and employees can succeed. From service quality and compliance to staffing and scheduling, this person serves as the central owner of studio performance.

Operational excellence and revenue

• Take ownership of studio results, including revenue growth and progress toward sales targets.
• Review performance reports and use business data to identify improvement opportunities and refine strategy.
• Assign and oversee responsibility across the management team, then follow up consistently to confirm work is completed.
• Manage scheduling within labor budgets and verify payroll accuracy through routine checks.
• Maintain strong operating standards, including adherence to piercing procedures, health and safety rules, and inventory control practices.
• Work with Piercing Leadership to maintain technical standards, training quality, and studio best practices for piercers.

Customer experience

• Greet and educate customers so they understand and enjoy the Studs experience from start to finish.
• Model effective service recovery and make sure customer feedback is built into everyday operations.
• Track reviews and customer comments, flagging recurring issues and trends to support ongoing improvement.

Leadership and team development

• Lead and develop a service-oriented team that may include an Assistant Studio Manager, Studio Supervisors, Sales Associates, and Piercers, while coordinating closely with Piercing Leadership on technical standards and best practices.
• Provide regular coaching and feedback to strengthen performance, growth, and accountability.
• Foster a workplace culture rooted in trust, collaboration, and belonging.
• Handle employee relations carefully and work in partnership with cross-functional teams when needed.
• Support change management efforts and help the team adapt to shifting priorities and business needs.

Schedule and working conditions

This position requires on-site work five days per week, for a minimum of 40 hours weekly. Open availability is needed, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, though overnight work is not required. Weekend availability on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is mandatory except when approved PTO applies. The standard days off are usually Wednesday and Thursday, although this can change depending on business needs. Full-time employees are expected to make Studs their primary work commitment.

The role also involves standing for extended periods of up to 8+ hours, lifting or moving at least 20 lbs, and handling chemicals safely while following all health and safety procedures.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of management experience in a customer-facing setting, such as Store Manager, General Manager, or Studio Manager; background in jewelry, piercing, or retail services is an advantage.
• Demonstrated success managing a team of 7 or more employees, including roles that require specialized skills.
• Strong operational and financial judgment with a history of meeting business objectives.
• A proactive, accountable mindset paired with creative problem-solving.
• Excellent organization skills and the ability to work effectively in fast-changing situations 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, such as online therapy, gender affirmation support services, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Voluntary life insurance.
• Health and commuter tax-advantaged accounts.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off plus paid safe and sick leave accruals.
• 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 and other extras 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 free from discrimination or harassment based on 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 characteristic. The company also considers applicants with criminal histories where permitted by law and follows all applicable state and local employment laws.

If you need an accommodation during the application process, you must request it through the employer’s accommodation process. Massachusetts applicants should note that lie detector tests cannot legally be required as a condition of employment or continued employment. California applicants may review the company’s privacy notice for additional information.