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