Job Title: Assistant Studio Manager

Company: The Pottery Stop

Location: Ellicott City, MD

About Us:

At The Pottery Stop, we believe in creating happiness through art. As a paint-your-own pottery studio, we provide a fun, friendly, and inclusive environment for our community to unleash their creativity and connect with others. Our mission is to inspire joy and foster meaningful experiences through art.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate Assistant Manager to join our team and play a key role in studio operations and leadership. The Assistant Manager will work closely with the Studio Manager to ensure the smooth functioning of the studio, maintain a high standard of customer service, and cultivate a positive work environment. This role requires exceptional communication skills, strong leadership abilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Summary of Key Responsibilities:

• Provide exceptional customer service and create a welcoming atmosphere for all patrons.
• Independently resolve complex customer situations or issues.
• Assist the Studio Manager in leading and developing the team, including training new staff members and providing ongoing support and guidance.
• Assist with managing studio operations, including maintaining general studio appearance, kiln room management, and studio organization.
• Monitor and track inventory and supplies.
• Respond to staff and customer inquiries, through text, phone, and email.
• Lead the studio and be Manager on Duty, in absence of Manager.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, enthusiasm, and teamwork among staff members.
• Ensure compliance with studio policies and procedures.
• Potential additional responsibilities may include: visual merchandising, social media/marketing, event coordination

Key Skills:

• A genuine enthusiasm for engaging with people.
• Positive, proactive attitude with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to absorb and convey important information clearly and effectively.
• Quick decision-making and problem-solving abilities, with strong attention to detail.
• Proficient at multitasking and prioritization, including in high-pressure situations.
• Confident, proactive, and willing to take on workplace challenges.
• A flexible mindset, with a capability to respond and adjust to change quickly and calmly.
• Leadership skills and initiative, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team.
• A strong interest in collaboration and learning more about the studio and the industry.

Availability Requirements:

• Availability to work within studio hours, with flexible weekend availability (Fri PM, Sat, Sun as needed).
• Minimum of 4 shifts per week (variable, 28-35 in studio hours), with a minimum of 6 weekend shifts per month.
• Availability to respond to staff question by phone/text (1hr/ week paid).
• Regular and consistent availability during HCPSS holidays, breaks, and holiday season (Thanksgiving to New Years)
• Staff meeting availability (generally Sun PMs)
• Ability to assist with coverage for staffing callouts/emergencies
• After training (estimated 3-6 months), a potential standard schedule would be Sun to Tues, with additional rotating shifts (W-Sat) based on the needs of the studio.
• An ability and desire to commit to the studio for at least one year as an assistant manager.

Benefits (eligible after 90 days unless otherwise noted):

• SIMPLE IRA
• Employee Discount comped items
• Wellness Cell Phone stipend
• Professional industry related training and development opportunities
• Educational Assistance Program (eligible after six months)
• PTO (eligible after six months)

Qualifications:

• High School graduate or equivalent; college degree or diploma preferred.
• Minimum of one year experience in customer service, retail, or food service.
• Previous experience in customer service or retail management preferred.
• Basic computer and math skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office.
• Legally able to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements

• Extended time on feet; must stand, walk, or move extended periods of time, often the entirety of the shift (6-8.5 hrs).
• Lifting of boxes and/or supplies between 5-50 pounds (inventory, kiln furniture, clay glaze, etc.)
• Stretching, twisting and bending to load/unload kilns or clean
• Crouching, stooping or kneeling to stock or retrieve pottery or clean
• Climbing and balancing on ladders/step-stools to retrieve pottery or clean
• Fine motor skills to handle pottery, tools, and supplies.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information, both in person and by telephone.
• Specific vision requirements include close & distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Most work is performed inside the studio and at a moderate noise level. Occasionally employees will assist customers outdoors.
• Work is also performed in a kiln room with elevated temperatures and using mechanical parts/items (eg: Kilns, Dremel tools, drills).

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pay: Assistant Studio Managers in training start at $16/hour. After initial studio training (30-60 days), will join tip pool. Staff average an additional $2-4/hour to their base pay after tips, particularly on weekends. Raises are evaluated approx. every 6 months and may be skill, responsibility, or performance based. Formal performance reviews to be held yearly.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 28 – 34 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Weekly day range:

• Every weekend
• Monday to Friday
• Rotating weekends

Application Question(s):

• What interests you in this position at The Pottery Stop?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Management or Leadership: 1 year (Preferred)
• Retail, Serving, or Customer Service: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Ellicott City, MD 21042 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Ellicott City, MD 21042: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person