Studio General Manager

Company Overview

CADY exists to inspire and unleash human potential. Started in 1999, we have become the fastest growing photography company in the U.S., with an average 20% growth each year. Through photography, classroom solutions, school branding, and more, we deliver an experience unlike anything in our industry. We are an innovative company competing to outdo ourselves, year after year. As the nation’s premier school photography company, we engage with students, schools, and our team members to make them feel accepted and empowered. CADY’s mission is to go beyond a portrait and to provide a premier experience for the extraordinary—because each of our guests, school partners, and team members are utterly extraordinary.

Who You Are

You are an ambitious, detail‑oriented team member who finds joy in making meaningful connections with people. You have a true passion for creating memorable experiences, see beyond the surface of interactions, and enjoy working hard and celebrating hard. You love the opportunity to exceed expectations and be rewarded for your contribution to the company.

Job Summary

The Studio General Manager performs critical functions driving the success of CADY. This position makes significant decisions and controls outcomes while increasing sales by improving employee engagement techniques. It is responsible for all activities within the studio and at school events, delivering an amazing customer experience driven by beautiful photography, a friendly, knowledgeable team, and a successful sales journey. The role requires effectiveness and efficiency in a seasonal, high‑pressure retail and event environment and demonstrates excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee successful studio and event operations ensuring financial and excellence goals are achieved.
• Hire, train, coach, and mentor a sales‑ and service‑oriented team across various roles.
• Evaluate studio and event performance, focusing on experience enhancement and problem‑solving.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure quality and sales success.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through excellent customer experience.
• Complete studio administration and maintain compliance with policies and procedures.
• Maintain outstanding studio condition and visual merchandising standards.
• Regularly report on KPIs such as buy ratios, AOV, trends, customer reviews, quality scores, payroll metrics, employee management, and expense management.
• Propose innovative ideas to increase market share.
• Conduct personnel performance reviews to assess training needs and build career paths.
• Assist in resolving staff or customer issues (complaints, grievances) and implement preventative actions.
• Develop strategic plans for studio success and event execution, including timelines, checklists, and goal targets.
• Model exemplary behavior and high performance.
• Instill the importance of CADY culture and mission within the team.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Highly effective and efficient problem solver.
• Great communication and interpersonal skills.
• Operational proficiency with strong understanding of quality assurance workflows.
• Creative‑minded with a general level understanding of photography and equipment.
• Ability to train teams on soft skills and technical equipment, with continual follow‑up and retraining as needed.
• Professional demeanor in person, on calls, and in emails.
• Highly effective communicator with ability to multitask and prioritize.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Knowledge of business systems and ability to learn computer platforms and applications.
• Flexibility to manage a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to pass a satisfactory background check.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent required. A Bachelor’s degree or one year of relevant experience may be substituted for each year of required education.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Travel as needed.
• Public/group presentations.
• Ability to operate and transport photography equipment.
• Extended periods viewing computer screens.
• Stationary for extended periods.
• Walk/move inside or outside for more than 6 consecutive hours.
• Ability to communicate with customers and team members.