Salon Manager

Operations ManagerSpa Manager  |  Business Operations  |  Client ExperienceChicago, IL •  South LoopAbout UsOur MedSpa is a boutique luxury nail salon and medical spa opening in Chicago’s South Loop. We offer Russian manicures, luxury pedicures, lash and brow services, HydraFacials, chemical peels, microneedling, neurotoxins, dermal fillers, biostimulators, PRF treatments, and Pico laser—all in a warm, elevated environment built on precision and artistry. We are looking for an Operations Manager to run the day-to-day business so our providers can focus on what they do best.The RoleYou are the person who makes our location run. You’ll manage daily operations across both the nail salon and medspa sides of the business—scheduling, staffing, inventory, client experience, vendor relationships, financials, and marketing support. You’re the bridge between the CEO’s vision and what actually happens every day in the space. This is a hands-on leadership role: you’ll manage the front desk, support the providers, solve problems in real time, and ensure every client leaves feeling like our location is their place. You’ll report directly to the CEO and owner.What You’ll DoDaily Operations & Client Experience•       Oversee daily operations of the salon and medspa—open and/or close the space, manage the flow of the day, ensure every detail is on point•       Own the client experience from the moment someone walks in to the moment they leave—greetings, wait times, ambiance, music, refreshments, checkout•       Manage the appointment book across all providers (nail artists, aesthetician, nurse injector) using Boulevard scheduling software•       Handle client communications: phone calls, emails, DMs, appointment confirmations, follow-ups, and rebooking•       Resolve client concerns and complaints with grace, speed, and a luxury-first mindset•       Manage the front desk when the Client Experience Coordinator is off or not yet hired—you are the backup for everything•       Ensure the physical space is immaculate: reception, treatment rooms, nail stations, bathrooms, refreshment areaTeam Management•       Manage and support a team of nail technicians, an aesthetician, a nurse injector, and front desk staff•       Create and manage weekly staff schedules—balance provider availability with client demand and operating hours (9 AM–8 PM, 6 days/week)•       Conduct onboarding for new team members: orientation, systems training, brand standards, and culture alignment•       Run regular team check-ins and address performance, attendance, or interpersonal issues early and directly•       Track provider productivity: bookings per day, rebooking rates, service mix, and utilization•       Coordinate with the medical director on clinical staff compliance—licensure verification, malpractice insurance, delegation documentation, training records•       Foster a positive, professional, drama-free team culture where people want to show up and do great workFinancial Operations & Inventory•       Manage daily revenue tracking, end-of-day reconciliation, and cash handling procedures•       Track and report on key financial metrics: daily/weekly/monthly revenue, average ticket, service mix, and commission payouts•       Process payroll inputs—track hours, commissions, tips, and bonuses for all staff•       Manage inventory across nail supplies, skincare products (BABOR, HydraFacial, peel solutions), and injectable supplies—reorder before you run out, negotiate with vendors, track costs•       Manage vendor relationships: product reps, cleaning services, laundry, equipment maintenance, and facility needs•       Assist the CEO with budgeting, expense tracking, and monthly P&L review•       Manage gift card sales, membership enrollments, and package trackingMarketing & Growth Support•       Support the CEO on marketing initiatives: coordinate Instagram content, manage promotions, track campaign performance•       Manage our online presence: respond to Google reviews, monitor Yelp, update website/Wix booking as needed•       Drive membership sales and retention—track sign-ups, renewals, cancellations, and follow up with at-risk members•       Plan and execute client events: grand opening, seasonal promotions, VIP nights, and community partnerships•       Track and follow up on no-shows, cancellations, and lapsed clients—every empty slot is lost revenue•       Manage the referral program and loyalty points system•       Build relationships with South Loop/Bronzeville businesses for cross-promotions and neighborhood visibilityCompliance & Systems•       Ensure OSHA, sanitation, and health department compliance across all stations and treatment rooms•       Maintain HIPAA compliance for medspa client records and communications•       Manage booking software (Boulevard), POS system, client database, and CRM•       Track and maintain all business licenses, permits, and insurance renewals•       Ensure informed consent forms, intake forms, and waivers are up to date and properly filed•       Coordinate with the medical director on clinical compliance documentation—delegation protocols, standing orders, training records available for IDFPR upon requestWhat We’re Looking For•       3–5 years of management experience in a salon, spa, medspa, hospitality, or luxury retail environment•       Proven ability to manage a team of 5–15 people—scheduling, performance, hiring, and culture building•       Strong operational instincts: you see what needs to happen before anyone tells you•       Financial literacy—comfortable with P&L statements, daily reconciliation, inventory management, and commission tracking•       Client experience obsession—you notice when the music is too loud, the water station is empty, or a client looks confused•       Excellent communication skills: professional writing, clear phone presence, comfortable navigating difficult conversations with staff and clients•       Tech-savvy: booking software (Boulevard, Vagaro, or similar), POS systems, Google Workspace, Instagram, CRM tools•       Organized, detail-oriented, and calm under pressure—you can manage a busy Saturday without losing composure•       Professional appearance and demeanor aligned with a luxury beauty environment•       Reliable, self-directed, and accountable—you don’t wait to be told what needs doingBonus (Nice to Have)•       Experience specifically in a medspa or dual-concept (salon + medspa) environment•       Knowledge of medspa services—you understand the difference between Botox and filler, and can speak to clients about services confidently•       Experience with Boulevard scheduling software•       Marketing skills: social media management, email campaigns, event planning•       Experience managing membership programs, loyalty programs, or subscription-based services•       Bilingual (English/Spanish)•       Familiarity with the South Loop/Bronzeville neighborhood•       Cosmetology or aesthetician license (not required, but helpful for understanding the provider experience)Compensation & Benefits•       Base Salary: $55,000–$75,000 annually depending on experience•       Performance bonuses tied to revenue targets, client retention, and membership growth•       Full-time position: Tuesday–Saturday (must be available on Saturdays)•       Continuing education support for management and business development•       Friends-and-family discount on all services•       Be part of a founding team building something special from the ground upSchedule•       Full-time: approximately 40–45 hours/week•       Primary schedule: TBD•       Flexibility for occasional Monday or evening hours during events, grand opening, or staff emergencies•       One weekday off per week (typically Sunday + Monday)Key ResponsibilitiesOwn The Client Experience From The Moment Someone Walks In To The Moment They Leave—Greetings, Wait Times, Ambiance, Music, Refreshments, CheckoutQualifications3–5 years of management experience in a salon, spa, medspa, hospitality, or luxury retail environment