Design Studio Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

TITLE: Store Manager

REPORTS TO: Regional Director

ABOUT US: Blu Dot (www.bludot.com), an award-winning designer and maker of modern home furnishings, is currently searching for a Store Manager to join our dynamic and values-driven company.

Company Purpose

Inspire a more creative way of living through good design that's good to everyone.

Core Values

- Good design is good. Good design should be reflected in everything we do.

- Keep it simple. Strive for economy in all that you do.

- Everyone is invited to our party. Treat every individual with respect & dignity.

- Our glass is half full. Focus on the positive.

- Be humble. We take nothing for granted.

- Turn it up to 11. Determine what is expected and do a little more.

- Stay curious. Try, learn, improve, repeat.

ABOUT THE ROLE: As Store Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day operations, creating an exceptional experience for customers while inspiring and developing a high-performing team. You'll drive sales, uphold Blu Dot's standards for service and visual presentation, and ensure operational excellence across every aspect of the store. As a brand ambassador, you'll help grow awareness of Blu Dot as an American design studio, cultivate lasting customer relationships, and create a welcoming, design-forward shopping experience for everyone who walks through our doors.

WHO YOU ARE:

• A natural leader. You inspire, coach, and develop others while creating a positive, inclusive environment where people enjoy coming to work.
• Customer-obsessed. You believe every interaction is an opportunity to create an exceptional experience and build lasting relationships.
• Passionate about good design. You have an appreciation for modern design and enjoy helping customers discover products that fit their lives and spaces.
• Organized and adaptable. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, balancing competing priorities without losing sight of the details.
• A proactive problem solver. You take ownership, make thoughtful decisions, and look for solutions rather than waiting for direction.
• Aligned with our values. You lead with humility, treat everyone with respect and dignity, and consistently go the extra mile to create a welcoming experience for customers and teammates alike.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Sales, Marketing and Merchandising:

• Represent and expand the customer's connection to the Blu Dot brand through a personable and professional demeanor
• Develop and maintain relationships with all customer cohorts
• Meet monthly sales goals and maximize profitability
• Use product information and design knowledge to demonstrate merchandise features and benefits
• Suggest additional items based on assessment of customer's needs
• See sales through to completion and follow up with the customer as necessary
• Communicate accurate pricing, delivery expectations and tracking information
• Enter customer orders according to company policy and procedures
• Actively prospect and cultivate relationships with new retail customers and trade clients.
• Implement and maintain visual merchandising standards of the showroom
• Maintain supply of sales & marketing materials and distribute effectively to customers
• Create and maintain accurate customer email database for communicating sales, promotions, and events
• Help with marketing functions such as sales, advertising, direct mailing, quarterly trade events, Open Studio, and other special projects as directed by Blu Dot.
• Partner with the Market Development Manager (if applicable) to drive traffic and activate the store space.

Customer Service:

• Train and empower your team to make the best decisions for the customer while maintaining company policies
• Respond to all incoming emails and phone calls within 24 hours
• Communicate an in-depth working knowledge of product construction and care to customers
• Provide outstanding customer service by handling all merchandise returns and customer issues in a positive and expeditious manner
• Utilize problem-solving skills to swiftly determine the best solution to service issues while remaining mindful of company policies
• Accurately communicate in stock status and delivery lead times to customers
• Assist in quality control efforts by tracking product issues and alerting direct supervisor and quality control team to issues and inconsistencies
• Provide assembly instructions to customers as needed
• Provide catalogs, samples, and marketing materials to customers upon request
• Communicate customer and assortment feedback to direct supervisor and Product Development team

Operations:

• Receive all incoming inventory and floor samples in compliance with company standards
• Perform inventory cycle counts as directed and assist BDMN team in reconciling variances
• Consistently follow and demonstrate an understanding for order entry and inventory management processes, policies, and systems
• File freight claims and return process documents as needed
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compelling shopping space
• Coordinate order shipping logistics with customers and local white glove delivery providers: obtain contact info, correct billing address and delivery quotes as needed
• Work with Store Operations to manage and own the local final mile delivery company relationship and keep accurate records of product that may reside at their storage facilities
• Ensure that the delivery experience provided by local delivery partners in keeping with company customer service standards.
• Partner with accounting team to maintain accurate sales and billing records
• Assist in inventory planning and forecasting as required
• Maintain company loss prevention standards; responsible for store inventory shrink
• Submit expense reports monthly and adhere to company purchasing policies
• Alert direct supervisors to any system inaccuracies: pricing, inventory, etc.

Staff Management/HR:

• Lead the team with respect and professionalism
• Foster curiosity for design
• Create and promote a positive and safe work environment
• Write weekly staff schedules that provide appropriate coverage for sales traffic
• Ensure all team members are meeting sales goals and consistently demonstrating excellent customer service skills
• Provide developmental feedback; create action plan for staff members not meeting sales goal or service standards
• Train staff as needed/directed
• Partner with Store Operations to seek feedback on team performance and instigate necessary process training as required
• Recruit and hire staff as needed/directed
• Write and deliver annual performance reviews
• Hold regular monthly meetings with staff to discuss product knowledge, sales goals/tactics, and customer service issues and successes

Other Duties:

• Make showroom available for after hour events and private parties as instructed
• Projects as assigned
• Drive Store Activations
• Host Quarterly Trade Events

IDEAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS*:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• 5+ years of retail leadership experience with a proven track record of driving sales, developing high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Background in premium retail, home furnishings, interior design, architecture, or another design-focused environment preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to coach, motivate, and develop others.
• Experience managing store operations, including scheduling, inventory, visual merchandising, and expense management.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Passion for modern design and creating an inspiring, customer-focused shopping experience.
• Proficiency with retail systems and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

*Everyone's welcome to our party! Blu Dot always welcomes candidates with unique and diverse backgrounds. Blu Dot is a member of E-Verify. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.