Senior Shop Manager

Senior Shop Manager

Founded in Washington DC, Varnish Lane has grown over the past decade into a beloved community destination known for our clean, waterless nail care services in a warm, home-like atmosphere. Our team is dedicated to elevating the nail care experience through thoughtful hospitality, meticulous cleanliness and a deep commitment to client and team wellbeing. We take pride not only in what we do, but how we make people feel.

We're searching for a dynamic, people-driven leader to guide one of our DC locations. Our ideal candidate brings warmth, energy and a deep passion for creating an exceptional client experience. You thrive in a fast-paced, hospitality-focused environment, love developing high-performing teams and enjoy working collaboratively with other management team members. Our team reflects a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and we are proud to be a diverse employer committed to inclusion.

As a Varnish Lane Manager, you will oversee the full rhythm of daily operations, from coaching and supporting our team to ensuring every client feels cared for the moment they walk through the door. You will drive strong customer service standards, uphold our clean and welcoming environment, and cultivate a positive, connected team culture. You will also play a key role in shaping the growth of the shop by supporting local marketing initiatives, community partnerships and creative client-experience strategies.

If you're a natural leader who takes pride in delivering thoughtful service and building meaningful relationships, we would love to meet you.

Responsibilities

Staff Leadership & Operations

• Manage team schedules to ensure seamless operations
• Builds and retains a strong, motivated team through clear communication and strong coaching
• Ensures operational excellence by maintaining consistency in daily shop practices and shop upkeep standards
• Helps guide and coordinate team training whenever new services, products or company initiatives are rolled out
• Oversees onboarding and training for new team members, ensuring clarity in expectations and confidence in their roles

Client Experience

• Delivers a thoughtful, hospitality-driven experience that reflects Varnish Lane's “less like a salon, more like a home” ethos
• Cultivates loyal clients by building meaningful connections
• Acts as a brand ambassador, sharing the Varnish Lane story and our commitment to natural, waterless, non-toxic care
• Helps educate clients on services, upgrades and retail products that enhance their visit

Driving Shop Performance

• Helps the shop meet revenue goals through service quality, client retention and thoughtful team leadership
• Manage labor efficiency and daily utilization to support strong financial performance
• Monitor, track and manage service, product and retail inventory to ensure the shop remains properly stocked and running smoothly.
• Identifies opportunities to maximize staffing levels to drive revenue
• Act as a community partner with neighboring businesses and influencers

What makes you a great fit for Varnish Lane:

• 3+ years of leadership experience in hospitality, beauty, retail or a similarly client-focused environment
• Effective P&L management and understanding the drivers of shop-level profitability
• Clear, confident and collaborative communication style (both verbal and written)
• Highly organized with effective time management and delegation abilities
• Resourceful problem-solver with resilience in navigating day-to-day operational challenges
• A desire to work in a space that is warm, fun, supportive and welcoming!

Perks of being a part of the Varnish Lane family:

• Dedicated HR support and guidance in enrolling for health insurance, vision dental & 401k
• Competitive salary and incentivized bonus structure
• Discounted services and retail products
• Positive work environment
• Potential to grow into a more senior operations role