Tired of feeling like you’re running a solo shop even though you’ve got a bunch of warm bodies on the floor? It’s time to build a squad that takes your glam game to new heights – and it starts with leveling up your leadership.

One of the trickiest parts of hiring for salon management is writing up a complete (but not overwhelming) list of duties in the salon manager job description. But don’t worry. Striking the perfect balance between transparency and tantalization is our specialty.

What Does a Salon Manager Do?

You wouldn’t leave your salon’s success in the hands of someone who wasn’t up to snuff. If you need help hiring a salon manager, you’re looking for a true leader to hold everything together for the long haul. But what can you realistically expect a salon manager to do?

A skilled manager can:

• Boost efficiency: They organize the team and make sure your salon runs as buttery-smooth as a fresh Brazilian wax.
• Maximize profits: A good salon manager manages your budget like a boss, keeping the money flowing and the expenses in check.
• Elevate the client experience: Clients want to feel pampered and valued. A salon manager makes that happen – and keeps customers coming back for more.
• Empower your team: Good vibes matter, and the right leader creates a positive and supportive work environment where every employee thrives.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

Salon Manager Duties

Ready to delegate some of the work you’re currently doing? Here’s a breakdown of the duties and responsibilities a salon manager superstar has to handle:

• Manage staff schedules: Handling staff schedules on your own is so last year. Your new manager should optimize efficiency and make sure you have the right people in place to meet client demand.

• Maintain salon cleanliness and organization: Put down the sanitizer – keeping the salon looking spotless is someone else’s job now.
• Manage the salon’s budget: Expenses, revenue, and finances are at the top of a manager’s priority list.
• Recruit, manage, and train new stylists: Want a dream team that keeps your hair salon booked out months in advance? Leave employee management, recruitment, and training in the capable hands of a salon manager.
• Manage inventory: From hair products to spa supplies, your new hire will make sure you’re always stocked up on the essentials.
• Handle client complaints with grace: Your manager’s people skills should be so on point that the only pouting lips you’ll see will be the ones your clients paid for.

[CTA_MODULE]

Salon Manager Requirements: How To Spot Good Candidates 

Once the applications start to come in, what should you look for in a potential salon manager? Here are a few must-haves:

• A valid cosmetology license: Any new hire should have the necessary credentials to operate in your area. Do your due diligence to learn exactly what they should have and that they have it.
• Proven experience managing teams: Look for someone with a proven track record of successfully managing teams, ideally in a salon or retail setting. They should know how to motivate, inspire, and bring out the best in their people.
• A strong understanding of business principles: The person you hire should be savvy in financial management, marketing, and operations.
• A strong understanding of salon policies and procedures: A good manager should be able to get (and stay) up to speed on the salon’s employee handbook to make sure everyone on your team plays by the rules. And if you don’t have a handbook already, they’ll create one.
• Excellent communication skills: Drama is rarely in short supply, so don’t bring on a leader who encourages more of it. Instead, look for someone who interacts effectively with both clients and staff and can de-escalate situations when necessary.

What’s in the Bag? The Salaries Salon Managers Are Looking For

A salon manager’s duties aren’t the only factor determining their pay. Other factors include their work experience, the size of the salon, and the salon’s geographical location. 

To give you a better idea, here are some general salary ranges common in salon manager contracts throughout the United States:

• Major metropolitan areas like New York City and Los Angeles: $77,000–$108,000/year
• Mid-sized cities like Denver and Austin: $41,000–$82,000/year
• Smaller towns and rural areas: $35,000–$75,000/year

These are just estimated ranges, so do your research to determine a competitive salary range in your specific area. And don’t forget to keep in mind the level of skills and experience you’re looking for. A pro with a 20-year career will demand higher pay than a newbie.

Worried about the payout process? GlossGenius is here to help you manage payroll like a pro. With integrated scheduling software, GlossGenius automatically calculates pay and handles deposits for you.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

A Job Description To Attract the Salon Manager You Want

Need help creating a job description that attracts superstar salon managers? Use this template as a starting point for your search:

Job title: Salon Manager

Reports to: Salon Owner

Summary:

Are you a passionate and experienced salon manager with a knack for leadership and a love for all things beauty? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a talent for building and supporting a strong team? If so, we want you!

We're seeking a dynamic salon manager to lead our team. The right candidate will have what it takes to ensure the smooth operation of our salon, helping us create an unforgettable experience for every client.

Salon manager responsibilities:

• Manage staff schedules like a pro, ensuring optimal efficiency and client satisfaction
• Maintain salon cleanliness and organization, because a sparkling salon is a happy salon
• Manage the salon's budget with an eye for detail and a mind for maximizing profits
• Recruit, manage, and train new stylists, building a dream team that's passionate and skilled
• Provide exceptional customer service that keeps clients coming back for more

Salon manager qualifications:

• Valid cosmetology license
• Proven leadership skills
• Strong understanding of business principles
• Excellent communication and people skills

Benefits:

• Competitive salary (because your talent deserves to be rewarded)
• Opportunities for growth
• Supportive and fun work environment 

To apply:

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter that tells us why you're the perfect fit for our fabulous team!

Where To Hire a Salon Manager

Ready to find your perfect match? Here are a few smart spots to post your job description:

• Local job boards and publications: Think local newspapers, community bulletin boards (both physical and online), and industry-specific publications – these are all places where you can target candidates already connected to your local beauty scene.    
• National hiring websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor: Whether you’re hiring a receptionist, salon assistant or manager, or stylist, hiring platforms help you reach a larger pool of potential candidates outside your niche. These sites often have filtering options to help you (and your candidates) narrow down the search.    
• Local hairdresser Facebook groups or online forums: Tap into the power of social media and online communities. Many cities and regions have Facebook groups or online forums specifically for hair and beauty professionals.
• Beauty schools and cosmetology programs: Reach out to local beauty schools and cosmetology programs. They often have job boards or placement services to connect graduates with potential employers.
• Industry events and conferences: Attend events and conferences to network with potential candidates. Going to these events is a great way to meet talented stylists who are passionate about the beauty industry.

[CTA_MODULE]

Create Your Dream Team With GlossGenius

Don’t think of your new salon manager’s salary as just another expense. It’s an investment in the future of the beautiful community you’ve worked so hard to build. Bringing on a qualified team member to share the leadership load frees up your time, empowers your team, and helps you reach new levels of success. 

But hiring a manager isn’t the only way to streamline your business. GlossGenius’ salon software can help. 

Designed to tackle everything from appointment scheduling to team management to email marketing, GlossGenius is the all-in-one platform that handles everything behind the scenes, leaving you and your salon manager free to deliver the in-person experiences your clients crave.

Sign up for a 14-day free trial today to make the streamlined salon of your dreams a reality.