About Us
Founded in 1976, Friend & Company Fine Jewelers began as a small concept rooted in offering beautiful jewelry at exceptional value and has since grown into a trusted destination for fine jewelry in New Orleans. Built on a reputation for honesty, expertise, and personalized service, the business has since evolved to include diamonds, gemstones, pearls, custom design, and bridal offerings.
With leadership spanning multiple generations, the company combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for creating a welcoming, high-end experience without the high-end pressure. Today, Friend & Company proudly serves generations of loyal clients and continues to grow, offering exceptional craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and outstanding customer care.
Role Overview
The General Manager serves as the operational and cultural leader of the store, responsible for driving performance across all departments while ensuring a consistently elevated client and team experience. This role combines strategic oversight with disciplined execution, requiring a leader who can confidently manage daily operations, elevate organizational effectiveness, and sustain a high standard of performance across sales, service, and back-of-house functions.
The ideal leader in this role is structured, adaptable, and solutions-oriented, capable of setting clear direction, refining systems, and reinforcing standards of excellence across the business. Success in this position is defined by the ability to bring people, processes, and performance into strong alignment, creating a seamless and high-functioning operation that supports both immediate impact and long-term growth.
What You'll Do
- Oversee daily store operations across all departments, ensuring a polished, fully functional, and well-maintained environment
- Lead, develop, and support a team of associates, fostering strong performance and consistent professional growth
- Serve as an active sales-floor presence when needed, supporting peak business periods and coverage gaps
- Direct recruiting efforts, onboarding, training, and ongoing team development initiatives
- Manage HR functions including coaching conversations, performance evaluations, and employee relations
- Maintain and refine internal policies and procedures to support operational consistency and clarity
- Lead KPI tracking, sales performance analysis, and facilitate daily/weekly team meetings or huddles
- Cultivate a culture rooted in ownership, initiative, and continuous improvement
- Oversee facility standards, ensuring store presentation, safety, and operational readiness remain at a premium level
- Ensure compliance with licensing, safety protocols, and internal operational guidelines
- Identify operational gaps, evaluate challenges, and implement practical, forward-thinking solutions
- Foster a positive, collaborative team environment while maintaining high performance expectations
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years of experience in a retail leadership or general management role (luxury jewelry or high-end retail strongly preferred)
- 5+ years of experience in retail operations, multi-department leadership, or facility/store management
- Jewelry credentials such as DCA, AJP, or GIA certifications (strongly preferred)
- Proven experience in fine jewelry sales, with the ability to build lasting client relationships, navigate high-value transactions, and lead within a luxury, service-driven environment.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage KPIs, and drive sales performance
- Strong business and sales acumen with the ability to interpret performance data and make informed decisions
- Experience with recruiting, onboarding, training, and employee development
- Background in HR-related functions including performance management, coaching, and employee relations
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain financial or operational planning structures
- Strong communication, delegation, and organizational skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or related field preferred, or equivalent experience
- Working knowledge of operational procedures, retail systems, and team management practices
Compensation & Benefits
- $70,000 - $95,000 based on experience & expertise
- Relocation assistance available for the right candidate
- Health insurance with 50% employer paid coverage for employees, with no waiting period
- 100% employer paid dental and vision coverage with no waiting period
- 401(k) with 4% company match after 12 months of employment
- Paid time off + sick leave
If you are a leader who thrives in building structure, elevating teams, and driving meaningful results, we would welcome the opportunity to connect. Appy today!
Pay: $70,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
