Area Operations Manager- In Training
Locations: Columbus, OH Jacksonville, FL Panama City, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000–$70,000 per year + Performance Bonus Opportunities
JOIN CLEOPATRA INK
Cleopatra Ink is one of the world’s fastest-growing tattoo and piercing brands, operating more than 120 studios worldwide, including over 50 locations across the United States.
As we continue expanding across the U.S., we are looking for a hands-on Area Operations Manager in Training to support multiple Cleopatra Ink studios within an assigned market.
This opportunity is ideal for a successful Studio Manager, General Manager, Assistant Manager, or operations professional who is ready to advance into multi-location leadership.
The selected candidate will begin with a structured 90-day training and evaluation period designed to build a strong understanding of Cleopatra Ink’s sales processes, Tattoo Designer responsibilities, customer service standards, studio operations, employee-management practices, and performance expectations.
During this period, the candidate will work closely with studio teams and senior leadership while gradually assuming responsibility for multiple locations. Successful completion of the training period may lead to advancement into an Area Studio Operations Manager position, based on demonstrated performance, leadership capability, operational readiness, and business needs.
This is a field-based leadership-development position—not a desk-based or remote role. The successful candidate will spend significant time inside our studios, learning the business, coaching employees, supporting daily operations, improving sales performance, and helping each location deliver an exceptional customer experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Support the daily operations and performance of multiple studios within an assigned market.
* Travel regularly between assigned studios to provide operational support, observe performance, and coach employees.
* Support Studio Managers in achieving sales, conversion, customer service, staffing, and operational goals.
* Review studio KPIs, sales reports, conversion rates, customer feedback, and other operational data.
* Identify performance gaps and assist with the development of practical improvement plans.
* Recruit, interview, onboard, train, and develop studio employees.
* Complete Cleopatra Ink’s sales, customer relations, Tattoo Designer, and operational training programs.
* Train and coach studio teams using Cleopatra Ink’s approved standards, processes, and service expectations.
* Provide hands-on studio support during staffing shortages, employee absences, peak periods, and new studio openings.
* When operationally necessary, assist with customer communication, appointment coordination, sales consultations, and Tattoo Designer responsibilities.
* Support employee scheduling and staffing coordination across assigned studios.
* Assist with mentoring Studio Managers and strengthening their leadership, sales, team-development, and problem-solving skills.
* Help keep studio teams motivated, engaged, productive, and accountable for achieving company goals.
* Monitor customer satisfaction, customer complaints, Google Reviews, and each studio’s local reputation.
* Support appropriate local marketing and social media engagement in coordination with company guidelines.
* Help ensure studios follow company policies, cash-handling procedures, health and safety requirements, licensing rules, and operational standards.
* Identify operational challenges and recommend practical solutions that improve efficiency, service quality, sales, and profitability.
* Support new studio setup, employee training, opening readiness, and post-opening stabilization.
* Prepare regular operational and performance updates for senior leadership.
* Escalate significant operational, financial, compliance, customer, or employee-related risks promptly.
* Perform other reasonable studio and area-support responsibilities based on business needs.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for an energetic, responsible, and people-focused leader who wants to develop a long-term career in multi-location operations.
The ideal candidate will have:
- At least two years of management or supervisory experience in a customer-facing business.
- Experience managing or supporting a business location, team, or operational unit.
- Strong leadership potential and a willingness to learn Cleopatra Ink’s operating model.
- Experience coaching, training, supervising, or developing employees.
- Experience assisting with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, or scheduling employees.
- Sales awareness and the ability to understand business performance indicators.
- The ability to learn how to interpret sales reports, conversion results, customer feedback, and operational data.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to balance customer needs, employee concerns, and business priorities.
- A hands-on working style and willingness to support studio operations whenever needed.
- The ability to accept coaching, apply feedback, and demonstrate continuous improvement.
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, growing, and entrepreneurial environment.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and business reporting systems.
- Reliable transportation and the ability to travel regularly within the assigned market.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, or peak periods when operationally necessary.Preferred Qualifications
- Multi-unit or regional management experience.
- Experience opening new business locations.
- Recruiting and employee development experience.
- Sales leadership experience.
- Customer service management experience.
- Experience in the beauty, tattoo, wellness, hospitality, fitness, or retail industries is highly preferred.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
Experience in one or more of the following industries is preferred:
* Tattoo and piercing studios
* Beauty salons or barbershop groups
* Med spas or aesthetic clinics
* Fitness and wellness businesses
* Hospitality or restaurant operations
* Retail chains
* Dental or medical clinics
* Appointment-based service businesses
* Other customer-focused, multi-location businesses
Previous regional, district, or multi-unit management experience is welcome but is not required.
WHAT WE OFFER
* Annual base salary of $65,000–$70,000, plus performance bonus opportunities, based on location and relevant experience
* Performance bonus opportunities tied to defined business results
* A structured 90-day operational and leadership training program
* Hands-on development in sales, studio operations, employee management, and multi-location leadership
* Professional development and career advancement opportunities
* Potential advancement to Area Studio Operations Manager following successful completion of the training and evaluation process
* A clear potential career path toward District or Regional Operations leadership
* Travel and mileage reimbursement in accordance with company policy
* The opportunity to grow with one of the world’s fastest-growing tattoo and piercing brands
* A dynamic, entrepreneurial, and team-focused work environment
WORK LOCATION AND TRAVEL
Candidates will be hired for one assigned market:
* Columbus, Ohio area
* Jacksonville, Florida area
* Panama City, Florida area
Regular travel between studios within the assigned market is required. Candidates must have reliable transportation and be available to work on-site.
WHY CLEOPATRA INK?
Leadership at Cleopatra Ink means being present, supporting the team, solving problems, improving performance, and helping studios succeed.
This position is designed for someone who is ready to grow beyond managing a single location and develop the skills, operational knowledge, and leadership experience needed for future area, district, or regional responsibility.
If you are passionate about developing people, improving business performance, and creating exceptional customer experiences, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today and take the next step in your career with Cleopatra Ink.
Work Location: In person, with regular travel throughout the assigned market
Pay: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Columbus, OH 43268
