New Ops Manager to 5 Salon Chain

[fastan]

I have just been hired as a new operations manager for a 5 salon chain. This position is new to me, as well as the owner - so it's going to be a learning experience for the two of us. I have a "big business" backgound in leasing, cash management and some risk management. The job will encompass daily routine maintenance (changing bulbs, fixing toilets and sinks, etc.), training employees, and promoting ways to increase sales and reduce risk/shrink/attrition. What do you believe to be the most important job functions for this type of position? Where and how do I begin? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[JeffK]

Originally Posted by fastan

I have just been hired as a new operations manager for a 5 salon chain. This position is new to me, as well as the owner - so it's going to be a learning experience for the two of us. I have a "big business" backgound in leasing, cash management and some risk management. The job will encompass daily routine maintenance (changing bulbs, fixing toilets and sinks, etc.), training employees, and promoting ways to increase sales and reduce risk/shrink/attrition. What do you believe to be the most important job functions for this type of position? Where and how do I begin? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Congratulations on your new position.

And as plain as it seems, the answer is staring you in the face at this very moment.

Read this site. Thoroughly. All of it, if you can.

[Kathe]

Second that. There is so much good information on this site. Just start reading and you'll learn.

[JeffK]

Oh and at some point you'll need to pick between Jesus, Obama or yourself... (don't ask)

[fastan]

Is Buddha not an option???

Anyway... I get the feeling that I should study this site, so I will take that advice and get to it. Thanks!

[sunsally]

^^^^ LOL JeffK - that's funny right there!

Have your new employers identified what THEY think are the most important job functions for this position? I'd start there, as everyone will have some different thoughts, and part of it will depend on what other positions there are within their company, what they emphasize (e.g. membership model with high sales expectations or friendly/clean/flexible "neighborhood salon" type environment).

[fastan]

I've been reading some start-up cost posts (not an issue with us at the moment). I do agree with what the vets have to say about negotiating costs into the lease. The commercial/retail real estate market is taking quite a hit on the Landlord side right now - they have a lot of empty shopping space they need to lease. You'd be surprised at what Landlord's may be willing to give you for fit-out costs. Hey, if you don't ask the answer is always "no"...

[fastan]

SunSally - Good advice - thanks. I'm looking forward to learning about the industry. My first job duty is to attend a lotion seminar. Second is to paint/remodel a new location. This SOOOOOO beats my old job (lease administrator/negotiator) - hands down...

[StauntonRayz]

Brace yourself, and read anything and everything you can. Make it point to get to Nashville if the owner will swing it, the things you will see will give you a good boost. Oh yeah, as an insider, having worked with Fastan before, shore up your backbone and speak your mind. Good luck to you and welcome to the industry. If Shannon is still the manager for C-ville she is awesome!!! You can tell her I said so too!!