Retail Studio Manager NJ

Jersey City, NJ

Morgan Julia Designs is a fast-growing, design-led needlepoint and lifestyle brand built around creativity, craftsmanship, and community. As our Jersey City studio continues to grow into both a retail destination and gathering space, we’re looking for a Retail Studio Manager to lead the experience on the ground.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who loves retail, thrives in community environments, and deeply understands the craft of needlepoint. You’ll be at the center of a fast-paced, growing small business where flexibility, positivity, and leadership matter just as much as operational skill.

The Role

The Retail Studio Manager oversees the daily operations of our Jersey City retail studio. You’ll manage front-of-house retail, lead and schedule the team, maintain inventory flow, and ensure every customer interaction reflects the warmth and creativity of Morgan Julia Designs.

This person keeps the studio running beautifully, operationally tight, visually inspiring, and community-forward, while confidently juggling the moving parts that come with growth.

This is a full-time leadership position (40 hours per week). We’re looking for someone ready to be deeply involved in the studio’s day-to-day operations, but we’re happy to explore scheduling flexibility for the right candidate.

Who You Are

You’re both a leader and a stitcher. You love retail and you also helping someone pick the perfect thread. You stay steady when things get busy. You think on your feet, go with the flow, and bring a positive attitude even when the day takes an unexpected turn.

You care deeply about community. You’re energized by building something, not just maintaining it. You’re excited to help grow a creative business that’s evolving quickly, and you want to be part of shaping what it becomes.

If you want to lead a beautiful, creative retail space and build real community around needlepoint, we’d love to meet you.

Key Responsibilities

Front of House & Customer Experience

• Manage daily retail operations and serve as lead in-store presence
• Create a welcoming, high-touch customer experience
• Confidently assist customers with stitch selection, thread substitutions, canvas guidance, and finishing questions
• Ensure store merchandising and displays are aligned with brand standards

Inventory & Operations

• Place inventory orders and manage stock levels
• Track best sellers and proactively restock
• Ensure canvases, fibers, accessories, and supplies are consistently stocked
• Oversee receiving, tagging, and organizing merchandise
• Maintain studio cleanliness and organization

Team Leadership

• Manage team scheduling and coverage
• Hire, onboard, and train retail associates
• Foster a positive, motivated team culture
• Keep morale high and communication clear
• Provide feedback and support performance growth

Community & Programming

• Plan and execute in-store events
• Manage and facilitate stitch nights and classes
• Coordinate instructors, materials, and class setup
• Act as a needlepoint resource and leader within the community

Qualifications

• Retail management experience required
• Must have strong needlepoint knowledge and experience
• Comfortable with a wide range of stitches
• Knowledgeable about fibers, thread types, and substitutions
• Able to confidently guide customers at varying skill levels
• Experience managing schedules and leading a team
• Strong organizational and operational skills
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities
• Able to juggle moving pieces without becoming flustered
• Adaptable and quick on your feet when plans or schedules shift
• Community programming experience preferred
• Warm, approachable, and naturally community-oriented
• Excited to be part of a fast-growing small business

What Success Looks Like

• The studio feels welcoming, organized, and inspiring every day
• Customers trust you as a knowledgeable needlepoint expert
• Inventory is well managed with minimal stockouts
• Events and stitch nights are well attended and thoughtfully executed
• The team feels supported, energized, and clear on expectations
• When things change (and they will), the studio stays calm and solutions-focused

Application 

Please submit a resume and cover letter to partnerships@morganjuliadesigns.com

Compensation

This role offers a salary range of $54,000-$65,000 based on experience.

The role also includes bonus potential, paid time off, a generous employee discount, and opportunities to grow with Morgan Julia Designs as the brand continues to expand.

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Part-Time Studio Team (Jersey City & St. Pete)

We’re looking for part-time team members to join us in our Jersey City studio — both front-of-house and back-of-house. If you already know and love needlepoint and want to be part of a creative, warm, and busy studio environment, we’d love to meet you.

What we're looking for:
• Needlepoint experience required
• Friendly, reliable, and detail-oriented
• Comfortable assisting customers and/or working behind the scenes
• Able to commit to at least 2 shifts per week (some weekends preferred)

Responsibilities may include:
• Welcoming and supporting stitchers in the studio
• Packaging orders + inventory support
• Thread + canvas organization
• General studio upkeep and assistance

Come stitch, ship, organize, and help us bring the MJD experience to life!

Ready to apply? Email your Resume & Cover Letter to Hello@MorganJuliaDesigns.com