Salon Manager (Fort Smith)

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Salon Manager is responsible for ensuring the stylists at Harper Ellis Salon can be successful in their work by providing operational support and accountability across all areas of the business.

This role supports daily salon operations by overseeing client communication, scheduling, retention systems, team performance, inventory management, and salon standards, ensuring the salon operates efficiently and delivers a seamless, luxury-level experience for every guest. The Salon Manager works closely with the Salon Operations team to drive business performance, support team development, and maintain consistency across all salon processes and expectations.

This position also oversees inventory ordering and management, reporting and KPI tracking, front-end operations, lead and retention follow-up, and maintains a clean, organized, and presentation-ready salon environment at all times.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, highly organized, and solutions-driven leader who anticipates needs, takes ownership, holds team members accountable, and thrives in a fast-paced, team-focused environment. They lead by example, support the success of both clients and stylists, and are passionate about delivering excellence in every aspect of the Harper Ellis experience.

ABOUT HARPER ELLIS HAIR CO. 

Harper Ellis Salon is a luxury salon recognized nationwide for innovation in hair extensions, education, and client experience. We’re not just a salon—we’re part of the Harper Ellis Hair Co. brand, a movement redefining beauty through education, culture, and industry authority. Our team is passionate about artistry, elevated service, and empowering professionals to reach their highest potential.

BENEFITS & CULTURE 

Harper Ellis Hair Co. and Harper Ellis Salon are proudly headquartered in the heart of charming downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas, where our teams work from a newly renovated historic building that blends character, creativity, and modern innovation. As we continue to grow — with exciting expansion plans already underway — we’re building more than an extension brand; we’re building a company for passionate people who want to make an impact. Located in a vibrant, walkable downtown filled with local restaurants, different cultures, and community spirit, our Harper Ellis HQ offers the perfect balance of small-town warmth and big-vision ambition. 

Along with our collaborative, forward-thinking environment, Harper Ellis Hair Co. provides competitive benefits including 401(k) matching, health, dental, and vision insurance, plus paid time off — because we believe investing in our team is just as important as investing in our future. 

KEY OBJECTIVES 

• Serve as the primary support system for the stylist team by providing the resources, communication, operational support, accountability, and problem-solving needed to help each stylist perform at their highest level and achieve their professional goals.
• Deliver a consistent, high-end client experience through exceptional communication, attention to detail, and hospitality.
• Ensure stylists’ schedules are optimized for productivity, efficiency, and scaling.
• Manage inventory, supplies, and retail orders while accurately tracking cost of goods sold (COGS) to provide clear visibility into business performance—ensuring the salon maintains balanced inventory levels, minimizes liabilities, and supports accurate financial reporting of the bottom line.
• Track, record, and report stylist metrics to drive accountability and results.
• Manage the front-end operations of the salon, including guest checkouts, rebooking, and phone/text communication.
• Support onboarding and training of new team members in alignment with company culture and standards.
• Maintain an impeccable salon environment through structure, systems, and delegation.
• Drive lead management and client conversion by consistently following up on inquiries, consultations, and client experience systems to maximize booking opportunities and retention.

COMPETENCIES

• Luxury Client Experience & Relationship Management – Creates exceptional guest experiences that build trust, loyalty, retention, and long-term client relationships while effectively resolving concerns and protecting the salon's reputation.
• Communication & Emotional Intelligence – Communicates professionally and effectively with clients, stylists, and leadership while adapting communication styles to ensure others feel heard, informed, and supported.
• Client Retention, Sales & Revenue Growth – Drives salon growth through strategic rebooking, consultation conversion, retail recommendations, membership promotion, and add-on service opportunities.
• Scheduling & Operational Coordination – Manages schedules, bookings, and appointment flow efficiently to maximize productivity, minimize downtime, and support a seamless client experience.
• Team Support & Leadership Presence – Maintains an active, supportive presence that promotes accountability, teamwork, service excellence, and a positive salon culture.
• Inventory & Resource Management – Oversees inventory and supplier processes to ensure products, tools, and resources are accurately stocked and readily available.
• Business Acumen, Reporting & Data Accuracy – Maintains accurate records, reporting, and KPI tracking while understanding how operational performance impacts salon success.
• Operational Excellence & Process Management – Consistently follows, improves, and documents salon processes and SOPs to ensure efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
• Ownership, Initiative & Accountability – Demonstrates reliability, proactive problem-solving, and personal accountability by taking ownership of responsibilities and addressing needs without direction.
• Professionalism, Adaptability & Brand Representation – Represents the Harper Ellis brand with professionalism, adaptability, composure, and a commitment to continuous growth and excellence.

METRICS & PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 

The Salon Manager directly leads the team toward success by monitoring performance metrics daily, providing consistent accountability and support, and ensuring individual and salon goals remain a focus in day-to-day operations.

• Salon Rebooking Rate – Percentage of clients who leave with their next appointment booked
• Front Desk Revenue – Retail sales and membership enrollments generated at checkout.
• Client Retention Follow-Up – Completion of daily outreach to existing clients who need follow-up
• Lead Pipeline Completion – Timely response and follow-up on all new inquiries and leads
• Show Rate – Percentage of booked appointments that arrive for their scheduled service

PREFERRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE 

• Prior experience in salon, or service industry management preferred
• Strong leadership and communication background required
• Proficiency in digital organization tools (Google Workspace, Asana, Phorest)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Long periods of sitting and/or standing
• Ability to lift 20–30 lbs (supplies, shipments, etc.)

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY 

As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multigenerational and multicultural workforce, Harper Ellis Hair Co. recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. 

We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability, and actively foster inclusion in all forms — both within our company and across interactions with clients, candidates, and partners. 

If this position caught your eye, send us your resume! For best consideration, include the job title and source where you found this position in the subject line of your email to View email address on apply.placed-app.com.