Area Manager, Management Operations Manager

Overview

CADY exists to inspire and unleash human potential. Started in 1999, we have become the fastest growing photography company in the U.S., with an average 20% growth each year. Through photography, classroom solutions, school branding, and more, we deliver an experience unlike anything in our industry. We are an innovative company competing to outdo ourselves year after year. As the nation’s premier school photography company, we engage with students, schools, and our team members to make them feel accepted and empowered.

CADY’s mission is to go beyond a portrait and to provide a premier experience for the extraordinary—because each of our guests, school partners, and team members are utterly extraordinary.

Who are you? You are a high-energy leader who thrives on collaboration, people development, and operational excellence. You’re passionate about creating meaningful connections and driving performance through empowerment and accountability. You thrive in fast-paced, high-volume environments, and you take pride in helping teams reach their full potential. You see the big picture and love the challenge of leading multiple teams to meet and exceed goals—always with CADY’s mission in mind.

The Area Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing the operations and performance of multiple CADY studios, ensuring the delivery of exceptional customer experiences and the achievement of business goals. This position plays a pivotal role in building high-performing teams, maintaining operational excellence, and collaborating cross-functionally to execute studio and event strategies. A successful Area Manager will be results-driven, people-focused, and strategic in managing multiple studios with consistency and excellence.

• Lead and oversee all operational aspects of multiple CADY studios to ensure performance, guest experience, and financial targets are met
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop studio teams, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and excellence
• Monitor and analyze KPIs across studios, including sales performance, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and operational efficiency
• Implement company standards and procedures to ensure consistency in customer experience and quality across studios and events
• Serve as a resource and escalation point for studio-level issues, problem-solving in real time while promoting long-term solutions
• Partner with internal departments (HR, Marketing, Production, Logistics) to support studio locations in achieving goals
• Support strategic planning and execution of school events and photography sessions, ensuring preparedness, team readiness, and brand alignment
• Ensure studios maintain a high standard of cleanliness, safety, and visual merchandising
• Review and manage budgets, payroll, and expenses for assigned studios, ensuring profitability and resource efficiency
• Champion CADY culture and values across both locations, leading by example and reinforcing our mission-driven mindset
• Drive innovation and local marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and market share
• Complete additional responsibilities as assigned by senior leadership

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must pass a satisfactory background check.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Available to work weekend hours during the busy season.
• Professional demeanor with customers and team members.
• Familiarity with business systems and a willingness to learn new platforms.
• Ability to support and motivate a team to achieve high standards.
• Ability to stay organized and efficient in a fast-paced environment while remaining calm under pressure.

• Proven experience leading multiple teams or locations in a high-volume, customer-focused environment
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, coach, and develop high-performing teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence and motivate
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and performance analysis skills
• Solid understanding of operational workflows and using metrics to drive results
• Highly organized with the ability to manage time, prioritize, and adapt in a fast-paced, seasonal business

• High School diploma or equivalent.

• Able to walk/move inside or outside for more than 6 consecutive hours.
• Able to work in outdoor weather as needed.
• Comfortable with significant noise and sensory stimulants (e.g., busy retail environments with camera flashes, music, and crowded areas).
• Able to move up to 40 lbs.
• Able to bend or stoop.