Store Lead

The Store Lead is a dual-function role combining local sales expertise with instructional oversight. At their store, the Store Lead serves as an individual contributor, consistently achieving individual sales goals and delivering outstanding customer service. At the same time, this position carries elevated responsibility by directly leading all teachers assigned to the location.

The Store Lead partners closely with the Area Manager to drive teacher engagement, strengthen the lessons program, and ensure success in enrollment, retention, and student outcomes. This role balances excellence in personal sales performance with leadership of instructional staff, ensuring achievement of key lessons metrics.

Essential Functions (not all-inclusive)

Sales & Store Responsibilities

• Consistently generate sales to exceed personal sales goals.
• Promote the Music & Arts lesson program to drive enrollment.
• Create business opportunities by networking with teachers, schools, churches, and community organizations.
• Develop customer relationships and deliver compelling sales presentations based on training.
• Demonstrate outstanding customer service to every customer and foster loyalty.
• Participate in all areas of store operations, including merchandising, displays, and maintenance.
• Maintain store security including perimeter door keys, register keys, and personal alarm code.
• Perform additional duties assigned by store leadership.

Teacher Leadership & Engagement

• Provide direct leadership, guidance, and support to all teachers assigned to the location.
• Conduct regular teacher check-ins, coaching, and performance evaluations.
• Lead teacher engagement initiatives to increase retention, satisfaction, and instructional quality.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for teacher concerns, questions, and needs. 

Program Growth & Success

• Partner with the Area Manager to drive student enrollment and retention goals across the area.
• Monitor lessons KPIs (e.g., new student starts, retention rates, utilization) and implement action plans to meet or exceed targets.
• Collaborate with store staff to ensure effective scheduling and alignment of resources.
• Ensure consistent adherence to lessons-related policies, procedures, and standards inside the location.

Music & Arts embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to create lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.

The first Music & Arts was located in a small house in Bethesda, MD and run by founder Benjamin O'Brien. When Music & Arts opened its doors in 1952, we offered printed music, music lessons, dance lessons, and art supplies. Ben decided shortly after opening his business that he wanted to focus on music to better serve his customers -- a decision that remains intact to this day.

Since the 1990's, Music & Arts has expanded nationwide through organic growth and a series of acquisitions and mergers with other music dealers. In 2005, Music & Arts joined forces with American Music to become the largest band and orchestra instrument retailer in the United States. Based in Frederick, MD, Music & Arts is now part of the Guitar Center enterprise and comprises 225+ retail stores, 200+ educational representatives, and 250+ affiliate locations.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Strong knowledge of musical instruments and written music.
• Proven experience leading teams, preferably in education, retail, or customer service.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to motivate and influence others.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Passion for music education and commitment to student and teacher success.

Why Music & Arts? Here's just some of the rewards:

For our employees who are musicians we offer the unique opportunity of gig leave--take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour! Music & Arts offers robust benefits and perks for full time employees including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options.

Music & Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐ related requirements.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by sending an email to recruiting@guitarcenter.com.