General Manager

General Manager - Mahj House

Location: Austin, TX  |  Employment Type: Full-Time  |  Salary: $50,000 - $60,000/year

Schedule: Core hours 10 AM - 4 PM Monday-Friday + 10 hours/week TBD based on event schedule

About Us

Mahj House is Austin’s premier mahjong instruction studio and retail shop, where we teach American Mahjong through engaging classes, guided play sessions, and special events. We’re not just teaching a game—we’re building a vibrant community of mahjong enthusiasts through expert instruction, carefully curated tile collections, and an unmatched studio experience.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a high-energy, detail-oriented General Manager to be the operational heartbeat of our growing studio. This is a hands-on leadership role for a go-getter who thrives on variety, loves creating exceptional customer experiences, and wants to grow with a scaling Austin business. If you’re someone who gets excited about building systems, coordinating events, managing operations, and being the face of a brand—this role is for you!

Hours: 40 hours/week - Core hours Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (in-studio) + Additional 10 hours/week based on class and event schedule (may include evenings/weekends, scheduled one month in advance for predictability)

What You’ll Do

Studio Operations & Management

• Oversee daily studio operations, ensuring the space is welcoming, organized, and running efficiently

• Manage studio during core hours and be present for scheduled classes/events

• Maintain snack and beverage inventory; restock refreshments for classes and events

• Handle walk-in customers, answer phones, respond to inquiries, and provide exceptional hospitality

• Maintain studio calendar, coordinate class schedules, and manage table bookings and private events

• Troubleshoot operational issues and implement process improvements and standard operating procedures

• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors, instructors, and service providers

• Sit in for classes when needed to fill tables in case of student no-shows

Event & Donation Coordination

• Manage intake for all event requests (private parties, corporate team building, special events)

• Fulfill donation requests from charitable organizations and community groups

• Conduct initial client calls to understand private event vision, group size, skill level, and logistics

• Prepare event proposals, quotes, and custom packages

• Coordinate event planning details: catering, setup, instructor assignments, materials, timing

• Execute events on-site, ensuring seamless delivery and exceptional experience

• Follow up post-event for feedback and testimonials

• Track event pipeline and maintain relationships with repeat clients

Inventory & Retail Management

• Receive, unpack, and organize inventory shipments 

• Conduct quarterly physical inventory counts and maintain accurate stock records using Shopify

• Manage retail displays, merchandising, and product placement

• Process retail sales and returns

• Monitor inventory levels and communicate reorder needs

• Coordinate with owner on product selection and trunk show logistics

Daily Operational & Financial Reporting

• Process daily transactions and maintain accurate records for classes, retail sales, and events

• Reconcile daily sales reports and inventory updates

• Track key operational metrics (class attendance, retail sales, event bookings)

• Reconcile daily transactions and prepare deposits

• Support owner with month-end reporting needs

Customer Experience & Hospitality

• Create a warm, inclusive atmosphere for all students and visitors

• Handle customer scheduling, rescheduling, and special requests

• Follow up with students post-class and nurture ongoing engagement

• Compile and analyze survey results, presenting insights on a weekly basis

• Maintain high standards of customer service and hospitality

• Play mahjong when needed to fill tables or support classes

• Greet and assist customers with product questions and purchases

Administrative & Scheduling

• Manage class registrations, waitlists, and client communications

• Coordinate instructor schedules and class logistics

• Handle rescheduling requests with grace and flexibility

• Maintain student database and communication lists

• Support marketing initiatives (social media content, email campaigns, event promotion)

Who You Are

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (any field)

• 3+ years in studio, retail, hospitality, or service business operations/management

• Go-getter mentality: Self-starter who takes initiative, problem-solves independently, and thrives on getting things done

• Event coordination experience: Planning and executing events with strong client communication skills

• Customer service excellence: Natural warmth, patience, and ability to make everyone feel welcome

• Highly organized: Exceptional ability to juggle multiple priorities without dropping the ball

• Flexible schedule: Comfortable working some evenings/weekends as needed for events and classes

• Tech-savvy: Proficient in Google Suite, Shopify point-of-sale system, Client Mind Body scheduling software; quick learner

• Strong communicator: Clear, professional written and verbal communication; excellent phone presence

• Physical requirements: Able to lift 25+ lbs, stand for extended periods, set up/break down spaces

• Mahjong: Either current knowledge of American Mahjong OR willingness to learn (we’ll train!)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in boutique retail or studio environment

• Corporate event planning or team-building facilitation

• Visual merchandising experience

• Social media or content creation skills

• Nonprofit or fundraising experience

• Bilingual (Spanish) a plus

What We Offer

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: $50,000 - $60,000 annually (based on experience)
• Schedule: 40 hours/week with core M-F hours (10 AM - 4 PM) + 10 flexible hours scheduled monthly in advance
• Predictability: Know your full schedule one month ahead
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

Perks:

• Mahjong tiles and accessories at generous employee discount

• First access to special events and trunk shows

• Full mahjong beginner training if needed, and opportunity to learn and grow with ongoing access to classes

• Flexibility to manage your own schedule within operational needs

• The satisfaction of building something real in Austin’s growing creative community

Growth Potential:

As Mahj House grows, this role grows with it. The right person will have opportunities to:

• Build and manage systems as we scale

• Hire and lead support staff

• Take on strategic initiatives

• Shape the future of an Austin business with a goal of expansion

How to Apply

Send your resume and a brief note (email or video—your choice!) telling us:

1. Your mahjong connection: Do you play? Want to learn? What excites you about it? Have you visited Mahj House and if so, what did you like/not like about it?

2. Why this role? What makes this opportunity compelling to you specifically?

3. Show us your go-getter energy: Share an example of a time you took initiative to solve a problem or improve operations without being asked.

4. Share 2-3 references. 

Email to: [your email address]

Subject Line: “GM Application - [Your Name]”

Questions? We’re happy to chat! Reach out to schedule a coffee and studio tour.

Mahj House is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.