Hiring the right manager can make or break your massage business. Whether you’re a solo therapist ready to step out of the treatment room, or a clinic owner managing a growing team, bringing on a manager is one of the smartest moves you can make for long-term success. But it’s also one of the hardest roles to hire for.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to hire a manager for your massage studio: from figuring out if you’re ready, to writing the job description, to onboarding them for long-term success.
Why You Need a Manager in Your Massage Business
Many massage business owners wait too long to hire a manager. They get stuck in the day-to-day: handling scheduling, managing staff conflicts, answering the phone, and constantly putting out fires.
Here’s what a good manager can help you with:
- Freeing up your time to focus on growth and strategy (or just take a vacation)
- Overseeing daily operations like scheduling, front desk management, and supplies
- Supporting your team with performance, communication, and accountability
- Improving client experience through smoother systems and service
Signs You’re Ready to Hire a Manager
You don’t have to be making millions to justify a manager. Here are a few indicators it might be time:
- You have more than 8-10 team members and can’t keep up with them all
You’re regularly interrupted with staff or client issues while trying to work - You’re doing admin work after hours because there’s no one else to do it
- Your growth is stalled because you’re too busy managing daily tasks
- You want to step back from the business without everything falling apart
If any of this sounds like you, hiring a manager could help you get your life (and your business) back.
What to Look for in a Massage Studio Manager
This isn’t just a warm body to answer the phone. Your manager should be someone who:
- Understands the wellness industry or has experience in a service-based business
Is highly organized and comfortable managing systems and schedules - Has strong interpersonal skills to handle staff communication and client concerns
- Can think like an owner and take initiative to solve problems
- Aligns with your core values and company culture
You don’t necessarily need someone with “manager” in their past job title—but you do need someone who acts like a leader.
How to Structure the Role
Before you post the job, get clear on what the manager is responsible for. Some business owners hire an operations manager to focus on systems and logistics. Others hire a practice manager to handle scheduling, communication, and front desk staff. In some cases, you may want a general manager to oversee everything day-to-day.
Key responsibilities might include:
- Managing the schedule and booking system
- Overseeing front desk staff and daily operations
- Communicating with clients and responding to issues
- Supporting hiring and onboarding new team members
- Handling inventory and supplies
- Supporting marketing efforts (social media, email, events)
- Reporting to you on key metrics and performance
Where to Find Candidates
Post your job on:
- Indeed – Great for professional, local hiring
- Facebook Groups – Local wellness or massage practitioner groups
- Your own network – Send an email or social post to your audience
- Current staff – See if someone already on your team wants to grow
Don’t forget to include a simple application process—like a Google Form or a request to email with a short paragraph about why they’re interested.
How to Interview Manager Candidates
When interviewing, ask questions like:
- “Tell me about a time you had to handle a conflict between team members.”
- “How do you stay organized when juggling multiple priorities?”
- “What would you do if a client complained about a staff member?”
- “What’s your management style?”
- “What do you think makes a wellness business successful?”
Look for people who are calm under pressure, solution-oriented, and understand the service experience.
How to Train and Onboard Your New Manager
Don’t expect your new hire to read your mind. Set them up for success with:
- Written SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for common tasks
- A clear 30–60–90 day plan with training milestones
- Regular check-ins to give feedback and answer questions
- Access to your tools and software with guidance on how to use them
- Clear boundaries and decision-making authority
Pro tip: It’s better to over-communicate upfront than try to fix issues later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Hiring too late – Don’t wait until you’re drowning
- Not being clear about expectations – Ambiguity causes confusion
- Micromanaging – Trust them to lead (or they’ll leave)
- Hiring the wrong personality fit – Skills can be taught, values can’t
- Doing it all at once – It’s okay to start small and build up responsibilities
Final Thoughts: Hiring a Manager Is a Leap Toward Freedom
It’s not just about offloading tasks—it’s about reclaiming your time, growing your business, and stepping into your role as CEO. Hiring a manager might feel like a big leap, but it’s one of the most powerful things you can do to build a sustainable, thriving massage business.
Start by asking: “What would I love someone else to take off my plate?” Then use this guide to find the right person to do just that.
