Optical Keyholder - Central West End

As an Optical Keyholder at Warby Parker in St. Louis, MO, your main responsibilities will include helping customers with their eyewear needs, taking precise measurements, adjusting and fitting eyewear, and ensuring that finished products meet both our optical standards and customer requirements. You'll also manage store operations, set the daily vision for sales, and serve as the key contact for any client or operational inquiries.

To qualify for the Optical Keyholder position at Warby Parker, you should be a licensed dispensing optician (or ABO-certified if you are in a non-licensing state) with at least two years of hands-on experience, including some supervisory responsibilities. A passion for eyewear and retail, along with strong communication skills to break down technical terms for customers, are essential for this role.

The Optical Keyholder at Warby Parker not only takes on optical duties but also plays a vital leadership role. You will mentor the Optical team, ensuring they exemplify great service and adhere to operational standards. You'll be responsible for fostering a positive employee culture while working closely with store management to guide your team toward success.

At Warby Parker, training for Optical Keyholders focuses on both optical skills and retail service excellence. You will receive training in specific optical techniques, product knowledge, and customer engagement strategies. Additionally, there are opportunities to mentor apprentices through our Optician Apprentice Program, enhancing both your skills and those of your team.

Warby Parker offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time Optical Keyholders that includes health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with company match, parental leave, and more. Additional perks like an optical education reimbursement and a snack pantry make working here not only rewarding but enjoyable!

When facing difficult customers, it's essential to stay calm and listen actively. Acknowledge their concerns, ask clarifying questions, and offer solutions tailored to their needs. Reflect a positive attitude and maintain professionalism, showcasing your commitment to excellent customer service.

In your response, highlight specific experiences with customer fittings, including measuring, adjusting frames for comfort, and ensuring accuracy with prescriptions. Discuss your attention to detail and how you ensure customer satisfaction with the final results.

Explain how you promote collaboration and communication within your team. Share examples of ways you celebrate successes and provide constructive feedback, as well as how you encourage professional development through mentorship.

To stay current with eyewear trends, express your commitment to continuous learning through seminars, workshops, and industry publications. Discuss how you share this knowledge with your team and customers to enhance their experience.

Discuss your organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks. Mention techniques like creating a checklist, delegating responsibilities among team members, and maintaining clear communication lines to ensure smooth operations.

Share a specific scenario where you took extra steps to ensure a customer left happy, such as personally following up after their purchase or providing tailored product recommendations that met their unique needs.

Key qualities include strong optical knowledge, excellent communication skills, a customer-oriented mindset, and leadership abilities. Emphasize the importance of being adaptable in a fast-paced environment and how these traits contribute to overall team success.

Share techniques you use to remain calm and efficient, such as keeping a positive attitude, maintaining focus on key tasks, and utilizing any support from team members to manage customer needs effectively.

Discuss your passion for eyewear, the satisfaction of helping customers find the perfect frame, and the opportunity to be part of a team that values vision and service as much as you do.

Explain your approach to onboarding new team members, emphasizing hands-on training, shadowing experienced staff, and providing resources to help them grasp critical optical concepts with confidence.