Catbird is looking for experienced Key Holders to join our retail team in Chicago.
Key Holders are floor leaders who set the tone for exceptional service and strong sales. You’ll lead the selling floor, coach Stylists in real time, and deliver hands-on services—including Forever Jewelry welding and device-based ear piercing—while supporting daily store operations. This role is ideal for someone who loves customer connection, leading a team, and being hands-on with beautiful product.
About Catbird
In our 20 years in business, Catbird has become an icon, the ultimate destination for gifts and jewelry. Founded in Brooklyn, NY, Catbird is a mecca for an international cast of shoppers who come to visit the brick and mortar stores of their beloved website. Both our stores and website are filled with a carefully curated selection of designers, including our in-house line of jewelry. Our Catbird line is made in our Brooklyn studio and with a few trusted partners, using ethically sourced materials and conflict-free stones. Highly trained Catbird jewelers oversee every step of the process. We are dedicated to a return to local manufacturing – what our neighborhood was famous for. Catbird is a proud member of the CFDA and certified Made in New York
The key to our success is remaining true to our values:
-We believe in being an anti-racist organization and actively championing diversity, inclusion, and equity
-We believe in making and selling things people will want to keep forever and will bring continuous joy.
-We believe in doing everything we can ourselves.
-We believe in always thinking of the long game and not focusing on a quick profit.
-We believe we are the best at what we do and we work hard to make sure we know how to sustain it as we grow.
-We believe in treating everyone (coworkers, customers, vendors) with deep respect, kindness, and honesty.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the sales floor with confidence and warmth, ensuring every customer receives a welcoming, high-touch buying experience.
Drive sales by actively engaging customers and confidently selling demi-fine jewelry, Forever Jewelry, and piercing services.
Perform Forever Jewelry welding and device-based ear piercings to the highest standards, prioritizing precision, safety, and customer comfort.
Coach and support Stylists through real-time feedback, modeling strong selling behaviors, service excellence, and brand storytelling.
Monitor service flow, wait times, and floor coverage; make adjustments as needed to balance selling and services during busy periods.
Step in to resolve customer questions, returns, or escalations with care, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Open and close the store and support daily operations, including inventory, merchandising, and visual standards.
Our Ideal Candidate
An experienced retail leader with a proven ability to guide and motivate a sales team.
Sales-minded and service-driven, with a strong belief that exceptional customer experience drives results.
Comfortable performing hands-on services, including Forever Jewelry welding and device-based piercing, after training.
Calm, confident, and organized, with the ability to prioritize and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
A thoughtful communicator who leads with kindness, clarity, and common sense.
Jewelry or piercing experience is a plus, but curiosity and a commitment to learning are essential.
Flexible and reliable with scheduling, including weekends and holidays.
Retail positions involve physical requirements that include standing for extended periods, light lifting, reaching, and repetitive wrist and hand movements during tasks like welding permanent jewelry, etc. We’re happy to discuss reasonable accommodations to support individual needs.
Perks & Benefits
Health insurance with 75% of the medical premium covered by Catbird. 25% of the premium covered for children
Dental and vision insurance options
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for pre-tax contributions to medical and childcare expenses
Two weeks of accrued vacation and 7 sick days
Life insurance (1x annual salary) fully covered by Catbird
Voluntary life insurance and short/long-term disability at reduced group rates
7 days of backup childcare (in-home or at a Vivvi childcare center)
Catbird employee discount: 50–70% off the Catbird line and 30% off designer pieces
401(k) with profit sharing and safe harbor contributions (eligibility after 90 days)
Parental leave: 20 weeks total, with 12 weeks fully paid
Pre-tax transit benefits to help save on commuting costs
Professional development stipend: $200/year, plus access to workshops and talks throughout the year
The Catbird Foundation: At least 1% of all sales donated year-round to nonprofits aligned with our values—over $2MM donated to date
Cold brew in the summer
Team bonding events and happy hours
A warm, casual work environment where people can truly be themselves
