Lead Stylist

Position Title:

Lead Stylist

Reports to:

Studio Manager

Position is required to be in our Baltimore studio five days a week.

The Lead Stylist provides creative leadership and operational direction for all styling initiatives across onfigure, tabletop, mannequin/pinup, and other photo/video categories. The role translates client and in-house creative concepts into clear styling tactics for styleout planning, outfit pairing, fittings, and onset execution—while owning the official style guides, training programs, and KPI accountability that scale quality and reduce reshoots across the studio.

• Lead styling strategy and hands on execution on set to meet or exceed the photography brief and client style guide.
• Drive realtime collaboration with Creative/Art Directors to ensure on brand outcomes and consistent image quality.
• Maintain efficient planning and workflow for sprints (e.g., leading rack style-outs, aligning with creative on casting vis-à-vis model-garment pairings, etc to sustain volume and consistency.

• Create, formalize, update, and enforce the studio’s official styling guides and SOPs—elevating foundational best practices into auditable standards for all staff.
• Produce visual references and documentation to align teams and accelerate training.

• Establish, monitor, and drive adherence to styling KPIs; lead process improvements in product prep and pre-styling to lower reshoot rates studio wide.
• Report quality performance trends to stakeholders; propose corrective actions and future enhancements.

• Provide formal operational and creative management for full-time and temporary styling staff, including assignment planning with Studio Management.
• Own continuous training and mentorship programs to build a pipeline of talent; accelerate time to competency through structured curricula.
• Coach stylists and temp/on-call stylists; deliver constructive feedback rooted in brand standards and quality benchmarks.

• Serve as the main liaison between the client styling team and internal stakeholders; ensure alignment on strategic styling direction and creative objectives.
• Participate in preproduction, image reviews, and retrospectives to translate feedback into actionable improvements.

• Lead coordination style out sessions while also mentoring styling staff to also perform this function; pair merchandise and accessories in preparation for production; build and maintain a prop library.
• Ensure styling rooms and prep areas are organized, safe, and efficient; uphold cleanliness and readiness standards.
• Complete required documentation: expense reports, reimbursements, time tracking, production calendars, and daily summaries.
• Execute pre-shoot tasks (receiving product, steaming apparel, styling shoes, prop shopping, setting mannequin stands) and support cross-functional teams as needed.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education.
• Minimum 6-8 years of experience working as a fashion stylist in an e-commerce environment or experience in high volume photography production environments.
• Candidates will have styling, visual fashion merchandising and photography experience. Relevant job experience can be substituted.
• Knowledge of digital commercial photography workflow process.
• Experience using MAC operating systems is required.
• Experience using digital communication tools such as Microsoft Teams chat tools desired.
• Exposure to Capture One software and Canon hardware is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software programs, specifically Word and Excel.
• Must have an excellent ability to solve problems and creatively respond to set needs.
• Knowledge and comfort by utilizing other types of lighting and camera equipment.

• Strong planning, prioritization, and time management; ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to change with a calm, collaborative demeanor.
• Clear, concise communication across levels; receptive to feedback and committed to continuous improvement and…