Assistant Manager

About Petco

Petco has been “where the pets go” for more than 60 years, offering everything pets need to live their best lives—from meals and toys to trusted supplies and expert support. With 29,000+ team members, more than 1,500 stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, preventive‑care clinics, and eight distribution centers, Petco nurtures the pet‑human bond. Since 1999, Petco Love has supported thousands of animal‑welfare groups and helped place approximately 7 million animals through in‑store adoption events.

About the Role

The Assistant Manager supports the General Manager in operating a high‑performing Pet Care Center. This leader steps in as the primary floor lead when the General Manager is absent, models Petco values, develops talent, drives results, and ensures operational excellence daily.

Key Responsibilities

• Pet First – Uphold Petco’s animal‑care standards, ensure health, safety, and proper handling of all animals; promote a safe, welcoming environment for pets, pet parents, and partners; act with integrity in every decision affecting pets and families.
• Foster the Fun – Lead, motivate, and engage store partners to deliver outstanding service and build customer loyalty; support hiring, onboarding, training, and ongoing development; provide timely coaching, feedback, and recognition; maintain a clean, organized, and visually appealing store that reflects the brand.
• Let’s Go! – Support daily store operations for smooth workflow; drive sales, service, and operational goals from the floor; monitor performance metrics and share insights with the General Manager; assist with inventory control, merchandising execution, and promotional events; assume leadership responsibilities and decision‑making in the General Manager’s absence; resolve escalated customer concerns quickly and professionally.
• People Leadership – Serve as a role model for Petco values, behaviors, and service standards; coach partners to strengthen selling skills, pet‑care knowledge, and customer engagement; foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture; assist with performance management and accountability.
• Business & Operations – Execute merchandising standards and ensure accurate inventory levels; support labor efficiency, task prioritization, and operational routines; ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and safety standards; assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs.

What Success Looks Like

• Pets are healthy, safe, and cared for to Petco standards.
• Customers receive friendly, knowledgeable, and solution‑focused service.
• Partners feel supported, coached, and motivated.
• The Pet Care Center runs smoothly, looks great, and consistently meets performance goals.

What You Bring

• 2+ years of retail experience, including supervisory or management experience.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and motivate a team.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with point‑of‑sale systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Passion for animals and knowledge of pet care (strongly preferred).

Essential Functions & Work Environment

This role is primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment. The Assistant Manager is regularly present on the sales floor, leading by example and engaging with partners, customers, and pets. Work is mostly indoors, with occasional duties that may require leaving the center for bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events.

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
• Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 lb.
• Regular customer engagement, including cashiering and point‑of‑sale transactions.
• Exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
• Flexible availability to support operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Full‑time position; limited travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Purpose‑driven work that makes a difference for pets and people.
• Hands‑on leadership experience and clear career‑growth opportunities.
• A supportive, inclusive culture built on teamwork and authenticity.
• The chance to develop leadership skills while having fun doing meaningful work.