Assistant Manager

About the role

We’re proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you. As an Assistant Manager, you play a critical leadership role in bringing this purpose to life. You support the General Manager in running a high-performing Pet Care Center, leading partners, caring for pets, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Responsibilities

Pet First: Uphold Petco’s animal care standards, ensuring the health, safety, and proper handling of all animals. Promote a safe, welcoming environment for pets, pet parents, and partners. Act with integrity and care in every decision that impacts pets and their 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 of store partners. Provide timely coaching, feedback, and recognition to strengthen performance and engagement. Maintain a clean, organized, and visually appealing store that reflects Petco’s brand and values.

Let’s Go!: Support daily store operations to ensure smooth workflow and execution. Drive sales, service, and operational goals by leading from the floor. Monitor store performance metrics and share results and insights with the General Manager. Assist with inventory control, merchandising execution, and promotional events. Step into leadership responsibilities and decision-making in the absence of the General Manager. Resolve escalated customer concerns quickly and professionally.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a role model for Petco values, behaviors, and service standards.
• Coach partners to strengthen selling skills, pet care knowledge, and customer engagement.
• Support a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.
• Assist with performance management and accountability.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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 expected to be regularly present on the sales floor, leading by example and engaging with partners, customers, and pets. Majority of work is conducted indoors; however, occasional duties may require leaving the Pet Care Center for tasks such as bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events.

The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting. Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds. Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions. Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.

Benefits

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