Grooming Salon Manager

Want to help pets live their best lives? 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 empowered to be your whole self, and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you. Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets and people.

About Petco

We’re proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years—from their favorite meals and toys to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood—the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies, and everything in between. We’re here for it all: every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way.

We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics, and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.

About the Role

The Grooming Salon Leader’s primary purpose is to lead and manage grooming salon operations and grooming salon team members. You will deliver a high level of customer satisfaction, foster a positive work environment, drive salon performance, and develop and coach both entry-level and seasoned groomers. Additionally, you will perform expert-level grooming services, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, while prioritizing the safety, comfort, and well-being of the pets in our care.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced groomers with proven technical expertise and leadership skills who are interested in growing and developing a team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the grooming salon, ensure smooth and efficient workflows, optimize scheduling and grooming capacity, manage inventory levels in the salon, and execute staffing plans.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional-level grooming staff; provide coaching, feedback, training, and performance evaluations while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Create and manage efficient grooming schedules that optimize salon capacity, maximize productivity, and accommodate customer demand; balance team availability with business needs, ensuring coverage during peak hours.
• Monitor salon performance metrics such as revenue, customer satisfaction, and partner productivity; analyze data to identify areas for improvement and develop action plans.
• Collaborate with store management to achieve sales targets and salon objectives; implement strategies to drive growth, expand the customer base, and boost profitability.
• Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents; provide exceptional customer service, address grooming-related inquiries, offer grooming recommendations, and resolve questions or concerns proactively.
• Stay abreast of grooming industry trends and best practices to enhance your grooming skills and your team’s skills.
• Independently perform professional grooming services including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning according to pet parents' instructions, breed standards, and company policies.
• Operate and maintain various grooming instruments, including clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers.
• Evaluate the individual needs of each pet, considering coat type, skin conditions, and temperament.
• Educate and provide custom recommendations to pet parents on grooming maintenance, home care practices, and products to promote the overall well-being of the pet.
• Ensure the well-being and safety of every animal in the salon; monitor pets for signs of discomfort, illness, or injury and promptly report concerns to pet owners and store management.
• Perform quality checks to maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon; disinfect and sanitize grooming tools and equipment, and adhere to Petco’s hygiene and sanitation policies.
• Utilize expert knowledge of Petco’s grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in all activities and areas of the grooming business.

Requirements

• 2 or more years’ experience as a professional groomer and/or completion of a technical grooming training program.
• Strong leadership skills, with the desire to lead, train, and develop people; 1-2 years of previous salon management or related field experience preferred.
• High-school diploma or GED preferred, though not required.
• Very strong verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and grooming team members.
• Expert knowledge of various dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues, and behaviors.
• Expert-level proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards.
• Genuine passion for animals with a desire to continue a career in pet grooming.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills; ability to solve problems in moderately complex situations with guidance from management when necessary.
• Results-driven, with a focused commitment to salon productivity, performance, growth, and improvement.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring grooming services are executed accurately and to the highest standards.
• Capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy.
• Available to work full time, a minimum of 35 hours per week, including weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed by the Pet Care Center’s grooming schedule.

Work Environment

The majority of job duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. The position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary), and standing for long periods of time. You may also be exposed to heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools for cleaning and maintenance duties. A large amount of time will be spent in direct contact with pet parents and their dogs, as well as with other salon partners. The work environment can be noisy and wet.

Benefits

• Competitive pay plus incentive based on salon performance, plus tips (payment in accordance with the Grooming Salon Leader Incentive Plan details).
• Medical, dental, vision, and more.
• 401k and other financial benefits.
• Paid time off.
• Petco discounts.
• All necessary grooming supplies and equipment, including brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, and tools.
• State-of-the-art equipment, including bathing systems, kennels, tables, and dryers.
• Career development and growth opportunities, such as Grooming Mentor and Grooming Instructor roles.