Operations Leader

About the role

Petco is a pet supply retailer dedicated to improving lives by providing everything pets need to live their best lives. Founded in 1999, we operate over 1,500 stores in the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, along with 250 Vetco Total Care hospitals and preventive care clinics. We also support thousands of local animal welfare groups through in-store adoption events.

Responsibilities

• Pet First – Protect & Empower
• Ensure the health, safety, and proper handling of all animals.
• Promote a safe, welcoming environment for pets, pet parents, and partners.
• Follow all policies and procedures related to animal welfare, safety, and store operations.
• Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond
• Deliver friendly, knowledgeable, and solution-oriented service to every customer.
• Support and supervise store partners, helping maintain productivity and positive morale.
• Aid in training new partners and reinforcing best practices on the sales floor.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and visually appealing store environment.
• Let's Go! Own & Commit
• Open and close the store while following all cash handling, safety, and security protocols.
• Support daily store operations including sales, task execution, and recovery.
• Execute merchandising standards, including planograms, pricing accuracy, signage, and promotional set-ups.
• Assist with inventory activities such as restocking, cycle counts, inventory integrity, and required inventory paperwork.
• Identify out-of-stocks, low inventory, or merchandising issues and communicate them to store leadership.
• Process transactions, refunds, and exchanges accurately and efficiently.
• Act as the primary point of contact in the absence of store management.
• Support sales initiatives and promotions to help achieve store goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Store Operations, Merchandising & Inventory
• Maintain merchandise presentation and in-stock conditions to Petco standards.
• Ensure accurate pricing and signage throughout the store.
• Assist with inventory counts, product replenishment, and shrink awareness.
• Monitor merchandising and inventory conditions during shifts and escalate issues as needed.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Customer Experience & Leadership
• Address customer questions and resolve concerns promptly and professionally.
• Model Petco’s selling behaviors and service expectations.
• Provide guidance and direction to partners during assigned shifts.
• Escalate concerns appropriately to store leadership.

What You Bring

• Experience & Skills
• Previous retail experience required; key holder or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic math skills and experience handling cash and transactions.
• Reliable, responsible, and detail oriented.

Essential Functions & Work Environment

• This role is primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment.
• The Key Holder 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.
• Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• A limited amount of travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement.

Why You’ll Love It

• Purpose-driven work that makes a difference for pets and people.
• Opportunities to build leadership skills and grow your career.
• A collaborative, inclusive team culture.
• A strong stepping stone for future leadership opportunities.

Pay Range: $18.75 - $28.75 Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.