Assistant Manager

Petco•Piscataway, NJ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Manager supports the General Manager in operating a high-performing Pet Care Center, leading store partners, caring for pets, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. This role is a trusted leader on the sales floor and takes the lead in the General Manager’s absence. The Assistant Manager helps develop talent, drive results, and maintain operational excellence while modeling Petco’s values and service standards. The position is primarily based in a Pet Care Center retail environment, with regular presence on the sales floor and frequent interaction with partners, customers, and pets. Work is mostly indoors, though occasional duties may take place outside the center, such as bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events. The role includes frequent standing and walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting, including safely moving merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds. It also involves cashiering and point-of-sale transactions and working near animals, animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals. Flexible availability is needed to support store operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Limited travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement. Reasonable accommodation may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

At least 2 years of retail experience, including supervisory or management experience.
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.
Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
Flexible availability to work during Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Passion for animals and knowledge of pet care.

Responsibilities

Uphold animal care standards and ensure the health, safety, and proper handling of animals.
Promote a safe, welcoming environment for pets, pet parents, and store partners.
Lead, motivate, and engage partners to deliver outstanding service and build customer loyalty.
Support hiring, onboarding, training, and ongoing partner development.
Provide coaching, feedback, and recognition to strengthen partner performance and engagement.
Maintain a clean, organized, and visually appealing store.
Support daily store operations and lead from the sales floor to drive sales, service, and operational goals.
Monitor store performance metrics and share results and insights with the General Manager.
Assist with inventory control, merchandising execution, and promotional events.
Assume leadership responsibilities and make decisions in the General Manager’s absence.
Resolve escalated customer concerns promptly and professionally.
Model Petco values, behaviors, and service standards; coach partners on selling skills, pet care knowledge, and customer engagement.
Support a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture and assist with performance management and accountability.
Execute merchandising standards, maintain accurate inventory levels, and support labor efficiency, task prioritization, and operational routines.
Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
Perform additional duties as needed to support business needs.