Assistant Manager

Petco•Hamden, CT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Manager supports the General Manager in operating a high-performing Pet Care Center. This leadership role includes guiding store partners, caring for pets, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and helping meet sales, service, and operational goals. The Assistant Manager leads from the sales floor and assumes leadership and decision-making responsibilities when the General Manager is absent. The role involves developing and coaching partners, supporting daily store operations, maintaining animal-care and safety standards, and ensuring the store is clean, organized, and visually appealing. Work is primarily indoors in a Pet Care Center retail environment, with regular sales-floor engagement and occasional duties outside the store, such as bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events. Limited travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement. Flexible availability is needed for operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

At least 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.
Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.

Nice To Haves

Passion for animals and knowledge of pet care are strongly preferred.

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 partners, and act with integrity and care in decisions affecting pets and their families.
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.
Support daily store operations and lead from the 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, promotional events, and accurate inventory levels.
Take on leadership responsibilities and make decisions when the General Manager is absent.
Resolve escalated customer concerns quickly 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, as well as performance management and accountability.
Support labor efficiency, task prioritization, operational routines, and compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards.
Perform additional duties as needed to support business needs.
Regularly engage with customers on the sales floor, provide assistance, and perform cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
Perform occasional tasks outside the Pet Care Center, such as bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events.