General Manager - Ladera Heights, CA

Petco • Ladera Heights, CA

17d • Onsite

About The Position

The General Manager leads a high-performing Pet Care Center, putting pets first while inspiring partners, serving customers, and delivering strong business results. The role owns the business and is accountable for people, performance, and processes. The General Manager builds engaged teams, drives profitable growth, and ensures high standards of animal care, safety, and customer experience.

The General Manager works primarily in a Pet Care Center retail environment and is expected to be regularly present on the sales floor, leading by example and engaging with partners, customers, and pets. Most work is indoors, though occasional duties may involve leaving the center for bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events. The role requires flexible availability for operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and limited travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of management experience; retail leadership is preferred.
• Strong people leadership, coaching, and talent development skills.
• Solid business, financial, and operational acumen.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
• Genuine passion for pets and customer service.
• Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Flexible availability to support operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Internal candidates may be required to complete Petco leadership development programs.

Nice To Haves

• Retail leadership experience.
• High school diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Champion the health, safety, and humane care of animals and ensure Petco standards and policies are consistently met.
• Create a welcoming environment for pets and pet parents, leading with integrity and transparency.
• Build and lead an inclusive, energized team that delivers exceptional service.
• Attract, hire, train, coach, and develop talent across roles in the Pet Care Center.
• Develop a strong leadership bench and succession plan; lead performance management, coaching, and accountability.
• Promote learning, career development, teamwork, inclusion, and shared ownership.
• Drive sales growth, profitability, and operational excellence; analyze results and take action to improve performance.
• Manage labor, payroll, and expenses to maximize productivity and results.
• Meet or exceed sales, profitability, and operational goals by using Petco tools, programs, and insights.
• Review and act on reporting, audits, and Pet Care Center visits.
• Execute merchandising, inventory, and operational processes to brand and safety standards.
• Ensure safe opening and closing procedures and adherence to security protocols.
• Maintain store appearance, cleanliness, and safety standards.
• Protect pets, partners, and merchandise through loss prevention and inventory controls.
• Complete administrative, payroll, and inventory tasks accurately and on time.
• Represent Petco in the community through local events, adoption initiatives, and partnerships.
• Engage customers on the sales floor, provide assistance, and perform cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.

Benefits

• Development programs and career pathways.
• Health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO are referenced in the linked Petco Total Rewards overview.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED