General Manager - San Mateo, CA

Petco • San Mateo, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The General Manager leads a high-performing Pet Care Center that puts pets first, inspires partners, delights customers, and delivers strong business results. This role owns the business and is accountable for people, performance, and process, while modeling strong leadership. The General Manager builds engaged teams, drives profitable growth, and ensures high standards of animal care, safety, and customer experience.

The position is primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment. The General Manager is regularly present on the sales floor, leading by example and engaging with partners, customers, and pets. Most work is indoors, though occasional duties may take place outside the center, including bank deposits, merchandise transport, and community events. The role requires frequent standing and walking, along with bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting. It involves working near animals and possible exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals. Flexible availability is needed to support 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 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 for Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Champion the health, safety, and humane care of animals, ensuring Petco standards and policies are consistently met.
• Create a welcoming and supportive environment for pets and pet parents, and lead with integrity and transparency.
• Build and lead an inclusive, energized team that delivers exceptional service.
• Attract, hire, train, coach, and develop diverse talent across roles in the Pet Care Center.
• Create a positive, collaborative culture where partners feel engaged, supported, and empowered to grow.
• Coach in the moment, celebrate wins, and make work meaningful and fun.
• 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.
• Execute merchandising, inventory, and operational processes according to brand and safety standards.
• Represent Petco in the community through local events, adoption initiatives, and partnerships.
• Develop a strong leadership bench and succession plan.
• Lead performance management, coaching, and accountability for all partners, and promote learning and career development.
• Meet or exceed sales, profitability, and operational goals using Petco tools, programs, and insights.
• Review and act on reporting, audits, and Pet Care Center visits.
• 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.
• Provide customer assistance and perform cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.

Benefits

• Growth opportunities through development programs and career pathways.
• Health and financial benefits, 401(k), incentives, and PTO are referenced in the Petco Total Rewards overview.

What This Job Offers

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