General Manager

Destination Pet • Alexandria, VA

13d

About The Position

Destination Pet is hiring a General Manager for Whole Dogz to lead the center’s day-to-day operations. The role is responsible for business performance, team development, operational excellence, customer experience, and the health and safety of pets in the center. The General Manager partners with Destination Pet Support Teams, including Operations, Human Resources, Marketing, Facilities, Finance, and Legal, to maintain a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment for pets, clients, and team members.

This position combines people leadership, facility operations, financial accountability, customer service, and local community engagement. The General Manager leads and develops the team, oversees scheduling, payroll, budgets, inventory, vendors, and financial controls, and ensures compliance with company policies and applicable employment and safety regulations. The role also involves maintaining the facility, equipment, and technology, supporting marketing and community initiatives, and stepping in to assist the team as needed.

The work environment involves regular activity throughout the facility and interaction with pets. The role may require evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs, and includes exposure to animal dander, pet waste, cleaning products, disinfectants, odors, and varying noise levels.

Requirements

• Experience as a people leader, including coaching, mentoring, and developing teams.
• Strong operational mindset and ability to balance customer service with business performance.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage changing priorities.
• Confidence making decisions, solving problems, and managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Ability to build trust with team members, clients, and business partners.
• Experience managing budgets, labor, payroll, inventory, and overall business performance.
• Effective, professional communication with people at every level of the organization.
• Passion for creating an outstanding experience for pets and their people.
• Willingness to lead by example and assist the team as needed.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays when business needs require.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 40 pounds; stand, walk, bend, climb stairs, and remain active throughout the workday.
• Ability to safely handle dogs on leashes and work around pets of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Comfort working around animal dander, pet waste, cleaning products, disinfectants, odors, and varying noise levels.
• Ability to use computers, point-of-sale systems, and multi-line phone systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily center operations to ensure a safe, clean, and exceptional experience for pets, clients, and team members.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing team while fostering a positive, accountable culture.
• Create schedules that balance service quality with labor budget expectations.
• Manage payroll, labor costs, staffing levels, and timely payroll approval.
• Drive financial performance by managing budgets, reviewing operational reports, monitoring key performance indicators, and identifying growth opportunities.
• Oversee inventory management, purchasing, and vendor relationships.
• Deliver outstanding customer service, resolve concerns, build relationships with pet parents, and ensure consistent service excellence.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable federal, state, and local employment and safety regulations, including OSHA, EEOC, ADA, and wage and hour requirements.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide ongoing coaching, and create development opportunities for team members.
• Partner with Destination Pet Support Teams to execute operational initiatives and improve center performance.
• Maintain the facility, equipment, and technology systems.
• Manage cash handling procedures, deposits, and financial controls.
• Develop and execute local marketing initiatives, community partnerships, and social media engagement to grow the business.
• Monitor the health, safety, comfort, and well-being of pets in the center’s care.
• Support the team wherever needed and perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Quarterly bonus opportunities.
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Generous paid time off.
• Discounts on Destination Pet services.
• Career growth opportunities across the Destination Pet network.
• Collaborative, people-first culture with opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed