Grooming Salon Manager

Petco • Creve Coeur, MO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Grooming Salon Leader leads and manages grooming salon operations and team members while delivering expert grooming services. The role is responsible for customer satisfaction, a positive work environment, salon performance, and coaching and developing groomers at different experience levels. It also performs professional grooming services and prioritizes the safety, comfort, and well-being of pets in the salon.

The position oversees daily workflows, scheduling, salon capacity, inventory, staffing, hiring, training, and performance management. It monitors business and customer-service metrics, works with store management on salon objectives, and provides pet parents with grooming guidance and responsive service. The Grooming Salon Leader also performs grooming services in accordance with pet-parent instructions, breed standards, and company policies; maintains grooming tools and a clean, safe salon; and ensures team members meet safety and quality standards.

Most duties take place indoors in the grooming salon. The work involves direct contact with pet parents, dogs, and salon partners, and the environment can be noisy and wet. The role requires bending, kneeling, standing for extended periods, lifting up to 30 pounds as necessary, and may involve using a two-step ladder or other support tools for cleaning and maintenance. The schedule is full-time, at least 35 hours per week, including weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed by the grooming schedule.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience as a professional groomer and/or completion of a technical grooming training program.
• Strong leadership skills and a desire to lead, train, and develop people.
• Very strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with pet parents and grooming team members.
• Expert knowledge of dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues, and behaviors.
• Expert-level proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards.
• Genuine passion for animals and interest in a career in pet grooming.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills for moderately complex situations.
• Results-driven commitment to salon productivity, performance, growth, and improvement.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to execute grooming services to high standards.
• Ability to handle pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy.
• Available to work at least 35 hours per week, including weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to bend, kneel, lift up to 30 pounds as necessary, and stand for long periods; may need to work at heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools.

Nice To Haves

• One to two years of previous salon management experience or experience in a related field.
• High-school diploma or GED preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily salon operations, workflows, grooming capacity, inventory, and staffing plans.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate grooming team members, fostering teamwork and professional development.
• Create and manage grooming schedules to optimize capacity and productivity, meet customer demand, and provide coverage during peak hours.
• Monitor salon performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans.
• Collaborate with store management to meet sales targets and salon objectives and drive business growth and profitability.
• Provide professional customer service to pet parents, respond to grooming inquiries, make recommendations, and resolve concerns.
• Keep grooming knowledge and team skills current with industry trends and best practices.
• Perform professional grooming services, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, in accordance with instructions, breed standards, and company policies.
• Operate and maintain grooming instruments such as clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers.
• Assess each pet’s coat, skin conditions, temperament, and individual needs.
• Educate pet parents and offer tailored recommendations for grooming maintenance, home care, and products.
• Monitor pets’ safety and well-being, watch for signs of discomfort, illness, or injury, and promptly report concerns to pet owners and store management.
• Perform quality checks and daily and weekly cleaning; disinfect and sanitize tools and equipment; maintain a clean and safe salon in accordance with hygiene and sanitation policies.
• Complete assigned cleaning and maintenance tasks, including cleaning air filters, vents, and drains.
• Apply Petco grooming policies, standards, and guidelines, and hold salon team members accountable for safety and quality standards.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives based on salon performance, and tips, in accordance with the Grooming Salon Leader Incentive Plan.
• Medical, dental, vision, and other benefits.
• 401(k).
• Paid time off.
• Petco discounts.
• Supplies and equipment provided for grooming work.
• Career development and growth opportunities, including Grooming Mentor and Grooming Instructor paths.

What This Job Offers

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