Petco Animal Supplies

General Manager - Santee, CA

Petco Animal Supplies$69K — $115K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of management experience, preferably in retail
  • Demonstrated people leadership and coaching abilities
  • Strong business and financial acumen
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
  • Passion for pets and customer service

Responsibilities

  • Champion the health and safety of all animals according to Petco standards
  • Create a welcoming environment for pets and their owners
  • Build and lead a high-performing, inclusive team
  • Drive sales growth and profitability
  • Analyze operational results to identify improvement opportunities
  • Ensure operational processes adhere to Petco safety and branding standards
  • Engage with the community through local events and partnerships

Benefits

  • Opportunity to make a real difference in animal care
  • Access to development programs and career advancement
  • Work in a culture that values authenticity and team collaboration
  • Lead and shape your own business every day
Full Job Description

As a General Manager, you bring this purpose to life by leading a high-performing Pet Care Center that puts pets first, inspires partners, delights customers, and delivers strong business results.

You are the owner of your business, accountable for people, performance, and process, and a role model for what great leadership looks like. With a passion for pets and people, you build engaged teams, drive profitable growth, and ensure the highest standards of animal care, safety, and customer experience.

What You’ll Do

Pet First

  • Champion the health, safety, and humane care of all animals, ensuring Petco standards and policies are consistently met.
  • Create an environment where pets and pet parents feel welcomed, supported, and cared for.
  • Lead with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for pets.

Foster the Fun

  • Build and lead an inclusive, energized team that embodies the Petco brand and delivers exceptional service.
  • Attract, hire, train, coach, and develop diverse talent across all roles within the Pet Care Center.
  • Create a positive, collaborative culture where partners feel engaged, supported, and empowered to grow.
  • Lead by example — coaching in the moment, celebrating wins, and making work meaningful and fun.

Let’s Go!

  • Own the business: drive sales growth, profitability, and operational excellence.
  • Analyze financial and operational results, identify opportunities, and take decisive action to improve performance.
  • Manage labor, payroll, and expenses to maximize productivity and results.
  • Execute merchandising, inventory, and operational processes to brand and safety standards.
  • Represent Petco in the community by leading local events, adoption initiatives, and partnerships that strengthen our impact.

#LI-MV1

Key Responsibilities

People Leadership

  • Develop a strong leadership bench and succession plan.
  • Lead performance management, coaching, and accountability for all partners.
  • Promote continuous learning, growth, and career development.
  • Foster a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and shared ownership.

Business Performance

  • Meet or exceed sales, profitability, and operational goals.
  • Leverage Petco tools, programs, and insights to grow the business.
  • Review and act on reporting, audits, and Pet Care Center visits.

Operational Excellence

  • Ensure safe opening and closing procedures and adherence to security protocols.
  • Maintain store appearance, cleanliness, and safety standards.
  • Protect pets, partners, and merchandise through strong loss prevention and inventory controls.
  • Complete required administrative, payroll, and inventory tasks accurately and on time.

What Success Looks Like

  • A safe, healthy environment where pets thrive.
  • An engaged, high-performing team with strong retention and development.
  • Loyal customers who trust your team and return again and again.
  • A profitable, well-run Pet Care Center that reflects Petco’s values in action.

What You Bring

Experience & Skills

  • 3+ years of management experience (retail leadership preferred).
  • Strong people leadership, coaching, and talent development skills.
  • Solid business, financial, and operational acumen.
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
  • A genuine passion for pets and customer service.

Education

  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Completion of Petco leadership development programs may be required for internal candidates.

Essential Functions & Work Environment

This role is primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment. The General Manager is expected to be regularly present on the sales floor, leading by example and engaging with partners, customers, and pets.

  • Majority of work is conducted indoors; however, occasional duties may require leaving the Pet Care Center for tasks such as bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events.
  • The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
  • Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds. 
  • Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
  • Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • This is a full-time position. Eligibility for full-time status is based on average hours worked, as defined by company policy and applicable law.
  • A limited amount of travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement.

Why You’ll Love It Here

  • Purpose-driven work that makes a real difference.
  • Growth opportunities through development programs and career pathways.
  • A culture that values authenticity, inclusion, and teamwork.
  • The chance to lead, own, and shape your business — every day.

About Petco Animal Supplies

Petco Animal Supplies is a retail chain that specializes in pet supplies and services. The company was founded in 1965 and has over 1,500 locations across the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Petco offers a wide range of products for pets, including food, toys, and grooming supplies. The company also provides services such as dog training and veterinary care. Petco is privately held and is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Learn more about Petco Animal Supplies
Size
26,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1965

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