Compensation

• 57%–60% commission or a negotiable salary arrangement
• Compensation will be based on grooming experience, leadership experience, expected client load, and final role structure
• Final compensation terms will be confirmed in writing

Job Type and Schedule

• Full-time
• Generally 40 hours per week
• Grooming operates Monday through Friday
• Occasional Saturday availability may be requested
• No Sunday or holiday shifts

About the Position

Ames Pet Resort is seeking an experienced Grooming Manager who will both perform professional grooming services and lead the daily operations of the grooming department.

This is a working leadership position. The Grooming Manager will maintain an individual grooming schedule while coordinating salon workflow, employee schedules, service quality, client concerns, staff development, sanitation, and animal safety.

The number of grooming appointments assigned to the Manager will be based on experience, management responsibilities, staffing, and the needs of the department.

Grooming Responsibilities

• Perform safe, professional bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, styling, nail care, ear cleaning, and other approved grooming services
• Consult with clients and set realistic expectations based on coat condition, behavior, safety, and requested services
• Monitor pets for stress, discomfort, injury, illness symptoms, skin concerns, or unsafe behavior
• Pause or stop services that cannot be completed safely or humanely
• Maintain accurate grooming notes and client communication
• Maintain professional tools and a clean, sanitary work area
• Report injuries, bites, incidents, or significant animal-care concerns promptly

Management Responsibilities

• Coordinate the daily grooming schedule and salon workflow
• Assign appointments and daily responsibilities to Groomers and Bathers
• Create and adjust employee schedules based on staffing and business needs
• Monitor service quality, productivity, sanitation, client communication, and animal safety
• Provide training, coaching, and procedural correction
• Issue verbal and written warnings within APR’s corrective-action process and Management direction
• Address routine client complaints and coordinate appropriate resolutions
• Communicate major client concerns, refund requests, safety incidents, or liability issues to the General Manager
• Monitor grooming inventory and provide supply and ordering needs to the General Manager
• Identify equipment repair or replacement needs
• Participate in applicant interviews and provide hiring recommendations
• Assist with onboarding and training Groomers and Bather/Grooming Assistants
• Maintain accurate department documentation and communicate ongoing staffing or performance concerns
• Coordinate with Reception and other departments regarding appointments, pet handoffs, client requests, and operational needs

Final authority regarding termination, compensation, major policy changes, significant financial exceptions, or ownership-level decisions remains with the General Manager and Ownership.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Professional grooming experience sufficient to independently perform full-service grooms
• Demonstrated leadership, organization, and decision-making ability
• Prior grooming-salon leadership or management experience is preferred
• Strong knowledge of coat care, breed-appropriate grooming, bathing, drying, clipping, styling, nail care, and safe tool use
• Strong animal-handling and behavior-awareness skills
• Ability to balance personal grooming appointments with department leadership responsibilities
• Ability to create schedules, organize workflow, and adjust priorities
• Ability to provide clear coaching and respectfully address performance concerns
• Strong client-service, conflict-resolution, and documentation skills
• Dependable attendance, professionalism, and follow-through
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work within Management direction
• Must provide and maintain personal professional grooming tools unless otherwise agreed

Cat-grooming experience is preferred but not required. An existing client list is not required.

A grooming portfolio, professional references, or test groom may be requested.

Essential Functions

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and remain physically active for extended periods
• Safely handle dogs and cats of varying sizes, behavior, mobility, and strength
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds and request assistance or use approved equipment for heavier animals
• Perform repeated hand, wrist, arm, and shoulder movements
• Safely use grooming tools, dryers, tubs, tables, restraints, computers, scheduling systems, and related equipment
• Work around water, loud dryers, barking, animal hair, dander, odors, waste, grooming products, and cleaning chemicals
• Move throughout grooming, reception, kennel, and other facility areas
• Respond promptly to animal, employee, client, equipment, and facility concerns
• Communicate clearly in person, by phone, and in writing
• Maintain reliable attendance and arrive prepared for scheduled appointments and management responsibilities

Benefits

Benefits may include, subject to eligibility requirements and applicable plan terms:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match

Equal Employment Opportunity

Ames Pet Resort is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to disability or any other status protected by applicable law.

APR provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees when required by law. Applicants who need an accommodation during the application or interview process may notify Management.