Designate Deputy Manager

Pets at Home; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pet care retailer in the Bournemouth area is seeking a Deputy Store Manager Designate. You will oversee day-to-day operations, lead a team, manage recruitment, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Ideal candidates will have at least 1 year of retail management experience and a passion for pets and customer service. This role offers annual bonuses, 28 days paid leave, and extensive training opportunities.

Benefits

Annual bonus opportunities

28 days paid leave

Life assurance

Company pension contribution

Colleague discounts

Qualifications

• 1+ years of management experience in a retail environment.
• Passionate about retail and delivering exceptional results.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and lead the team for a customer-focused environment.
• Drive sales performance and achieve key KPIs.
• Oversee store operations and compliance.

Skills

Management experience

Customer service

Communication skills

Leadership

Flexibility in scheduling

Job description

Deputy Store Manager Designate - Bournemouth Area - 39 Hours

Who are we?

We’re Pets at Home

If you love pets, you might already know about our range of Pet Care Centres, Pets Grooming salons, and Vets for Pets practices around the UK. Our Pet Care Centres are community-focused pet care stores where local people work with local pet owners and help local pets.

What’s the role?

As a Deputy Store Manager Designate, you’ll work closely with several Store Managers in the local area to oversee the stores’ day‑to‑day operations and ensure the best possible experience for our customers and their pets. When the Store Manager is unavailable, you’ll take full responsibility for the store, leading the team and managing all aspects of the business, from recruitment and performance management to stock control and maintaining our high standards.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Inspiring and leading your team to create a fun, engaging, and customer‑focused environment.
• Driving sales performance and achieving key KPIs.
• Overseeing store operations, including recruitment, stock management, and compliance with health and safety.
• Acting as Duty Manager when the Store Manager is unavailable.
• Leading by example and contributing to the store’s overall success.
• Providing comprehensive training and development opportunities to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional service and care to our customers and their pets.

Who are we looking for?

• Have at least 1 year of management experience in a retail environment.
• Are passionate about retail and delivering exceptional results.
• Are flexible to work a 7‑day shift pattern, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Have excellent communication and leadership skills to engage and inspire your team.
• Are ready to commit to 6 months of training, covering customer service, health and safety, and pet care.

Benefits

• Annual bonus opportunities.
• 28 days paid leave, rising to 33 days after 2 years (including bank holidays).
• Your birthday off to celebrate in style.
• Life assurance worth 4x your annual salary.
• A 4% company pension contribution.
• Colleague discounts, including 20% off Pets at Home and 30% off our own‑brand products.

Join Us!

Pets just see people who don’t discriminate, and neither do we. We celebrate the diversity of our colleagues and encourage you to be yourself. Even if your skills don’t perfectly align, your unique contribution through your values and behaviours could make you a great fit for our team.

Don’t wait to apply now! We may close the vacancy early due to high interest.