Aquarium Store GM: Lead, Grow & Care Excellence

Ll & Wendell Escott Inc: Aqua Land Aquarium Service Co.; Harbor Hills (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k)

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

LL & Wendell: Aqua Land - Aquarium Service Co. is seeking an experienced General Manager in Lomita, California to lead daily store operations, ensure exceptional customer service, and oversee aquatic livestock care.

The role requires strong business acumen, hands-on leadership, and extensive knowledge of freshwater and saltwater systems. The GM will manage budgets, payroll, inventory, and vendor relations while maintaining regulatory compliance and high animal welfare standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a General Manager in a tropical fish store, aquarium retailer, or related aquatic business.
• Demonstrated experience managing daily operations, employees, finances, payroll, and inventory.
• Extensive knowledge of freshwater and saltwater aquarium livestock, species identification, and care requirements.
• Strong understanding of aquatic animal diseases, quarantine, and preventive care.
• Proficiency in aquarium filtration systems, water chemistry, and life-support equipment.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, livestock procurement, and pricing/merchandising.
• Ability to manage budgets and improve profitability in a retail setting.
• Experience coordinating permits, inspections, and regulatory compliance in California.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to perform hands-on maintenance and animal care alongside staff.
• Excellent customer service and commitment to animal welfare.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily store operations to ensure efficiency, profitability, and service excellence.
• Develop and implement SOPs, store policies, and procedural guidelines.
• Manage budgets, expenses, financial reporting, and store profitability.
• Oversee payroll, scheduling, timekeeping, and labor costs.
• Monitor sales performance and develop strategies to grow revenue.
• Coordinate inventory purchasing, pricing, and stock management.
• Ensure compliance with city, state, and federal regulations and permits.
• Maintain knowledge of CDFW regulations and animal status requirements.
• Lead by example with hands-on participation in store operations and care duties.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate staff; foster a collaborative work environment.
• Provide guidance on customer service, product knowledge, and safety standards.
• Support marketing efforts, promotions, and e-commerce activities.

Skills

General management

Leadership

Inventory control

Staff training

Customer service

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Vendor management

Aquatic husbandry

Water chemistry

Education

BS in Marine Biology

Tools

Lightspeed POS

Inventory software

Job description

LL & Wendell: Aqua Land - Aquarium Service Co. is seeking an experienced General Manager in Lomita, California to lead daily store operations, ensure exceptional customer service, and oversee aquatic livestock care.

The role requires strong business acumen, hands-on leadership, and extensive knowledge of freshwater and saltwater systems. The GM will manage budgets, payroll, inventory, and vendor relations while maintaining regulatory compliance and high animal welfare standards.