Assistant Manager (Hybrid: Manager‐on‐Duty + Canine Handler)

ZipRecruiter; Kent (OH); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A pet care facility in Kent is seeking an Assistant Manager to lead operations and grassroots marketing. The role includes overseeing daily activities, ensuring safety, and providing excellent customer service in a fun, pet-loving environment. Candidates must have supervisory experience and be comfortable handling dogs of all sizes. This position offers growth potential within a supportive team.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Leadership roles with growth potential

Pet-friendly work environment

Qualifications

• 1+ year in a supervisory/lead or shift-lead role (pet care, hospitality, retail, or operations).
• Able to safely lift/move up to 50 lbs.
• Flexible schedule for weekends/holidays/evenings.

Responsibilities

• Lead grassroots outreach and marketing.
• Serve as Manager-on-Duty during GM off-hours.
• Handle day-to-day operations including customer service and safety.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Comfortable handling dogs

Outreach marketing skills

Strong communication

Organized and reliable

Job description

Overview

Join a fast‑growing, fun, and pet‑loving environment at The Dog Stop Kent! We’re hiring a hands‑on Assistant Manager (Hybrid) who will work as a Canine Handler when the GM is on‑site and step up as the Manager‑on‑Duty when the GM is off‑site. This is a unique chance to lead shifts, guide teammates, support grassroots marketing before opening, and deliver exceptional care to our furry guests and their humans.

What You’ll Do

Pre‑Opening (Temporary): For the first 3–4 weeks, assist with grassroots community outreach marketing approximately 4–6 hours/week while we ramp toward opening. Once the store opens, move into full‑time hybrid leadership of daily operations.

You will:

• Lead grassroots outreach alongside the GM/Owner(s) before opening; represent the brand with energy and professionalism.
• Serve as Manager‑on‑Duty (open/close, assign tasks, uphold safety/cleanliness) whenever the GM is off‑site.
• Work as a Canine Handler during GM‑covered shifts: supervise playrooms, run enrichment, and keep dogs safe and happy.
• Support operations across daycare, grooming hand‑offs, retail, and boarding; help with inventory and supplies.
• Train & coach teammates on daily protocols; model great service for pets and people.
• Deliver excellent customer service: greet clients, give tours, schedule services, process POS, and communicate incidents clearly.

Key Responsibilities

Grassroots Marketing & Outreach (Pre‑Opening Priority)

• Build and maintain a list of local outreach spots (veterinarians, pet stores, apartments/HOAs, parks, events).

• Distribute promo materials; set up small branded tables (with permission); attend community events.

• Log each outreach activity and share takeaways/ideas with the GM/Owner(s).

Shift Leadership (Manager‑on‑Duty)

• Open/close the facility; lead weekend/evening coverage; assign and check completion of shift tasks.

• Maintain safety, cleanliness, and play‑room protocols; respond to incidents and communicate with pet parents as needed.

• Support onboarding and on‑shift coaching; escalate performance or safety concerns to the GM.

Canine Handling & Dog Care

• Set up rooms at the start of shift (fresh water, clean mop/bucket, playground equipment) and keep standards hourly.

• Monitor play for early warning signs; safely interrupt conflicts; assist with first aid and incident reports.

• Keep rooms/kennels spotless: disinfect surfaces/equipment; change drinking/mop buckets hourly; spot‑clean dogs; clean indoor/outdoor areas.

• Run simple enrichment (Recall, Up/Down, Sit/Stay, Follow the Leader; Bubbles as assigned) and document activities.

Operations & Systems

• Track cleaning/house supplies; restock or communicate needs; support retail ordering and storefront organization.

• Help with inventory counts and pricing/system updates (e.g., PetExec) and basic record‑keeping.

• Assist with schedule inputs, time‑off notes, and payroll prep reviews as assigned by the GM.

Training & Development

• Model protocols, reinforce standards, and help train new hires on daily tasks and safety procedures.

• Provide friendly feedback and document issues for GM follow‑up when needed.

Customer Service & Community

• Welcome every client; provide tours and service recommendations; handle bookings and POS.

• Support adoption drives/partner events as scheduled and maintain positive community relationships.

What We’re Looking For

• 1+ year in a supervisory/lead or shift‑lead role (pet care, hospitality, retail, or operations)

• Comfortable handling dogs of all sizes and learning canine body basics

• Proven ability to support outreach/grassroots marketing

• Organized, reliable, strong communicator; calm under pressure

• Flexible schedule (weekends/holidays/evenings) as needed; reliable transportation for local outreach

• Able to safely lift/move up to 50 lbs

Why Join The Dog Stop Kent?

• Hybrid role with real leadership responsibility and growth potential

• Help launch a new store from pre‑opening outreach through full operations

• Fun, supportive, dog‑loving culture within a growing brand

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a brief note about your shift‑lead/management experience, canine‑handling or pet‑care experience (if any), and community outreach you’ve done—plus your availability.

The Dog Stop is an equal opportunity employer.

Company DescriptionKiddy K9 Klub Corporation, doing business as, The Dog Stop is a one‑stop shop for all things dog—daycare, boarding, grooming, training, and retail. Our Kent location is gearing up to open soon, and we’re looking for an energetic and community‑minded individual to help spread the word and build lasting local relationships.