General Manager

destinationpet; Melrose Park (WI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly bonus opportunities

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life Insurance

Short- & Long-Term Disability coverage

401(k) with company match

Generous Paid Time Off

Discounts on Destination Pet services

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Destination Pet is seeking a General Manager to lead the center's day-to-day operations and cultivate a culture delivering exceptional experiences for pets, pet parents, and teammates. You will drive performance, develop a high-performing team, and partner with support teams to ensure safety, compliance, and financial success.

This role blends leadership, operations, customer experience, financial accountability, and community engagement to grow the center and our Destination Pet network.

Qualifications

• Experience leading daily center operations.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, labor, and payroll.
• Strong customer service focus and pet-care awareness.
• Comfort with flexible hours including evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead all daily operations of the center, ensuring a safe, clean, exceptional experience for pets, clients, and team members.
• Recruit, hire, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing team.
• Create schedules balancing exceptional service with labor budget expectations.
• Manage center payroll, labor costs, and staffing levels while ensuring timely payroll approval.
• Drive financial performance by managing budgets, reviewing operational reports, monitoring key performance indicators, and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Oversee inventory management, purchasing, and vendor relationships to maintain appropriate supply levels.
• Deliver outstanding customer service by resolving concerns, building relationships with pet parents, and ensuring consistent service excellence.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and all applicable federal, state, and local employment and safety regulations, including OSHA, EEOC, ADA, and wage and hour requirements.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide ongoing coaching, and create development opportunities for team members.
• Partner with Destination Pet Support Teams to execute operational initiatives and improve center performance.
• Maintain the facility, equipment, and technology systems to provide a safe and welcoming environment.
• Manage cash handling procedures, deposits, and financial controls.
• Develop and execute local marketing initiatives, community partnerships, and social media engagement to grow the business.
• Monitor the health, safety, comfort, and well-being of every pet in our care.
• Step in to support the team wherever needed and perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

People leadership

Operations management

Budgeting & payroll

Customer service

Team development

Communication

Job description

Welcome to Destination Pet. We are One Pack- a united team working together to elevate the love and lives of pet families. Our pet-obsessed professionals create a connected care network of trustworthy partners who bring creative innovation every day. We are revolutionizing the pet industry. Join us!

As the General Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day operations of the center while building a culture that delivers exceptional experiences for pets, pet parents, and team members alike. You'll be responsible for driving business performance, developing a high-performing team, maintaining operational excellence, and ensuring every guest receives outstanding care.

This role blends leadership, operations, customer experience, financial accountability, and community engagement. You'll partner closely with Destination Pet's Support Teams-including Operations, Human Resources, Marketing, Facilities, Finance, and Legal-to create a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment where both people and pets thrive.

We are looking to hire a General Manager for our A Touch of Class Pet Resort

Reports To: District Director
Pay: $50,000 - $65,000 Salary + Quarterly Bonus Opportunities

Role Responsibilities

• Lead all daily operations of the center, ensuring a safe, clean, and exceptional experience for pets, clients, and team members.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, coach, develop, and retain a high-performing team while fostering a positive, accountable culture.
• Create schedules that balance exceptional service with labor budget expectations.
• Manage center payroll, labor costs, and staffing levels while ensuring timely payroll approval.
• Drive financial performance by managing budgets, reviewing operational reports, monitoring key performance indicators, and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Oversee inventory management, purchasing, and vendor relationships to maintain appropriate supply levels.
• Deliver outstanding customer service by resolving concerns, building relationships with pet parents, and ensuring consistent service excellence.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and all applicable federal, state, and local employment and safety regulations, including OSHA, EEOC, ADA, and wage and hour requirements.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide ongoing coaching, and create development opportunities for team members.
• Partner with Destination Pet Support Teams to execute operational initiatives and improve center performance.
• Maintain the facility, equipment, and technology systems to provide a safe and welcoming environment.
• Manage cash handling procedures, deposits, and financial controls.
• Develop and execute local marketing initiatives, community partnerships, and social media engagement to grow the business.
• Monitor the health, safety, comfort, and well-being of every pet in our care.
• Step in to support the team wherever needed and perform other responsibilities as assigned.

You Could Be a Great Fit If

• You're an experienced people leader who enjoys coaching, mentoring, and developing teams.
• You have a strong operational mindset and know how to balance exceptional customer service with business performance.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment where every day brings new priorities.
• You're confident making decisions, solving problems, and managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• You build trust quickly with team members, clients, and business partners.
• You have experience managing budgets, labor, payroll, inventory, and overall business performance.
• You communicate effectively and professionally with people at every level of the organization.
• You're passionate about creating an outstanding experience for pets and the people who love them.
• You lead by example and aren't afraid to roll up your sleeves to support the team when needed.

This Role May Not Be a Fit If

• Prefer a role with limited responsibility for coaching, accountability, and performance management.
• Prefer predictable routines over balancing multiple priorities throughout the day.
• Are uncomfortable making difficult decisions involving staffing, customer concerns, or business operations.
• Prefer working independently rather than collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Are uncomfortable working evenings, weekends, or holidays when business needs require.
• Prefer an office-based role with limited physical activity, as this position regularly requires walking the facility, assisting the team, and interacting with pets.
• Are uncomfortable working around pet hair, cleaning chemicals, animal odors, or occasional accidents.

Perks & Benefits

• Quarterly bonus opportunities.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Short- & Long-Term Disability coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Generous Paid Time Off.
• Discounts on Destination Pet services.
• Career growth opportunities across the Destination Pet network.
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