Grooming Operations Manager

Pet Wants; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pet services company seeks a Corporate Grooming Services Manager to drive retail performance and operational excellence across its franchise system. This role involves developing grooming protocols, analyzing performance data, and providing training to franchise owners. Ideal candidates will have professional grooming experience, multi-unit retail operation skills, and a passion for the pet industry. This full-time, mid-senior level position offers the opportunity to make a national impact on grooming services.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting multi-unit, franchise, or multi-location operations is preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of grooming operations is essential.
• Experience in training, auditing, and coaching teams in retail services.

Responsibilities

• Drive retail performance and operational excellence for grooming services.
• Develop and refine grooming protocols and safety procedures.
• Partner with franchise owners to optimize grooming business revenue.

Skills

Professional pet grooming experience

Multi-unit retail operations experience

Training and coaching grooming teams

Knowledge of animal handling and safety

Strong communication skills

Job description

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This is an ideal role for a multi‑unit retail leader with grooming knowledge, who wants national impact without being behind the table every day.

Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the Corporate Grooming Services Manager drives the retail performance, operational excellence, safety, and growth strategy of grooming services across the Pet Wants franchise system. This leader partners closely with franchise owners to optimize the grooming business as a core retail revenue through standards, training, analytics, compliance, and customer experience.

Develop, implement, and continuously refine system‑wide grooming protocols, SOPs, and safety procedures.

Identify new grooming services, pricing strategies, and revenue opportunities to expand the grooming division.

Analyze grooming performance data to drive system‑wide growth and improvement initiatives.

Contribute to annual strategic planning, bringing insights on grooming operations, training, and market trends.

Partner closely with Brand Leadership, Operations, and Franchise Owners to ensure a consistent, high‑quality customer and pet experience.

Manage vendor relationships and source grooming supplies, tools, and products that balance quality, safety, and cost.

Evaluate and recommend new equipment, technologies, and product innovations to enhance efficiency and service quality.

Uphold the highest standards of ethical animal handling and welfare system‑wide.

Lead incident response protocols for grooming injuries or safety concerns.

Provide guidance on: Liability prevention, Incident documentation, Risk mitigation and best practices

Training, Certification & Education

Design and maintain a comprehensive Grooming Training Program, including:

• Lead hands‑on, classroom, and virtual training covering:
• Grooming techniques
• Safety & animal behavior
• Customer communication
• Brand‑aligned service standards

Franchise Support & Coaching

Serve as the primary subject‑matter expert and point of contact for grooming operations.

Provide ongoing coaching, troubleshooting, and operational support to franchise owners.

Deliver expert guidance on:

• Grooming services & workflow optimization
• Product selection & equipment maintenance
• Safe handling and use of grooming chemicals (including medicated baths and dips)
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and all applicable safety standards.

Share ongoing industry insights, product knowledge, and service enhancements to promote continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For

• Professional pet grooming experience and strong working knowledge of pet grooming operations
• Multi‑unit retail operations or service‑based pet retail & leadership experience
• Proven experience in training, auditing, and coaching grooming teams
• Strong knowledge of animal handling, safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance
• Experience supporting multi‑unit, franchise, or multi‑location operations (preferred)
• Confident trainer, communicator, and influencer with operators and owners
• Passion for the pet industry and customer experience

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Industries

• Retail, Veterinary Services, and Technical and Vocational Training

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