Lead Groomer

Scenthound Lake Zurich, IL; Lake Zurich (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative grooming establishment is seeking a Lead Groomer who is passionate about teaching and mentoring others in the art of dog grooming. This role emphasizes leadership, expert grooming knowledge, and the ability to create a collaborative environment for both dogs and team members. With a focus on the overall health and wellness of dogs, the Lead Groomer will guide a team while ensuring high grooming standards and safety. This position offers a clear career growth path within a culture-driven company that values connection and compassion. If you're ready to make a difference in the grooming industry, this opportunity is for you!

Benefits

Direct career growth path

Competitive hourly base pay

Closed Sundays

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Merit-based pay increases

Paid time off (PTO)

No late evening hours

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of grooming experience or graduation from a grooming school.
• Knowledge of dog breeds, grooming standards, and tools.

Responsibilities

• Groom to Scenthound standards while mentoring the grooming team.
• Create a learning environment and teach new groomers.

Skills

Effective communication

Leadership

Coaching

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Time-management

Education

Graduation from a grooming school

2 years of grooming experience

Tools

Grooming tools

Job description

Lead Groomer Pay: $16.00/hour + $4.00–$6.00/hour in tips
Total Average Compensation: $20.00–$22.00/hour
Position Type: Full-time (35–40 hours/week)

Who We Are

Scenthound is not your everyday dog grooming shop. We are a revolutionary concept disrupting an outdated industry, focused on the dog’s overall health and wellness, not just haircuts! Our membership-based business model allows dogs to receive routine maintenance and consistent care. At Scenthound, we are a culture-driven, highly collaborative team that prioritizes dog and employee safety. Through our North Star and values, we inspire the dog-human connection by helping dog parents maintain clean, healthy dogs.

NORTH STAR

We remove barriers so that people can love and connect with their dogs every day.

VALUES

Dog First. One Pack. Bring Love. Seek Growth. Make A Difference.

About the Position

With plans for multiple locations in Northwest suburbs in Illinois, if you desire growth, this is the role for you. The Lead Groomer is an integral position at Scenthound, offering expert grooming knowledge, providing leadership to a team of groomers and bathers, and facilitating training for new groomers.

This position requires:

1. At least 2 years of grooming experience or graduation from a grooming school
2. Knowledge of dog breeds, their grooming and care standards, and tools of the trade
3. Strength to lift up to 70 pounds; stamina to stand for long periods of time
4. Reliable transportation
5. Willingness to work in a smoke-free environment

Who We Are Looking For

Do you love grooming but don’t want to groom every day and instead teach and coach others? This is the role for you. We are searching for a confident dog groomer who loves teaching their passion to others! We do only one cut – a puppy cut in five different lengths.

A successful Lead Groomer is knowledgeable, perceptive, patient, adaptable, and a compassionate dog lover! We are looking for a motivating leader who can teach others what they know and has the potential to become a Grooming Supervisor.

Tasks

1. Groom to Scenthound standards while providing leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the grooming and bathing teams
2. Create an environment conducive to learning, open communication, and teamwork
3. Teach new groomers the Scenthound standards; provide ongoing coaching and mentorship
4. Identify when/ where help is needed and provide assistance to keep Scenter on schedule
5. Ensure the safety of dogs and team members at all times
6. Adhere to Scenthound sanitary and cleaning practices
7. Perform other tasks and duties as assigned by the Scenter Manager

Skills and Abilities

1. Effective communication with team members and dog parents
2. Leadership, coaching, mentorship
3. Problem-solving
4. Attention to detail
5. Time-management
6. Ability to self-critique; hold oneself and others to high standards of grooming

Benefits

1. Direct career growth path to Management positions (Grooming Supervisor, Assistant Manager, Manager) and additional options beyond
2. Competitive hourly base pay, plus participation in the tip pool
3. Closed Sunday (all except 2 or 3 per year due to customer demand)
4. Full-time workers (40 Hours per week) eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits
5. Merit-based pay increases
6. Paid time off (PTO) for full-time and part-time employees
7. No late evening hours

Interested to work in a Woman Owned Small Business?