Lead Groomer

Pet-Pros-3; Long Grove (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Employee discount

Health insurance

Paid time off

Paid training

Vision insurance

Job summary

Pet-Pros-3 is seeking an experienced Lead Dog Groomer to supervise a team, perform advanced grooming, and drive outstanding customer service. You will coach groomers and bathers, maintain quality standards, and ensure a safe, clean salon environment.

You will lead daily operations, communicate effectively with clients, and coordinate with the Store Manager to meet grooming goals and elevate the client experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of professional dog grooming experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional bathing experience.
• Associate's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach a team of groomers and bathers in a fast‑paced salon.
• Provide high‑quality grooming services and customer care.
• Communicate service options, pricing, and results to clients.
• Ensure safety, cleanliness, and compliance in the salon environment.
• Perform performance checks and support team development.
• Maintain accurate records and scheduling for clients' pets.
• Resolve customer concerns and ensure a positive experience.

Skills

Leadership

Grooming

Customer service

Communication

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Independence

Education

Associate's degree preferred

Tools

Grooming tools

Job description

Description

Full job description

Job Title: Lead Dog Groomer
Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Store Manager
Pay: Up to $31 per hour + up to 45% commission and bonuses
Revised: July 2026

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Dog Groomer to provide high-quality grooming services and to offer leadership, coaching, and technical direction to a team of groomers and bathers. This role combines hands‑on grooming expertise with team development, quality control, and customer service excellence.

The ideal candidate is a skilled groomer with strong leadership abilities, a passion for pet care, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service and results.

Key Responsibilities

Grooming Services and Client Experience

• Provide comprehensive grooming services in a salon environment
• Greet customers and their dogs by name and communicate a best‑estimate pick‑up time
• Perform a needs assessment for each assigned dog, evaluating the condition of eyes, ears, nails, teeth, coat, and skin
• Suggest de‑matting services, a short haircut, additional services, and products to customers based on that assessment, as appropriate
• Describe benefits and options for all suggested add‑ons, and communicate knowledgeably about all of Groombar's products and services, including nutrition, training, and dental cleaning
• Obtain detailed instructions from customers regarding the haircut desired, take comprehensive notes, and record them in each customer's account for future reference
• Clearly communicate fees associated with all services
• Notify owners when service has been completed and ensure hourly contact occurs thereafter until the pet is picked up
• Execute the GOTHEART strategy during every customer check‑in, deliver exceptional customer service, and ensure a positive salon experience

Leadership and Team Development

• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to groomers and bathers
• Train and support skill development for bathers, and maintain grooming and bathing quality standards across the team
• Model safe dog handling techniques and customer experience excellence
• Perform regular quality checks on groomers and bathers
• Participate in performance meetings and support team performance improvement
• As needed, manage performance, including rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, and resolving problems
• Ensure employee responsibilities, authorities, and accountabilities are defined and understood
• Address and resolve customer concerns, including making service corrections when needed

Operations and Performance

• Maintain strong customer service standards and meet or exceed established goals
• Adapt to changing priorities, including assisting and assigning walk‑in grooming services
• Communicate effectively and professionally with customers and team members

Safety and Additional Duties

• Ensure accuracy of release forms, kennel cards, and service documentation
• Monitor pets for stress, health concerns, or behavioral changes and report as needed
• Ensure kenneled pets are comfortable, safe, and have access to water
• Check dogs hourly for any signs of stress
• Communicate any health or safety concerns to management and pet owners
• Ensure the salon environment is safe, clean, and free of hazards, and that equipment and tools are operating as intended
• Respond appropriately to personnel or dog injuries, ensuring both employees and dogs receive prompt and appropriate medical care, and injuries are reported
• Perform other salon-related duties as assigned by Store Manager and Field Leadership, as needed

Salon Maintenance and Compliance

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized grooming environment
• Ensure completion of daily and weekly cleaning and sanitation lists
• Respond appropriately to any pet or employee incidents, ensuring proper care and reporting

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay: Up to $31 per hour + up to 45% commission and bonuses
• Strong earning potential with a competitive commission structure
• Bonus structure surrounding salon performance and growth
• Exclusive Professional Development Opportunity:

Participate in bi‑weekly, hands‑on mentorship and leadership development sessions with a team of multi‑award‑winning international competition groomers. With over 20 years of experience in advanced grooming techniques, salon leadership, and professional instruction, this mentorship offers a rare opportunity to elevate your craft, refine advanced skills, and grow as a leader in the grooming industry.

Work Environment

• Fast‑paced grooming salon environment
• Frequent interaction with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments
• Requires standing, bending, and lifting throughout the workday

This is more than just a grooming role; it is an opportunity to advance your career, maximize your earning potential, and learn from some of the industry's best.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Vision insurance

I understand the description of this job and essential functions as given above. I also understand that all duties of this job are not described above, and that I will perform those indicated and other related duties as directed by my supervisor and management.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Positions supervised (direct reports): Provides lead work direction to Groomers and Bathers
• Minimum of 2 years of professional dog grooming experience required
• Minimum of 2 years of professional bathing experience required
• Associate's degree preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
• Proficiency in a variety of grooming techniques, including clipping, trimming, hand‑stripping, and breed‑standard styling
• Knowledge of grooming tools and equipment
• Familiarity with dog breeds and grooming standards
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to complete a grooming skills assessment