Pet Salon Experience Lead - Grooming & Training

PetSmart; Wheaton (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness Benefits

Paid Weekly

401k Plan with company match

Paid Time off for full-time associates

Associate discounts

Tuition Assistance

Career pathing

Development opportunities

Job summary

PetSmart’s Salon Experience Lead (Groomer & Salon Trainer) drives exceptional pet grooming services and leads a high-performing salon team. This role coaches bathers and stylists, overseeing certification and development paths to ensure top-quality care.

The position emphasizes grooming excellence, client engagement, and operational standards, with opportunities to grow salon sales and maintain a positive, compassionate environment for pets and their families.

Qualifications

• 2+ years grooming experience; may be asked to complete a technical exam.
• Full-time availability required, flexibility in schedule, able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Proficiency with tools, equipment and products to perform technical work safely.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to react under pressure and maintain composure.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail and safety measures.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates the associate experience and supports associate development, including training, onboarding, mentoring, and coaching.
• Develops new and existing associates through bather and stylist certification.
• Identifies candidates to attend academy training to become stylists.
• Delegate and validate daily salon tasks; supervise quality of services.
• Address and administer associate complaints and grievances.
• Recognizes and celebrates associates driving engagement.
• Greet and support pet parents, answer questions, and recommend wellness solutions.
• Engage with pet parents at checkout to drive rebooking and upsell services.
• Promote salon services and merchandise; use booking system for reservations.
• Maintain salon cleanliness, sanitation, and humane treatment of pets.
• Take action if a pet is sick or injured and coordinate vet transport as needed.

Skills

Grooming experience

Tools & safety

Computer skills

Communication

Pressure management

Organization

Tools

Grooming tools

Job description

PetSmart’s Salon Experience Lead (Groomer & Salon Trainer) drives exceptional pet grooming services and leads a high-performing salon team. This role coaches bathers and stylists, overseeing certification and development paths to ensure top-quality care.

The position emphasizes grooming excellence, client engagement, and operational standards, with opportunities to grow salon sales and maintain a positive, compassionate environment for pets and their families.