Sales Specialist

Petco; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 19,320 - 27,517; Full time

Job summary

Petco in Providence, Rhode Island is looking for a Senior Sales Associate to provide exceptional experiences for pets and pet parents. The role involves mentoring new associates, delivering customer service, and supporting store operations. Candidates should have over a year of retail experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for animals. The position offers a starting rate of $17.00 and opportunities for career growth in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of retail experience, preferably in a specialty retail environment.
• Knowledge of pet care preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to multitask.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional experiences for pets and pet parents.
• Greet customers and lead by example.
• Support leadership with operational tasks.

Skills

Retail experience

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?

Petco is where pets and pet people come together. We strive to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets and people.

About Petco

We have been serving pet owners for over 60 years, with over 29,000 strong employees across 1,500 stores and 250 Vetco Total Care hospitals. We support animal welfare and help find homes for millions of animals.

Senior Sales Associate

As a Senior Sales Associate, you’ll deliver exceptional experiences for pets and pet parents while supporting the success of the Pet Care Center. You’ll mentor new associates, assist leadership, and help develop a compassionate, knowledgeable team.

What You’ll Do

Pet First

• Promote the health, safety, and proper care of all animals in accordance with Petco policies.
• Share accurate pet care, nutrition, and product knowledge to help customers make informed decisions.
• Support a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for pets, pet parents, and partners.

Foster the Fun

• Greet customers and deliver friendly, solution-focused service that builds trust and loyalty.
• Lead by example through strong selling behaviors and exceptional customer service.
• Mentor and support new and junior associates to reinforce best practices and store standards.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive team environment where partners support one another.

Let’s Go!

• Assist customers in selecting products and services that best meet their pets’ needs.
• Process sales, returns, and exchanges accurately and efficiently.
• Support merchandising and inventory activities including restocking, recovery, and presentation.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned.
• Support store leadership with operational tasks and special projects.
• Help resolve customer concerns and escalates issues appropriately.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Experience & Sales

• Deliver consistent, knowledgeable, and compassionate service.
• Educate customers on promotions, services, and loyalty programs.
• Support store sales goals through effective selling and service behaviors.

Operations & Merchandising

• Maintain store cleanliness, organization, and visual standards.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with replenishment.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards.

Leadership Support

• Mentor and train new associates on policies, procedures, and service expectations.
• Act as a floor leader when needed, supporting workflow and customer experience.
• Assist management with escalated customer concerns and operational needs.

What Success Looks Like

• Customers feel welcomed, supported, and confident in their purchases.
• New associates are well‑trained and supported.
• The sales floor is clean, organized, and well-stocked.
• Store goals are supported through strong service and teamwork.

What You Bring

Experience & Skills

• 1+ years of retail experience, preferably in a specialty retail environment.
• Passion for animals and knowledge of pet care preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Proven ability to multitask and thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and professionalism in handling customer concerns.
• Basic math skills and experience handling cash and transactions.

Essential Functions & Work Environment

This role is performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment and requires active engagement on the sales floor.

• The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
• Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point‑of‑sale transactions.
• Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
• Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Purpose‑driven work that makes a difference for pets and people.
• Opportunities to build leadership skills and grow your career.
• A collaborative, inclusive team culture.
• The chance to make an impact every shift.

Start Rate: $17.00

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.