Salon Experience Lead — Groomer & Trainer

PetSmart, Inc.; Waldorf (MD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness Benefits

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) is a leadership role focused on delivering high-quality grooming services and developing bathers and new stylists. The role emphasizes pet care, customer service, and adherence to PetSmart’s standards.

The position supports a high-performing team, drives salon sales, and guides associates through the grooming development program, ensuring compassionate care for pets and positive pet-parent experiences.

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 use of 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. This includes but is not limited to training, onboarding, mentoring, and coaching for growth. As well as providing feedback into associate performance reviews, disciplinary action and promotions.
• Responsible for developing new and existing associates through bather and/or stylist certification process.
• Identifies candidates internally to attend academy training to become stylists.
• Delegate and validate completion of daily tasks for salon.
• Address and administer associate complaints and grievances.
• Recognizes and celebrates associates driving overall associate engagement.
• Responsible for pet parent experience and the outcomes of interactions conducted over the telephone, in person or online, and responding to general pet parent concerns.
• Greets and supports pet parents, answers their questions and recommends wellness solutions based on the pets’ need.
• Engages with pet parents at checkout to drive connection and rebooking.
• Communicates and drives pet parent engagement around marketing promotions.
• Utilizes salon tools including the booking system and call logs to make reservations and conduct necessary appointment calls.
• Maintains store standards and leads a culture of empowerment by ensuring compliance to our policies and procedures (P&Ps) and code of ethics.
• Independently performs full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone services, such as nail trims, teeth brushing, and sanitary services in accordance with PetSmart’s bathing standards and procedures.
• Promotes opportunities to grow salon sales to help achieve sales targets and productivity, and any other relevant salon metrics.
• Maintains operational standards including cleanliness, sanitation, and humane conditions for all pets in the grooming area.
• Responsible for taking immediate action and reporting when a sick/injured pet is identified in the store; transport to the vet as needed.
• Maintains communication with Experience Leader on business trends and provides best practices to suggest for implementation.
• Communicates and reports any facilities or supply needs to the Experience Leader or Leader on Duty.
• Recommends, informs, and sells services and merchandise.
• Assists and works in other departments as required. Other duties may be assigned.

Skills

Grooming expertise

Communication skills

Tools

Grooming tools

Computer applications

Job description

PetSmart’s Salon Experience Lead (Groomer & Salon Trainer) is a leadership role focused on delivering high-quality grooming services and developing bathers and new stylists. The role emphasizes pet care, customer service, and adherence to PetSmart’s standards.

The position supports a high-performing team, drives salon sales, and guides associates through the grooming development program, ensuring compassionate care for pets and positive pet-parent experiences.