View job & apply Lead Groomer in Long Grove, IL

EarthWise Pet; Long Grove (IL); In loco; USD 35.000 - 50.000; Tempo pieno

Vantaggi offerti da questo lavoro

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Paid training

Employee discount

Descrizione del lavoro

EarthWise Pet is seeking an experienced Lead Dog Groomer to deliver high-quality grooming while leading a team of groomers and bathers. You will coach staff, ensure service excellence, and uphold safety and product standards in a fast-paced salon.

The role blends hands-on grooming with leadership, quality control, and exceptional customer experience; compensation includes hourly pay plus commissions and bonuses.

Competenze

• Minimum of 2 years of professional dog grooming experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional bathing experience.

Mansioni

• Provide comprehensive grooming services in a salon.
• Greet customers and dogs by name and communicate pick-up times.
• Assess each dog’s condition and recommend add-ons.
• Lead and coach groomers and bathers.
• Perform regular quality checks and participate in performance meetings.
• Ensure safety, cleanliness, and proper documentation.

Conoscenze

Leadership

Grooming proficiency

Customer service

Team development

Formazione

Associate's degree preferred

Descrizione del lavoro

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 customers 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.

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