Manager, Pet Services Grooming Education

Petco Job Opportunity

Want to help pets live their best lives? We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.

Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.

• Pet First Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.
• Foster the Fun Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through district experiences, products, and services.
• Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:

We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and update blended learning curricula (digital, hands-on, and classroom) aligned with industry trends, adult learning principles, and Petco business goals.
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) on grooming education in cross-functional partnership with HR, Learning & Development (L&D), and Field Operations.
• Design and refine educational resources and certification materials for partners and guests.
• Oversee the Grooming Mentor Program and Salon Academies to ensure standard execution and consistent, high-quality guest experience.
• Conduct performance evaluations for Grooming Academy Instructors and mentor field leaders on training delivery.
• Partner with field leadership on workforce planning, partner onboarding, skill progression, and post-graduation productivity.
• Ensure all education, training, and certification programs adhere to Petco safety protocols, animal welfare standards, and applicable legal/regulatory requirements.
• Advise leadership on legislative updates and industry regulations affecting salon operations and grooming compliance.
• Track and report on key educational metrics across stores, districts, and territories (e.g., academy graduation rates, retention, productivity, and safety scores).
• Utilize data insights and field feedback to continuously optimize training effectiveness, operational consistency, and partner engagement.

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience).
• Nationally recognized grooming certification (e.g., Certified Master Pet Stylist [CMPS], Dermatech Specialist, or Meritus) strongly preferred.

Professional Experience:

• 7+ years of professional grooming/pet styling experience, with demonstrated multi-unit or enterprise training leadership experience.
• Proven track record in instructional design, adult learning methodologies, and competency-based assessment.
• Experience leading organizational change and championing a culture of service excellence and safety.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong cross-functional leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Learning Management Systems (LMS), training documentation tools, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic retail/service environment.

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.