General Manager (GM)

Job Description

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

 

General Manager of The Dog Stop Savannah

Reports to: Owner

Job Description :

Guides and oversees all functions of the Store. The General Manager will work closely with the Owner(s) to set goals, identify plans to attain goals, direct Employees, perform customer service, and take care of the daily, weekly, and monthly responsibilities listed under Job Responsibilities.

 

The General Manager should be capable of competently completing any job or task assigned to any employee.

 

Experience Required:

Preferred two (2) years as Manager or Assistant Manager’s role or equivalent work experience.

 

Required Skills:

The General Managers should be skilled in the following areas: teamwork, retaining technical knowledge, communication and training, decision making, developing and achieving goals, budgeting, providing exceptional customer service, problem solving, leadership, and dedication.

 

 

Job Responsibilities

· Vendor/ Inventory Strategist – Responsible for making informed purchasing decisions by balancing vendor input with store-specific needs. While distributor reps offer valuable insights on products, trends, and promotions, the GM must critically assess their advice, understanding that reps are sales-driven.

By combining vendor information with knowledge of the store’s budget, sales performance, and customer base, the GM ensures inventory decisions align with The Dog Stop®'s goals. This role requires strong judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to use vendor resources effectively—without being influenced by external sales agendas.

· Inventory and Product Management – In collaboration with the Assistant Manager, is responsible for accurately entering new products into PetExec, ensuring pricing aligns with corporate mark-up guidelines, and updating inventory upon order receipt. They must also educate themselves and staff on new products, utilizing brand reps and provided materials to support effective sales training.

 

· Ordering & Supply Management - In collaboration with the Assistant or Retail Manager, oversees all ordering by setting inventory parameters, establishing stock minimums, and determining product viability based on sales performance. The GM works with ownership to build the store’s inventory and with the Assistant Manager to maintain it, including retail items, office supplies, and cleaning chemicals. They are also responsible for evaluating underperforming products, requesting credits from distributors, and addressing supply issues directly with vendors.

 

· Facility & Maintenance Oversight - Responsible for ensuring the building and essential equipment—such as kennels, fencing, and laundry machines—are safe and functional, addressing repairs or replacements promptly. The GM should maintain a list of approved contractors or handymen and refer to the provided cleaning and maintenance manual to uphold safety standards for both dogs and staff.

 

· Utilities Management- Responsible for managing all utility services, including ensuring timely payments and addressing any service issues by coordinating with providers. While auto-pay is recommended, the GM must regularly monitor charges and keep payment information up to date to prevent service disruptions.

 

· Budget Management- Works closely with the Owner to develop and follow a financial plan, ensuring responsible spending across inventory, supplies, staffing, and utilities. The GM is expected to maintain proper staffing levels, uphold retail mark-up margins, and avoid unnecessary expenses. They also manage the budget for employee food and events, following a set schedule for staff treats and celebrations.

 

· Payroll Management - Responsible for following payroll policies set with the Owner, including pay rates for new hires and raises after performance reviews. The GM should contact the payroll representative with any questions or issues related to payroll.

 

· Staffing Management - Upon being hired, the GM is responsible for keeping The Dog Stop® Savannah adequately staffed.

o Ensure The Dog Stop® Savannah remains fully staffed with motivated, positive employees.

o Monitor staff performance, provide encouragement, incentives, and lead by example to maintain a positive work environment.

o Address performance issues through constructive feedback, improvement plans, or termination if necessary, and hire suitable replacements.

o Recognize and reward employees who exceed expectations.

o Conduct annual or biannual performance reviews to set goals, track progress, and determine rewards; conduct 90-day reviews for new hires.

o Implement and maintain The Dog Stop® Employee Rewards System for exceptional behavior.

o Oversee hiring, onboarding, and training of new employees, ensuring they receive necessary tools and training before working independently.

o Mediate employee conflicts by facilitating resolution meetings, implementing solutions, and ensuring lasting resolution.

 

· Employee Training and Development- The General Manager (GM) and Assistant Manager (AM) are responsible for training all new hires on dog care protocols, policies, and procedures. They may delegate training tasks to trusted employees but must ensure training is thorough and effective. The management team is also responsible for keeping staff updated on evolving industry standards and any changes to company policies and procedures.

· Employee Management- The General Manager (GM) holds overall responsibility for employee performance and task completion, ensuring all work meets The Dog Stop® standards. Key responsibilities include:

· Training employees or delegating training to managers when tasks are not performed correctly.

· Following up with the management team to address incomplete or substandard work.

· Deciding when additional training or termination is necessary and implementing appropriate plans.

· Conducting daily walkthroughs to ensure store standards are maintained, or training management to perform these when the GM is absent.

· Holding the management team accountable by regularly checking in to confirm tasks are completed properly and consistently.

· Staff Scheduling - The General Manager (GM) is responsible for creating and distributing biweekly or monthly shift schedules (excluding grooming), posting them in the store and emailing them to staff. The GM approves or denies time-off and shift change requests, manages last-minute updates, and ensures all affected employees are informed. Scheduling should align with the store’s budget using the Employees per Shift Worksheet.

 

· Dog Care Oversight - Responsible for ensuring the health and well-being of all dogs by enforcing AACPH dog handling standards and overseeing daily care tasks like cleaning, feeding, and medication tracking. The GM supervises staff to ensure proper care, handles any incidents including first aid and communication with Owners, and manages incident reporting. Additionally, the GM assigns daily activities, completes and discusses behavioral or health report cards with dog owners, and maintains accurate records in PetExec.

 

· Customer Service Management - The General Manager (GM) leads all client interactions, including appointments, tours, and sales, while setting a positive, welcoming tone that reflects The Dog Stop®’s friendly atmosphere. The GM handles client concerns with empathy and professionalism, striving to resolve issues fairly and knowing when it’s best to part ways with a client. Additionally, the GM communicates any dog-related incidents to the Owner and manages related matters, such as collecting fees for vet bills, always ensuring excellent customer service.

· Regulatory Compliance - The General Manager (GM) is responsible for ensuring the store complies with state regulations regarding Dog Warden inspections. This includes:

· Staying informed about local inspection requirements (e.g., biannual inspections in PA).

· Maintaining and displaying required documentation, such as kennel licenses, exercise plans, vaccination records, and annual dog totals reports.

· Ensuring the facility is inspection-ready at all times.

· Training management staff on where to find and how to present required materials during an inspection.

 

· Field Operations Compliance - The General Manager (GM) is responsible for ensuring the store meets all standards outlined in The Dog Stop® Field Operations Compliance Checklist. Key responsibilities include:

· Maintaining full compliance with company policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of dogs and staff.

· Preparing for and supporting regular compliance visits from the Field Operations Specialist.

· Conducting self-evaluations using the provided checklist to identify and address areas for improvement.

· Collaborating with the Owner to take corrective actions and ensure readiness for follow-up inspections.

\nCompany Description

We’re thrilled to bring The Dog Stop’s all-inclusive dog care to Savannah! Our state-of-the-art facility offers daycare, boarding, grooming, training, and retail – all designed to give pups the best day ever. We’re building a passionate, positive team of dog lovers who treat every pup like family. Join us early and help shape our grand opening!

Company Description

We’re thrilled to bring The Dog Stop’s all-inclusive dog care to Savannah! Our state-of-the-art facility offers daycare, boarding, grooming, training, and retail – all designed to give pups the best day ever. We’re building a passionate, positive team of dog lovers who treat every pup like family. Join us early and help shape our grand opening!