Store Manager - Arlington, VA

Want to help pets live their best lives? Is this your next job Read the full description below to find out, and do not hesitate to make an application. 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. As a Store Manager , you are the owner of the business for your Pet Care Center. You are fully accountable for day-to-day operations, team leadership, customer experience, and store performance ensuring the location operates safely, efficiently, and in alignment with Petco standards. This role requires a hands-on leader who can balance people leadership, operational execution, and business results while setting the tone for culture, accountability, and service excellence. What You'll Do Pet First Own the safety, care, and well-being of pets and pet parents within the Pet Care Center. Ensure all policies, procedures, and safety standards are executed consistently and without exception. Create a clean, safe, and welcoming environment that reflects Petco's commitment to responsible pet care. Lead with integrity and sound judgment in all decisions impacting pets, customers, and partners. Foster the Fun Build, lead, and develop a high performing, engaged team that delivers exceptional service. Set clear expectations, provide ongoing coaching, and hold partners accountable for results and behaviors. Create a culture of inclusion, teamwork, and trust where partners feel supported, recognized, and motivated. Lead visibly from the sales floor, modeling Petco's selling behaviors and service standards. Let's Go! Own total store performance, including sales results, labor productivity, expense control, and operational execution. Translate company strategy into clear store priorities and daily execution plans. Analyze sales and operational data, identify trends, and take decisive action to drive results. Plan and manage labor schedules to meet business needs while supporting customer experience. Execute merchandising, inventory, and promotional standards with precision and consistency. Serve as Leader on Duty, making timely decisions and resolving issues to keep the business moving forward. Key Responsibilities Business & Operational Performance Act as the single point of accountability for store performance, compliance, and culture. Ensure the store is opened and closed according to security and safety procedures. Protect company assets through strong inventory control, shrink awareness, and loss prevention practices. Ensure all administrative, payroll, and operational tasks are completed accurately and on time. Maintain store appearance, cleanliness, and brand standards at all times. People Leadership Recruit, hire, onboard, and develop talent aligned to store needs and volume. Lead performance management, coaching, and development conversations. Build a sustainable talent pipeline and succession plan appropriate to store size. Address performance or conduct concerns promptly and professionally. What Success Looks Like The store consistently meets or exceeds sales and operational expectations for its volume. Customers experience friendly, knowledgeable, and reliable service every visit. Partners are engaged, accountable, and proud of their store. The Pet Care Center operates safely, compliantly, and efficiently — without surprises. What You Bring Experience & Skills 2+ years of management experience (retail leadership preferred). Strong people leadership, coaching, and talent development skills. Solid business, financial, and operational acumen. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities. A genuine passion for pets and customer service. Education High school diploma or GED preferred. Completion of Petco leadership development programs may be required for internal candidates. Essential Functions & Work Environment This role is primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment . The Store Manager is expected to be regularly present on the sales floor, leading by example and engaging with partners, customers, and pets. Majority of work is conducted indoors; however, occasional duties may require leaving the Pet Care Center for tasks such as bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events. The role requires frequent stand