General Manager - Fort Smith, AR

Create a healthier, brighter future for pets, pet parents and people!

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, people and our planet.

• We love all pets like our own
• We're the future of the pet industry
• We're here to improve lives
• We drive outstanding results together
• We're welcome as we are

Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and Petco partners. We are 29,000 strong and operate 1,500+ pet care centers in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, including 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. We're focused on purpose-driven work, and strongly believe what's good for pets, people and our planet is good for Petco.

As a General Manager, you bring this purpose to life by leading a high-performing Pet Care Center that puts pets first, inspires partners, delights customers, and delivers strong business results.

You are the owner of your business, accountable for people, performance, and process, and a role model for what great leadership looks like. With a passion for pets and people, you build engaged teams, drive profitable growth, and ensure the highest standards of animal care, safety, and customer experience.

What You'll Do

Pet First

• Champion the health, safety, and humane care of all animals, ensuring Petco standards and policies are consistently met.
• Create an environment where pets and pet parents feel welcomed, supported, and cared for.
• Lead with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to doing what's right for pets.

Foster the Fun

• Build and lead an inclusive, energized team that embodies the Petco brand and delivers exceptional service.
• Attract, hire, train, coach, and develop diverse talent across all roles within the Pet Care Center.
• Create a positive, collaborative culture where partners feel engaged, supported, and empowered to grow.
• Lead by example - coaching in the moment, celebrating wins, and making work meaningful and fun.

Let's Go!

• Own the business: drive sales growth, profitability, and operational excellence.
• Analyze financial and operational results, identify opportunities, and take decisive action to improve performance.
• Manage labor, payroll, and expenses to maximize productivity and results.
• Execute merchandising, inventory, and operational processes to brand and safety standards.
• Represent Petco in the community by leading local events, adoption initiatives, and partnerships that strengthen our impact.

Key Responsibilities

People Leadership

• Develop a strong leadership bench and succession plan.
• Lead performance management, coaching, and accountability for all partners.
• Promote continuous learning, growth, and career development.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and shared ownership.

Business Performance

• Meet or exceed sales, profitability, and operational goals.
• Leverage Petco tools, programs, and insights to grow the business.
• Review and act on reporting, audits, and Pet Care Center visits.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure safe opening and closing procedures and adherence to security protocols.
• Maintain store appearance, cleanliness, and safety standards.
• Protect pets, partners, and merchandise through strong loss prevention and inventory controls.
• Complete required administrative, payroll, and inventory tasks accurately and on time.

What Success Looks Like

• A safe, healthy environment where pets thrive.
• An engaged, high-performing team with strong retention and development.
• Loyal customers who trust your team and return again and again.
• A profitable, well-run Pet Care Center that reflects Petco's values in action.

What You Bring

Experience & Skills

• 3+ 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.

#LI-MV1

Essential Functions & Work Environment

This role is primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment. The General 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 standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
• Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
• Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
• Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• This is a full-time position. Eligibility for full-time status is based on average hours worked, as defined by company policy and applicable law.
• A limited amount of travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Why You'll Love It Here

• Purpose-driven work that makes a real difference.
• Growth opportunities through development programs and career pathways.
• A culture that values authenticity, inclusion, and teamwork.
• The chance to lead, own, and shape your business - every day.

For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO - see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits

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.

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