Store Manager Designate

Pets at Home; England; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pet care company is seeking a Store Manager Designate in Dartford/Crayford area. The role involves overseeing daily operations, leading a team, and achieving sales targets. Candidates should have at least 2 years of management experience in retail, strong leadership, and communication skills. Comprehensive training will be provided. Benefits include an annual bonus, paid leave, and employee discounts. This role demands flexibility in working hours, including weekends and bank holidays.

Benefits

Annual bonus opportunities

28 days paid leave

Birthday day off

Life assurance worth 4x salary

4% company pension contribution

Colleague discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of management experience in retail, leading teams.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment driving sales and KPIs.
• Willingness to complete comprehensive training on various aspects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and ensure store standards.
• Lead and inspire the team to achieve sales targets.
• Create a positive work environment and ensure compliance.

Skills

Management Experience

Strong Communication Skills

Leadership

Flexibility

Customer Service

Job description

Store Manager Designate – Dartford / Crayford Area – 39 Hours

The role

As a Store Manager Designate, you will report to the Area Manager and work in one of several stores within the local area. You will empower the teams you are working with to maximise sales and performance across all major KPIs. You will inspire your team, inject fun into the workplace and create a truly fantastic place to shop and work. A Designate role is a great way to experience working with different teams and different sized stores to develop your skills as a Store Manager. When recruiting for Store Manager Designates, we intend that you’ll complete a few months in a Designate role but that you will eventually take responsibility for your own store.

Key responsibilities

• Overseeing all aspects of daily operations, from stock control to store standards.
• Leading and inspiring your team to achieve sales targets and exceed KPIs.
• Creating a positive and fun working environment for your colleagues.
• Ensuring health and safety compliance across the store.
• Delivering outstanding customer service, embodying our mission to be Best Pet Care Business in the World.

We’ll provide industry-leading training to help you thrive in your role and equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver exceptional service and care for both customers and their pets.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone with:

• At least 2 years of management experience in a retail environment, leading a team of 10 or more in a fast‑paced setting.
• A passion for retail and a proven track record of delivering excellent results.
• Flexibility to work a 7‑day shift pattern, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Strong communication and leadership skills to engage and motivate your team.
• A willingness to complete 6 months of comprehensive training covering customer service, pet care, and health & safety.

Benefits

We reward our Store Managers with a comprehensive package designed to support your well‑being, including:

• Annual bonus opportunities.
• 28 days paid leave, rising to 33 days after 2 years (including bank holidays).
• Birthday day off to celebrate in style.
• Life assurance worth 4x your annual salary.
• 4% company pension contribution.
• Colleague discounts, including 20% off Pets at Home and 30% off our own‑brand products.

About us

At Pets at Home, we’re passionate about pet care, offering everything from pet products and grooming to veterinary services across the UK. Our community‑focused pet care centres are hubs for pet lovers, bringing people together to support local pet owners and their beloved companions.

Read our Values & Behaviours.

Read more details and other benefits.

We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities. Even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!

Don’t wait—apply now! We may close the vacancy early due to high interest.