Description Full job description Job Title: Lead Dog Groomer Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Reports To: Store Manager Pay: Up to $31 per hour + up to 45% commission and bonuses Revised: July 2026 Job Summary We are seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Dog Groomer to provide high-quality grooming services and to offer leadership, coaching, and technical direction to a team of groomers and bathers. This role combines hands-on grooming expertise with team development, quality control, and customer service excellence. The ideal candidate is a skilled groomer with strong leadership abilities, a passion for pet care, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service and results. Key Responsibilities Grooming Services and Client Experience • Provide comprehensive grooming services in a salon environment • Greet customers and their dogs by name and communicate a best-estimate pick-up time • Perform a needs assessment for each assigned dog, evaluating the condition of eyes, ears, nails, teeth, coat, and skin • Suggest de-matting services, a short haircut, additional services, and products to customers based on that assessment, as appropriate • Describe benefits and options for all suggested add-ons, and communicate knowledgeably about all of Groombar's products and services, including nutrition, training, and dental cleaning • Obtain detailed instructions from customers regarding the haircut desired, take comprehensive notes, and record them in each customer's account for future reference • Clearly communicate fees associated with all services • Notify owners when service has been completed and ensure hourly contact occurs thereafter until the pet is picked up • Execute the GOTHEART strategy during every customer check-in, deliver exceptional customer service, and ensure a positive salon experience Leadership and Team Development • Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to groomers and bathers • Train and support skill development for bathers, and maintain grooming and bathing quality standards across the team • Model safe dog handling techniques and customer experience excellence • Perform regular quality checks on groomers and bathers • Participate in performance meetings and support team performance improvement • As needed, manage performance, including rewarding and disciplining employees, addressing complaints, and resolving problems • Ensure employee responsibilities, authorities, and accountabilities are defined and understood • Address and resolve customer concerns, including making service corrections when needed Operations and Performance • Maintain strong customer service standards and meet or exceed established goals • Adapt to changing priorities, including assisting and assigning walk-in grooming services • Communicate effectively and professionally with customers and team members Safety and Additional Duties • Ensure accuracy of release forms, kennel cards, and service documentation • Monitor pets for stress, health concerns, or behavioral changes and report as needed • Ensure kenneled pets are comfortable, safe, and have access to water • Check dogs hourly for any signs of stress • Communicate any health or safety concerns to management and pet owners • Ensure the salon environment is safe, clean, and free of hazards, and that equipment and tools are operating as intended • Respond appropriately to personnel or dog injuries, ensuring both employees and dogs receive prompt and appropriate medical care, and injuries are reported • Perform other salon-related duties as assigned by Store Manager and Field Leadership, as needed Salon Maintenance and Compliance • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized grooming environment • Ensure completion of daily and weekly cleaning and sanitation lists • Respond appropriately to any pet or employee incidents, ensuring proper care and reporting Compensation and Benefits • Pay: Up to $31 per hour + up to 45% commission and bonuses • Strong earning potential with a competitive commission structure • Bonus structure surrounding salon performance and growth • Exclusive Professional Development Opportunity: Participate in bi-weekly, hands-on mentorship and leadership development sessions with a team of multi-award-winning international competition groomers. With over 20 years of experience in advanced grooming techniques, salon leadership, and professional instruction, this mentorship offers a rare opportunity to elevate your craft, refine advanced skills, and grow as a leader in the grooming industry. Work Environment • Fast-paced grooming salon environment • Frequent interaction with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments • Requires standing, bending, and lifting throughout the workday This is more than just a grooming role; it is an opportunity to advance your career, maximize your earning potential, and learn from some of the industry's best. Benefits • 401(k) • Dental insurance • Employee discount • Health insurance • Paid time off • Paid training • Vision insurance I understand the description of this job and essential functions as given above. I also understand that all duties of this job are not described above, and that I will perform those indicated and other related duties as directed by my supervisor and management. Requirements Qualifications • Positions supervised (direct reports): Provides lead work direction to Groomers and Bathers • Minimum of 2 years of professional dog grooming experience required • Minimum of 2 years of professional bathing experience required • Associate's degree preferred Skills and Abilities • Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills • Proficiency in a variety of grooming techniques, including clipping, trimming, hand-stripping, and breed-standard styling • Knowledge of grooming tools and equipment • Familiarity with dog breeds and grooming standards • Excellent customer service and communication skills • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively • Ability to complete a grooming skills assessment