Animal Scientist jobs in New London, CT

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, working together across 1,500 pet care centers, 250 Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics, eight distribution centers and two support centers.   

Position Overview

The Operations Leader – Animal Care promotes and ensures the efficient and effective operations of the Companion Animal Department and drives the sales of aquatic pets, reptiles, birds, and small companion animals. The Operations Leader – Animal Care will coach and mentor all Pet Care Center partners in the processes to support and drive the guest experience and animal care.  The Operations Leader – Animal Care is responsible for training, developing, supporting operations scheduling and leading a high-performing team that delivers the Companion Animal department’s budgeted sales goals, gross margin, animal, and merchandise shrink targets.  They will also assist in managing all aspects of the Pet Care Center’s business in accordance with Petco operational standards and safety procedures.

Position Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Utilize business acumen to measure, analyze and diagnose business trends and to also utilize critical thinking skills to effectively implement business improvement plans.

• Ensure the health and well-being of live animals by providing the correct care in accordance with the established Petco standards, policies and procedures including the completion of the hourly animal health check and wellness cards.

• Adheres to Veterinary Protocol for all sick animals.

• Process register transactions in a way that creates a great experience for each guest.

• Be proficient within our selling model and support guest interactions as needed.

• Responsible the implementation and execution of Companion Animal Operations and Aquatics (where applicable) through training and coaching partners to include: Animal Care, Aquatics and Companion Animal Maintenance, Ordering, all Regulatory Compliance, CAPI, HAHC, CAPC and Vet Care/Relationships.

• Efficiently orders live animals to maximize sales, margin and inventory. Analyzes department inventory management data and recommends areas for improvement.

• Ensures operational standards are maintained in the department.

• Ensures all animal related maintenance tasks are being completed as outlined on the Maintenance Task List.

• Achieves high presentation standards at all times in the aquatics and companion animal areas.

• Partner with the Operations Leader – Merchandising to ensure proper in-stock merchandise levels. Goals are achieved by reporting max changes or requested overrides are achieving I.M. grade.

• Ensures the proper handling and documentation for all Adoption Animals.

• Performs activities to maintain a knowledge and understanding of PCC Sales and Margin reports and data.

• Leads, provides feedback, and coaches all PCC partners in providing quality service to satisfy the needs of Petco guests and in performing their assigned tasks.

• In partnership with the PCC Leaders, ensures proper partner scheduling is maintained to ensure in-stock goals and proper guest service levels are met during peak hours.

• Applies a talent management skill set within the scope of recruiting, hiring, training, work scheduling, coaching and succession planning.

• Provides quick and courteous service to all guests by determining their needs, sharing product knowledge, and suggesting the appropriate merchandise to satisfy their needs, utilizing our selling strategy throughout the PCC.

• Supports the implementation and execution of Omni Channel through training and coaching partners to include: BOPUS, Ship-from-store, Curbside, Endless Aisle, and overall Guest Experience.

• Accountable as Leader on Duty for supporting for supporting Pet Care Center execution, training, communication and maintenance of company initiatives, programs, legal compliance, policies, procedures, safety practices, and promotions. 

• Train, coach, and develop Pet Care Center operations partners in close partnership with the sales team.

• Promote a positive leadership culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.

• Operations Leaders are expected to display and champion the Petco Leadership Expectations.

Other Essential Duties

• MODEL INSPIRING LEADERSHIP.  Model leadership and selling behaviors to Pet Care Center partners and associates. Provide leadership to maintain a positive business climate that motivates Pet Care Center teams in alignment with our company goals.  Serve as an effective advocate for change and growth.

• PROMOTE SAFETY. Ensure Petco policies, procedures and safety standards are closely observed and executed, and all new policies and procedures are properly implemented in the Pet Care Center.  Bottom line, the safety of partners, guests and pets is our #1 priority.

• FOSTER A COLLABORATIVE CULTURE.  Establish and promote a culture that encourages partners to seek and formulate ideas and opportunities that increase efficiency and that improve guest engagement, guest satisfaction and company image. Ensure a culture that values and promotes teamwork.

• PRIORITIZE TALENT DEVELOPMENT. Ensure a strong talent bench with partners who can successfully execute the company’s plans, meet objectives, and manage an engaged workforce.  Ensure continuation of excellence in Petco’s partners through developmental programs and leadership opportunities.

• ENGAGE AND BE PRESENT. Represent Petco’s brand and image at a high level through strong culture and positive leadership.  Lead our team in a way that is committed to high standards within a fun working environment.

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or its equivalent required; some college level business/management courses preferred.

• 1 or more years of management experience or the equivalent is required, with 2 or more years preferred.

• Must be licensed to operate a motor vehicle.

• Proficiency in communication skills, organizational skills, and computer skills required to include: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other applications as needed.

• Demonstrates proficiency in areas of general business practices, basic business & finance acumen, analysis and problem-solving skills, and high focus on people development & guest service.

• A qualified applicant will possess an aptitude for demonstrating strong guest service and the ability to instruct others.

Supervisory Responsibility

• The Operations Leader – Animal Care directly supervises the Operations Specialists & Senior Aquatics Specialists, in applicable locations.

• As a Leader on Duty, supports quick and courteous service to all guests within the Pet Care Center.

• Ensures that the Pet Care Center is opened and / or closed in accordance with established P&Ps as it applies to SFS operations.

• In partnership with the Pet Care Center leaders, ensure proper Pet Care Center attendance processes are being maintained.

• Adhere to and promote established safety procedures for partners, guests, and pets.

Work Environment

This role is expected to provide support during key operational hours, with weekend availability.  Most job duties are conducted indoors, although occasional merchandise stocking, customer carry-outs, and bank deposits will require that a partner leave the Pet Care Center briefly.  Because this position requires bending, kneeling, moving merchandise (up to 50 pounds, as necessary) and standing for long periods of time, there may be risk of injury resulting from failure to follow safety precautions and procedures.  A limited amount of travel will be required.

Contacts

This position has continuous contact with the public at the Pet Care Center and at Pet Care Center -related events, and regular contact and exchange of information with other departments in the field, Distribution Centers, and at the Support Centers.  Contact outside of PETCO may be required to coordinate merchandise returns, ordering parts, Pet Care Center repairs, coordination of vaccination clinics, Pet Care Center events, vendor meetings, etc.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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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