Lead Groomer
petpros3South Milwaukee (WI)
$31 per hour
ApplyAbout the role
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
Before you apply
Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.
Your profile is current
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Two examples you can talk through
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A number in mind
What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.
Your notice period
Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.
Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.
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