What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Manager position at Pawcommons?
Job Title: Assistant Manager
Reports To: General Manager
Partners: Location Management, Training & Grooming Teams, Client Services
Location: Encinitas
Compensation: $21 - $25/hour Performance-Based Bonuses
Lead with Heart. Operate with Excellence. At Paw Commons, we don’t just board dogs; we create a home away from home. We are the premier destination for dog daycare, lodging, grooming, and training, and our mission is to create a safe, nurturing environment where every dog is treated like family.
We are seeking an Assistant Manager who embodies this mission. This is a dynamic leadership role that balances strategic priorities with hands-on problem-solving in a fast-paced environment. You will support the General Manager in overseeing daily operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery, and fostering a positive, inclusive work environment aligned with our organizational values.
If you are a driven leader with a passion for operational agility and pet care, we can’t wait to meet you.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead & Inspire: Mentor staff, conduct performance reviews, and address training needs in collaboration with department leads. You will foster a respectful workplace culture that prioritizes teamwork and professional growth.
- Drive Operational Excellence: Oversee the heartbeat of daily operations, including scheduling, payroll, inventory, and facility maintenance.
- Elevate the Client Experience: Serve as a proactive problem-solver. You will resolve escalated client concerns promptly and diplomatically, while continually monitoring service quality to enhance client satisfaction and retention.
- Uphold the Standard: Ensure strict adherence to federal and state regulations, as well as company policies for animal care, staffing, safety protocols, and cleanliness standards.
- Develop the Team: Lead the onboarding experience for new hires and provide ongoing coaching on policies, software, and customer service to ensure our team is always growing.
What You Bring (Qualifications):
- Experience: A minimum of two years of experience in pet care, hospitality, or retail management, with a proven track record in team leadership, scheduling, and customer conflict resolution.
- Hands-On Capability: While this is a leadership role, you are not afraid to roll up your sleeves. You must be completely comfortable handling dogs of all sizes and temperaments, cleaning up animal waste, and stepping in to cover daycare or front desk shifts when operational emergencies arise
- Tech-Savviness: You are proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Teams), payroll systems, and reservation software (Gingr proficiency is a huge plus).
- A Service & Solutions Mindset: Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Fluency in English is required, and bilingual skills are highly encouraged.
- Education: A High school diploma or GED is required; an associate’s degree in business or animal science is preferred.
- Bonus Points For: Industry-specific credentials such as Pet First Aid/CPR or Fear Free certifications.
- Commitment: This is a full-time position requiring 32 hours per week. Weekend and holiday availability is required, as is the ability to coordinate on-call coverage with the management team.
Physical Requirements: You will thrive in an active environment where you can frequently walk, stand, lift up to 50 lbs, and occasionally bend or crouch. You must also be comfortable with exposure to wet or hot conditions.
Why You’ll Love Working at Paw Commons: We are committed to our team with the same passion we have for our pets. When you join us, you become part of a family that values growth, well-being, and shared success.
- Competitive Compensation: A strong pay range of $21–$25/hour, plus participation in performance-based bonuses and employee recognition programs.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for discounted Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (eligibility begins after 60 days).
- Invest in Your Future: 401(k) with company match and Paid Time Off (PTO) eligibility after 1 year of employment.
- A Culture of Care: Be part of a dedicated team in a respectful, collaborative environment where you can see the direct impact of your leadership on the lives of dogs, their families, and your staff.
Salary : $21 - $25