Takapuna - Assistant Store Manager

ROLE SUMMARY:
At Petdirect, we’re on a mission to lead the pack. As a proudly NZ-owned and operated one-stop shop, we make it easy for Kiwi pet parents to give their best friends the best lives. We aren't just expanding our physical footprint; we’re building vibrant community hubs rooted in education, authenticity, and heart.
We’re a passionate team of "PetSters" dedicated to a seamless shopping experience - whether our customers are browsing online or visiting us in-store. Plus, we were officially named one of NZ’s Best Places to Work for 2025. We’re incredibly proud of our culture and are looking for someone who lives and breathes our mission to help pets and their people thrive

The Assistant Store Manager for our Takapuna retail store will play a critical role in supporting the Store Manager in delivering outstanding store operations, an inspiring team environment, and exceptional service to our pet parents. You'll help coach a team of passionate sales assistants/educators, foster a culture of connection and learning, and help drive the store’s performance to new heights.

You’ll help lead with curiosity and care, empowering the team to educate and inspire pet parents, and champion Petdirect’s mission in the local community. This is an opportunity to help shape what exceptional looks like as we grow our footprint across New Zealand.

This role is a 40-hour-a-week position, working Sunday to Thursday.  Hours worked per day will vary between our opening time of 8.30am and closing time of 7pm.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Attitude is key in this role. At our core, we are a values-driven business. We seek individuals who embody our principles: those who stay hungry for excellence while remaining grounded. We value every person and believe in doing what's right. We appreciate those who act like owners and go the extra mile in everything they do. It's the extra 1% that makes a difference. 

The key responsibilities of this role include:

Support Retail Sales Performance:

• Assist in driving retail sales performance by implementing effective sales strategies.
• Monitor sales targets and help coach the team on areas of opportunity.
• Along with the Store Manager, ensure that exceptional customer service is delivered by all team members.

Operational Excellence:

• Support the Store Manager in managing all aspects of store operations, including opening/closing procedures, inventory management, and maintaining store standards.
• Ensure the store is always clean, organised, and customer-ready.

Team Development:

• Assist with recruiting, training, coaching, and supervising store staff.
• Help foster a positive, feedback-rich, and productive work environment.
• Lead by example, modelling Petdirect’s values every day.

Customer Service Leadership:

• Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction by addressing inquiries and resolving complaints.
• Create a welcoming, knowledgeable, and trustworthy environment for every guest.

Visual Merchandising and Stock Management:

• Assist in overseeing product merchandising to ensure a visually appealing store.
• Ensure stock levels are maintained and aligned with brand standards.

Financial Support:

• Assist the Store Manager with managing store budgets and wage spend.
• Monitor financial performance and help implement cost-control measures.

Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure compliance with company policies, health and safety standards, and regulatory requirements.

Community Engagement:

• Help build relationships with local pet communities, businesses, and organisations to promote the store and its services.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Proven experience in a retail management role, preferably as an Assistant Manager or similar.
• Strong sales skills and experience driving retail performance.
• Excellent leadership and team development capabilities.
• Exceptional customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
• Knowledge of pet products and a passion for animals is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in using retail management systems, POS software, Google Workspace, and MS Office.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts as needed.
• You believe in coaching over managing.
• You love pets and people equally.
• You have hustle, heart, and a hunger to build something special.

OUR STANDARDS:

• Seek 1%ers: We embrace continuous learning and strive to improve every day, no matter how small the gain.
• Act with purpose: We are intentional in our decisions and actions, always keeping the customer at the centre.
• Be collaborative: We work as one team - respectfully, openly, and with a shared commitment to success.
• Take responsibility: We own our actions and outcomes, demonstrating accountability at every level.
• Get it right: We hold ourselves to high standards by prioritising quality and accuracy in everything we do.

BENEFITS:
An attractive management incentive scheme is on offer which will be based on delivering positive sales results and managing controllable costs within the location. 

Hopefully, your furbaby is up for some fancy new accessories and treats, as there’s a fair bit of that on offer with a generous staff discount available.  We offer all-day snacks, regular shared evening team get-togethers, along with social activities driven by our PetSters.  Sure, we work hard, but we have fun, too.   

ABOUT PETDIRECT:
We are a team of pet enthusiasts dedicated to making life easier for pet parents. Our journey started as an online-only business, but we have now expanded into brick-and-mortar retail, with four stores now open and ambitious plans to grow our physical presence across New Zealand.

We pride ourselves on offering exceptional service, high-quality products, and expert advice to help Kiwi pet parents make the best choices for their furry family members. As we expand, our commitment remains the same: to be a trusted partner for pet lovers across the country.

Join us as we continue to build a market-leading e-commerce and retail experience for pet parents in New Zealand.
petdirect.co.nz