Grooming Instructor

Full job description Job Title: Grooming Instructor Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt Reports To: Field Leadership; VP of Services; Director of Grooming Pay: $31 - $33 per hour + bonus eligibility Revised: July 2026 Job Summary We are seeking an accomplished and motivated Grooming Instructor to supervise and instruct a team of grooming apprentices. This role combines advanced technical instruction with direct supervision, quality standards ownership, and hands-on grooming in a salon environment.

The ideal candidate is a master-level groomer who can teach, an experienced supervisor who can hold a standard, and a leader who is invested in building the next generation of Groombar talent.

Key Responsibilities

Apprentice Instruction and Technical Training Provide technical skills training for a group of grooming apprentices Ensure apprentices are able to groom at Groombar standards and achieve key performance indicator (KPI) goals upon graduation from the program Conduct student grooming and written examinations Partner with Field Leadership and the Director of Grooming to train new Lead Groomers in the job Apprentice Supervision Act as immediate supervisor for students while in the apprentice program Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable laws, in consultation with Field Leadership and Human Resources Recruit and select candidates for the apprentice program Manage performance; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline employees; address complaints and resolve problems Ensure student responsibilities, authorities, and accountabilities are defined and understood Interim Salon Supervision Act as interim supervisor for bathers and groomers in the absence of a Lead Groomer or Salon Manager Provide coaching, lead work direction, technical skills building, and quality supervision 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 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 Talent Selection Partner with Human Resources to participate in the selection process for bather and groomer applicants 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 Salon 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 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 Bonus structure surrounding program performance and apprentice graduation outcomes Ownership of a signature program with direct visibility to the VP of Services and Director of Grooming Exclusive Professional Development Opportunity: Work alongside a team of multi-award-winning international competition groomers with over 20 years of experience in advanced grooming techniques, salon leadership, and professional instruction, and help shape the standard every Groombar groomer is trained to.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements Fast-paced grooming salon environment Frequent interaction with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments Approximate percent per 8-hour workday: Constant visual stimulation, including close vision (up to 100%) Constant standing (up to 100%) Constant contact with water, shampoos and other bathing products, and hair (up to 100%) Frequent squatting, bending, reaching, pulling, and twisting Frequent lifting of dogs up to 30 pounds without assistance Occasional walking around building This is more than a grooming role; it is the opportunity to build the bench, set the standard, and leave a mark on the entire organization .

Benefits 401(k) Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Paid training Vision insurance