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Vets for Pets • Handforth, KEN, SK9 3RN

Relief Deputy General Manager

Employment type:  Full time
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Job Description

Deputy Store Manager Designate/Relief Deputy Store Manager

What’s the role?
As a Deputy Store Manager Designate/Relief, you'll work across several Pet Care Centres in the local area, supporting multiple Store Managers and helping to deliver an exceptional experience for our customers and their pets.You’ll be part of a flexible team who can step in where needed, so your work may take place in any of the stores within the surrounding area.

When the Store Manager is away, you’ll take full responsibility for the store. You’ll lead the team, manage day‑to‑day operations, and make sure everything runs smoothly — from recruitment and performance development to stock management and maintaining our high standards of care.

Key responsibilities

  • Inspire and lead your team to create a fun, engaging, pet focused and customer first environment.
  • Drive sales performance and deliver key KPIs that support the store and wider community.
  • Oversee store operations, including recruitment, stock control, and health & safety compliance.
  • Act as Duty Manager when the Store Manager is unavailable.
  • Lead by example, contributing to a positive culture and the overall success of each store you support.

You’ll receive full training and ongoing development to make sure you have the skills and confidence to deliver brilliant experiences for our customers and their pets.

Who are we looking for?
We’d love to hear from you if you:

  • Have at least 1 year of management experience in a retail environment.
  • Are passionate about retail, customer experience, and delivering results.
  • Are flexible to work a 7-day shift pattern, including weekends and bank holidays.
  • Have strong communication and leadership skills to motivate, inspire, and support your team.
  • Are ready to commit to 6 months of training, covering customer service, health & safety, and pet care.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and celebrate what matters most to you, including:

  • Annual bonus opportunities
  • 28 days paid leave, rising to 33 after two years (including bank holidays)
  • Your birthday off, because you deserve to celebrate
  • Life assurance at 4x your annual salary
  • 4% company pension contribution
  • Colleague discounts, including 20% off Pets at Home and 30% off our own brand products

Who are we?

We’re Pets at Home – and if you love pets, you’ll already know how special our Pet Care Centres, Groom Rooms, and Vets for Pets practices are.
Our centres are community‑focused, bringing together local colleagues, local pet owners, and the pets they love. We’re here to provide trusted advice, helpful products, and expert care in every interaction.

Join Us!

Pets just see people — they don’t discriminate, and neither do we.
We’re proud to welcome colleagues from all backgrounds and experiences, and we encourage you to bring your whole self to work. Even if you don’t tick every box, your values, behaviours, and potential could make you a brilliant fit for our team.

Don’t wait — apply now! We may close the vacancy early if we receive high interest.

Company benefits

Up to 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
“Pawternity” leave
Dog friendly office
Open to part-time employees
Open to part time work for some roles
Compassionate leave
Mental health first aiders
Mental health support
Health insurance
Mentoring
Learning platform
Personal development budgets
Lunch and learns
Cycle to work scheme
Carer’s leave
Shared parental leave
Dog friendly co-working space
Additional voluntary pension contribution
Income protection
Annual pay rises
Referral bonus
In house training
Employee recognition scheme
Death in service
Employee discounts
Emergency leave
Relocation packages
Employee assistance programme
Open to compressed hours
Open to job sharing
Collaboration spaces
Book swaps
On-site shower
Secure on-site parking
Bike parking
Adoption leave
Coaching
Personal development days
Joining bonus

Working at Vets for Pets

Hiring in countries

Guernsey

United Kingdom

Office Locations

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