Retail Store Manager

ROLE SUMMARY:

You already know every good dog walk between Bell Block and Oakura. You know which café lets the pup snooze under the table, and you've got strong opinions on the best beach for a game of fetch. Now imagine running your own store, with the backing of a national brand behind you.

Petdirect is opening a brand-new store in New Plymouth, and we want a local to run it like it's their own business. Could this be you?

Your store, your call
This isn't a job where you just follow head office's script. You'll pick and build your team, set the standard on the shop floor, get to know your regulars by name (and their dogs' names), and decide how the store shows up in the community. Want to run a puppy meet-up on Saturday mornings or team up with the local rescue? That's your call. You get the buzz of running your own business without having to put your house on the line, because we've got the stock, systems, marketing and support sorted.

Why this is the rare one
Let's be honest: good leadership roles in New Plymouth don't come up often, and too many great people feel they have to move to Auckland or Wellington to find one. Petdirect is a proudly NZ-owned national brand with stores already going strong around the country. We're not offering you a season. We're offering you a store to build from the ground up, a team to grow, and the chance to make it the go-to spot for pet owners in town.

The lifestyle fit
This is one of those roles where the job fits the life you already love. You'll spend your days with dogs, cats and the people who adore them, right in the town you call home. We'll work out a proper 40-hour week with you, because leaders who thrive build teams that thrive. Work that means something, in the town you call home.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

You'll lead from day one, running the store like your own small business with the backing of a national brand. Beyond the front doors, you'll make it New Plymouth's go-to spot for pet owners.

1. Lead a Team of Retail Sales Assistants
• Recruit, train and grow a team of Retail Sales Assistants who love sharing their knowledge and making every customer feel like a regular.
• Build a team where feedback, coaching and learning are part of everyday life.
• Lead with empathy and purpose, so your team reflects the warmth and trust Petdirect stands for.
2. Own Your Business
• Run the store like it's your own, from sales and operations to team morale and standards.
• Hit your daily, weekly and monthly sales and service targets.
• Spot trends, solve problems and act fast.
3. Local Marketing and Community
• Build real relationships with local rescues, vets, businesses and dog clubs.
• Plan and run in-store events and local partnerships that get Petdirect known in New Plymouth.
• Champion adoption days and activations that connect with hearts (and paws) across the district.
4. Deliver Great Service
• Create a store that's warm, welcoming and always customer-ready.
• Make sure every pet parent leaves more confident and better supported than when they walked in.
• Use customer feedback to keep getting better.
5. Inspire the Pack
• Live Petdirect's values in everything you do.
• Encourage your team to act with integrity and passion, and always look for ways to do things better.
• Create a workplace where people love to work, grow and stay.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

You're a proven retail leader, a Store Manager or Assistant Manager who has thrived in a busy, high-volume store and knows how to drive sales, develop a team and market locally. Just as importantly, you bring a slightly over-the-top love for animals (pet product knowledge is a big plus), and you coach rather than boss because you value pets and people equally. You've got hustle, heart and a hunger to build something special. And you're local to New Plymouth. You know the place, the people and the dogs, and you're happy to work weekends, holidays and varying shifts to keep the store running well.


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:
  
There's a competitive management incentive scheme tied to your store's success, plus a generous staff discount (your furbaby's about to get spoiled). Day-to-day, you'll enjoy all-day snacks, shared morning teas and lunches, and a social, genuinely fun PetSter crew - all backed by the security of a growing national brand that's only getting started.
If you're a New Plymouth local who's been waiting for a leadership role that finally lines up with the life you love - this is it. Bring your experience, your energy and your favourite dog photo. 


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 our first five 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