District Manager - South West

Position: District Manager - ON South West
Location: Sault Ste. Marie

About Us  Pet Valu is Canada’s leading pet specialty retailer, dedicated to strengthening the bond between dedicated pet lovers and their pets. With 50 years of animal care expertise, we operate over 800 stores across Canada under several banners, including Pet Valu, Bosley’s, Total Pet, Paulmac’s Pet, Tisol & Chico. Guided by our mission to deliver products, care, expertise, and memorable moments, Pet Valu is a place where people build meaningful careers while making a positive impact on pets and communities.
What will you do?  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities    Hiring, Training & Development:  Create a talent pipeline, develop proactive staffing plans, conduct pre‑screening, interview, and reference checks. Ensure all store employees receive adequate training in procedures, product knowledge, and the training program is utilized within the region.
Scheduling & Labor Management:  Conduct scheduling reviews to keep labor costs within projections, analyse labor reports each pay period, and control payroll expenses by assisting store managers in scheduling budgeted hours.
Performance Management:  Complete annual performance evaluations of all district store managers and ensure they complete staff evaluations. Address performance issues promptly and follow HR guidelines for merit increases and position changes.
Health & Safety:  Enforce all health and safety requirements, complete accident reports, and ensure the use of protective devices.
Operational Standards:  Conduct monthly store visits, audit store adherence to corporate standards, monitor inventory levels and freshness tracking, execute the Call to Action program, and perform loss prevention checks.
Sales Leadership:  Monitor customer service models, resolve serious complaints, provide feedback to senior leadership, conduct regular conference calls with the district team, and complete quarterly district business plans and annual business reviews.
Store & Chain Growth:  Ensure operation department responsibilities for store makeovers are completed on time, assist in openings/closings/relocations, ensure new stores open on time with trained staff, and monitor local competition and real estate activity.
Administration:  Report and address store deficiencies, review communication memos and emails, distribute information regionally, and submit operational reports including brand standards and quarterly action plans.
Finance / Sales / Reports:  Prepare expense reports, code expenses, submit receipts, analyse reports, review profit and loss statements, determine profit improvement opportunities, minimise expenses, drive sales, and maintain vendor relations.
Inventory & Merchandising:  Maintain inventory levels, ensure compliance with stockroom and restroom standards, implement cleaning rotations, manage loss through destruction of damaged goods, and maintain promotional material standards.
Staffing & Training:  Ensure district staffing, control payroll, schedule based on business needs, interview, hire, and train store management, motivate and coach teams, manage vacation requests, arrange travel, and share best practices with the organization.
Communication:  Streamline communication, implement company directives by specified deadlines, participate in special projects, and engage in community events.
Experience, Education, Certifications   College level graduate (preferably from a Business, Retail or Marketing program and/or extensive retail experience).
Minimum of 2 to 3 years retail chain experience at a District or multi‑store management level leading 10+ stores in a large retail chain; ideally gained in a progressive operations role.
Demonstrated strong retail visual merchandising skills.
Ability to travel, visit stores and attend meetings.
Proficiency with Word and Excel software programs.
Strong time management and prioritization skills and solutions.
Compensation  Targeted salary range: $72,000 – $95,000 annually. Final offer will be based on location, skills, experience and internal equity.
Benefits   Hybrid, Flexible Work Options
Comprehensive health and dental benefits
Employee Share Purchase Plan with company matching
Learning and Development support tailored to you
Inclusive, collaborative culture where your voice matters
Fun company events to keep us connected
Preferred rates for car rentals, hotels, phone plans and gym discounts
Generous employee discounts on our products
Pet Valu is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and accessibility. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

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