Store Manager - Papanui

Lead a team making happy happen for petsand their people\n

About Animates

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At Animates, we’re passionate about helpingpet parents give their pets the happiest, healthiest lives possible.

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Animates is New Zealand’s largest pet carespecialist, with 48 retail stores, 34 grooming salons and 15 vet clinicsworking together across communities to support the wellbeing of pets. Every dayour teams empowerpet parents with trusted advice, quality products and expert services so theycan make informed decisions for the animals they love.

\nThe Opportunity\n

This isyour opportunity to lead our successful Papanui store, guiding a team of passionate pet carespecialists while delivering strong commercial results. You’ll championexceptional customer experiences that reflect the care, knowledge and expertiseAnimates is known for.

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Yourstore will also be a destination for local pet parents, creating strongcommunity connections through initiatives such as pet adoption events, in-storeactivities and fundraising that supports local pet charities.

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This is a full-time position (40 hours perweek).

\nKey Responsibilities\n

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• Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing team
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• Drive strong sales performance and achieve store targets
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• Take ownership of store operations, merchandising and P&L performance
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• Deliver an exceptional experience for every pet parent
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• Build strong relationships with the local community
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• Lead local marketing initiatives, events and adoption days
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\nAbout You\n

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• Experience managing a retail store or leading a large retail team
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• Strong leadership and coaching capability
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• A track record of delivering strong commercial results
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• The ability to build a positive, inclusive team culture
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• A love of pets is preferred - we’ll supportyou to develop specialist knowledge
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\nWhat We Offer\n

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• Performance-based bonus scheme
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• Ongoing training and development
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• Generous staff discounts across retail and vet services
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• Paid pet bereavement leave
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• Employee Assistance Programme with wellbeing resources and confidential counselling
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\nWhy Join Animates?\n

We’re proud to offer a genuinely supportive and inclusive culture, where our leaders care deeply about the wellbeing of their teams and everyone lives our values of passion, authenticity, care, knowledge, and togetherness. As a Rainbow Tick Certified Employer, we encourage you to bring your whole self to work.

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We’re also honoured to be the first organisation in Aotearoa to achieve Gold level recognition in the Mental Health First Aid Workplace Recognition Programme. This reflects how seriously we take mental health and wellbeing—through training our people in Mental Health First Aid, creating safe and open environments to talk, and making sure everyone feels supported, connected, and able to look out for one another every day.

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If you’re looking for a leadership role where you can grow and support your team, run a successful store, and make a real difference to pets and their people, we’d love to hear from you.