General Manager

General Manager – The Gold Leash Pet Hotel & Daycare

Location: Carol Stream
Schedule: Full-time | Open availability required (including weekends & holidays)
Compensation: Based on experience

About Us

The Gold Leash Pet Hotel & Daycare is a family-run business built on heart, structure, and high standards. We provide a safe, clean, and enriching environment for every dog in our care. As we continue to grow, we're seeking an experienced and confident General Manager to lead one of our facilities with professionalism, consistency, and positive energy.

About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on, operationally strong General Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and loves leading people. This is your facility to run. You will begin by working closely with the Area Manager to learn our systems, SOPs, and expectations — and then you will fully own the day-to-day operations.

You will primarily lead Front of House (FOH) while also supporting and guiding Back of House (BOH) kennel managers and playgroup teams. You must know every aspect of the role and be willing to step in wherever needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily operations of the facility.
• Manage staff scheduling, payroll, inventory, and compliance with SOPs.
• Hire, onboard, train, coach, and develop team members.
• Conduct performance reviews and disciplinary actions when required.
• Hold regular team meetings and monthly staff meetings.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety, and organization.
• Build strong relationships with customers and provide exceptional service in person, by phone, and by email.
• Track KPIs and ensure the facility meets operational goals.
• Collaborate with the Area Manager to improve task sheets, training manuals, workflow, and overall efficiency.
• Support both FOH and BOH, ensuring clear communication and consistency across teams.

Who We're Looking For

• Minimum of 5 years management experience in dog daycare, kennels, or fast-paced hospitality (hotels, restaurants).
• Strong operational understanding of KPIs, SOPs, payroll, scheduling, and inventory.
• Excellent communicator who can lead confidently at all levels.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a solution-based mindset.
• Calm under pressure, able to de-escalate situations effectively.
• Someone who takes ownership, leads by example, and expects accountability.
• A team builder who wants to grow long-term within a family-run, expanding company.

Schedule

• Must have full open availability (including holidays and weekends).
• Standard shifts: 6:00 AM–3:00 PM or 10:30 AM–7:30 PM.
• GM schedule typically Monday–Friday or one weekend day with a weekday off, depending on facility demand.
• Must be available between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM as needed.

Why Join The Gold Leash

• Family-run environment with strong values and support.
• Real authority to run your facility and make an impactful difference.
• Opportunities for advancement as we continue to expand.
• Your leadership, initiative, and ideas truly matter here.
• Be part of a company that treats its people and pets like family.

Perks & Benefits

• Employee discount: 20% off services.
• Quarterly 10-day daycare package for personal use.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Competitive 3rd-party insurance options through BCBS (subject to change).
• Paid Time Off: 40 hours to start.
• As we grow, our benefits will continue to grow as well.
• Supportive, family-run work environment with hands-on leadership.
• Opportunities to collaborate on improving systems, training manuals, and operational workflow.
• A chance to build your own team and make a lasting impact as we expand.

Not Quite at GM Level Yet?

If you don't fully meet the GM requirements but are close, motivated, and eager to grow, consider applying for our Assistant Manager position instead. We love promoting from within, and this can be your pathway to GM level. This is only the beginning.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you would be the perfect fit for The Gold Leash and what leadership qualities you would bring to our team.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $58, $72,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Have you previously managed a team in a pet care, hospitality, or service-based environment?
• What areas of hands-on dog experience do you have?
• Do you have experience using scheduling, payroll, or time-clock systems (e.g., Paylocity, Gingr, MoeGo, or similar)?
• Are you comfortable leading a fast-paced facility that includes dog boarding, daycare, and grooming operations?
• Have you ever been responsible for hiring, training, or disciplining team members?
• Describe how you motivate your team and hold them accountable for results.
• What is your approach to handling staff conflict or poor performance?
• This is a full-time, on-site leadership position averaging 45 hours per week, including weekends and holidays as needed. Are you comfortable with this schedule?
• What is your preferred work schedule or availability (days/times)?
• This position requires being hands-on with both animals and staff. Are you comfortable working around dogs of all sizes and temperaments?
• Why do you believe you'd be a great fit for The Gold Leash team?
• What motivates you most in a leadership role?

Experience:

• General Manager: 5 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Carol Stream, IL Preferred)

Work Location: In person