At Three Tails Parlor & Pantry in Columbia and Three Tails in Waterloo, our staff is a part of our family (just like our pets!) We're always looking for compassionate, talented people to join our team - especially if they love animals as much as we do.
Fill Out ApplicationLocation: Columbia
Reports To: Team Development Manager
About the Role
Sales Leads at Three Tails aren’t just selling pet supplies — they’re shaping the customer experience, supporting the team, and ensuring every pet in our community has a healthier, happier life.
This position combines the front-line customer service of a sales associate with the added responsibility of leadership and store operations. Sales Leads are trusted to open and close the store, drive sales, and ensure every pet and their person leaves with a trusted experience. Sales Leads are active on the floor, engaging with customers, stocking shelves, cleaning, coaching others, and setting the pace for the entire team.
Position Responsibilities
Sales & Customer Experience
• Warmly greet customers and their pets, ensuring every visit feels welcoming and personal.
• Actively engage with customers to understand their pets’ needs and recommend products or services.
• Share knowledge of pet nutrition, health, and behavior to guide purchases.
• Confidently upsell and cross-sell to achieve daily, weekly, and monthly sales goals.
• Promote loyalty programs, email sign-ups, special events, and services (grooming, self-wash, chiropractic, rehab, etc.).
• Address customer concerns promptly and professionally, escalating to management as needed.
Leadership & Team Support
• Serve as shift lead, motivating and guiding team members during operations.
• Independently open and close the store, following security and cash-handling procedures.
• Ensure daily checklists, merchandising, and cleaning tasks are completed.
• Support in achieving team goals, reporting concerns or wins in a timely manner.
• Lead by example — professionalism, positivity, and accountability at all times.
• Support co-workers during busy shifts and ensure tasks/projects are completed.
• Participate in bi-weekly team meetings to discuss goals, challenges, and successes.
• Share product knowledge, customer insights, and best practices with the team.
Store Operations
• Maintain visual merchandising standards, restock products, and ensure the store is clean and welcoming.
• Assist with inventory management including receiving, stocking, and cycle counts.
• Operate POS system accurately for all transactions, returns, and deposits.
• Schedule and verify grooming appointments in the system daily.
• Receive, tag, and stock incoming products, maintaining accurate inventory counts.
• Assist with monthly cycle counts and annual physical inventory.
• Complete assigned task lists with accuracy and follow through.
Skills & Qualifications
• 2+ years of retail or customer service experience (keyholder or leadership role strongly preferred).
• Strong communication and decision-making skills.
• Tech savvy (POS systems, email, Microsoft Office, basic troubleshooting; social media a plus).
• Comfortable with pet nutrition and eager to expand knowledge through training.
• Ability to lift 40+ lbs and work on your feet for 8-hour shifts.
• Flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, holidays, and events.
What We Offer
• Competitive hourly pay with opportunity for growth
• Employee discounts on food, supplies, and services
• Continuing education in pet health, nutrition, and sales
• A supportive, family-owned team where pets always come first