General Manager in Exeter

If you’re a strong people leader who loves pets and thrives in fast-paced operations, this is a great opportunity to run a high-impact business, build an engaged team, and deliver exceptional experiences for pets and their people. NVA Pet Resorts is hiring a full-time General Manager for our The Barking Dog – Exeter resort in Exeter, New Hampshire. In this role, you’ll own overall site performance including operations, guest experience, sales growth, and profitability while leading a team that delivers outstanding pet care and customer service.

Who We Are

NVA Pet Resorts is part of National Veterinary Associates (NVA), one of the largest private owners of veterinary hospitals and pet resorts in North America. We’re committed to creating safe, loving, and fun environments for pets while providing best-in‑class service to our clients and a supportive culture for our team members.

About the Role

The General Manager is accountable for the day-to-day operations and overall performance of the resort. You’ll lead through the NVA leadership competencies and brand standards, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience across pet care, customer service, team development, and business results. This role blends hands‑on operational leadership with business ownership. You’ll drive revenue, manage costs, and build a culture where teams perform, grow, and stay.

What You’ll Do

• Leadership and Culture
  • Lead by example and communicate NVA’s mission, values, and objectives
  • Build a positive, high-accountability culture grounded in leadership competencies and brand excellence
  • Recognise strong performance, coach gaps, and address concerns in a timely and professional way
  • Develop your leadership bench by coaching and growing the Assistant General Manager, Shift Leads, and Team Members
• Business and Financial Performance
  • Own resort performance against budget and key metrics including revenue, labor, cost of goods sold, expenses, and EBITDA
  • Create and execute a data‑driven resort plan aligned to regional and company initiatives
  • Review financial reports and KPIs to identify trends, solve problems, and capture growth opportunities
  • Teach leaders how to understand performance metrics and take the right actions to hit goals
• Sales, Marketing, and Community Growth
  • Build and execute a comprehensive sales strategy focused on lead generation, conversion, and retention
  • Execute corporate marketing programs and create local market plans to drive demand
  • Develop relationships with local businesses, community groups, and referral sources
  • Use digital channels such as social media, website, and email to capture and nurture leads
  • Track and improve lead performance by optimising processes and training teams on effective lead capture
• Team and Talent Management
  • Hire, onboard, train, and retain a high-performing team across front- and back-of-house operations
  • Ensure completion of required training and certification programs for all team members
  • Provide consistent feedback and performance management aligned to company policy
  • Maintain a strong hiring pipeline to support staffing needs and business growth
  • Build engagement through communication, development opportunities, and proactive retention practices
• Operations and Guest Experience
  • Ensure operational excellence across safety, pet care, facility standards, cleanliness, inventory, and compliance
  • Maintain compliance with OSHA, cash handling, and all operational policies and procedures
  • Ensure appropriate coverage while following scheduling and labor guidelines
  • Lead 1 to 2 shifts per week as Manager on Duty to set expectations, inspect results, and respond to business needs
  • Ensure teams master all resort roles and standards through training, audits, and consistent follow-through
  • Execute daily audits, enforce checklists, and ensure end‑of‑shift reporting across departments
  • Own action plans for operational hot spots and drive improvements at the resort level
  • Escalate concerns and needs to the Market Leader or Regional Leader as appropriate

Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3 to 5 years of management experience, including Profit and Loss responsibility
• Strong operational leadership and the ability to coach, develop, and hold teams accountable
• Strong Profit and Loss management skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and point-of-sale systems
• Availability to work up to 45 to 50 hours per week, including evenings and weekends
• Valid driver’s license, current insurance (including comprehensive and collision), and a vehicle you are willing to transport a pet in during an emergency
• Ability to drive change, improve processes, and influence outcomes in a fast‑paced environment

Preferred

• Experience in hospitality, retail, restaurant management, veterinary, or similar service environments
• Stand and move throughout the resort for extended periods (up to 10 to 12 hours per day)
• Lift up to 50 pounds for short distances and carry up to 25 pounds for longer distances
• Work effectively in a loud environment and respond to client and team needs in real time
• Bend, stoop, and reach as needed to support pet handling, customer service, and facility cleanliness
• Maintain a professional image through dress, demeanor, and communication

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• 401(k) with employer match
• HSA and FSA options
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness plans
• Career growth within a rapidly expanding organisation
• A workplace where pets are part of the family

Compensation

The salary range for this position is £68,000 - £72,000 and is based on applicable experience.

Benefits

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits programme including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.