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- Tasks: Lead the launch of our new grooming service while providing top-notch care for dogs.
- Company: Paws & Pause, a progressive social enterprise dog daycare in Peckham.
- Benefits: Up to ÂŁ31,200 per year, profit-sharing bonuses, and monthly training opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape a brand-new service and make a real impact on dog welfare.
- Qualifications: 2+ years grooming experience and a strong welfare-first approach.
- Other info: Join a fun, inclusive team dedicated to supporting both dogs and people.
The predicted salary is between 31200 - 31200 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Peckham, South London
Salary: ÂŁ14.80 to ÂŁ16 an hour depending on experience (up to ÂŁ31,200 a year)
Hours: Full‑time (37.5 hours per week) or part‑time options available
Benefits: 5.6 weeks leave (pro rata), 3% employer pension, monthly training, quarterly profit‑share bonuses
About Us
Paws & Pause is a social enterprise dog daycare with a difference. We provide premium care for dogs while offering structured work experience to people rebuilding their lives after long‑term unemployment, often due to mental ill‑health or substance use. We believe dogs and humans both thrive in environments that are fun, inclusive, and safe. We’re proud to be a progressive workplace – that means shared responsibility, open conversations, space to grow, and fewer top‑down rules. In 2026, we’re expanding: we’re opening our first ever grooming space at our Peckham site! The role is not just grooming – it’s a chance to help build something from the ground up.
About the Role
We’re looking for a skilled groomer who’s excited by autonomy, responsibility and the chance to shape a brand‑new service. As our lead (and first) groomer, you’ll be central to launching and running the Paws & Pause Grooming offering. That means:
- Grooming & Dog Care - Deliver high‑quality grooms with welfare at the centre, adapting styles to different breeds, coats and temperaments, supporting nervous dogs and building trusting relationships with families, keeping detailed notes, updates and honest feedback for owners.
- Process Building & Ownership - Help design and refine our grooming processes, service menu, safety standards and client journey; inform equipment choices, setup, layout and workflow as we grow; shape best practice for a grooming service inside a busy daycare environment.
- Teamwork & Values - Work alongside our daycare team to coordinate dog movement safely; welcome and support trainees on site; bring ideas, initiative and a “let’s make this better” mindset; uphold inclusive, supportive and progressive culture.
- Cleanliness & Safety - Maintain top hygiene standards; follow risk assessments and COSHH procedures; keep equipment and tools well maintained.
What You’ll Love About This Job
- Want autonomy and the chance to take real ownership of a new service.
- Enjoy grooming but also enjoy building systems, routines, relationships.
- Have a startup attitude: proactive, solutions‑focused, comfortable with shaping the unknown.
- Are passionate about dog welfare and positive handling.
- Value inclusive, supportive, values‑driven workplaces.
- Communicate clearly and kindly.
- Are reliable, organised and comfortable working independently and as part of a tight‑knit team.
What We Offer
- A unique opportunity to grow a grooming service from day one.
- Quarterly profit‑share cash bonuses (launched in 2025).
- Monthly in‑house training and access to external learning – grooming CPD, first aid, behaviour.
- A supportive, progressive workplace that invests in you.
- Opportunities to help shape the future of grooming across Paws & Pause as we expand.
- A fun, welcoming environment where dogs, trainees and staff come first.
- Real trust, responsibility and space to develop your career.
What You Need
- 2+ years grooming experience (or equivalent qualification).
- Ability to complete full grooms independently.
- Strong welfare‑first approach.
- Confidence managing a variety of breeds and temperaments.
- Good communication and customer service skills.
Legal Statement: All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.
Lead Groomer employer: Paws and Pause
Contact Detail:
Paws and Pause Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Groomer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into Paws & Pause's mission and values. Show us how your passion for dog welfare aligns with our goals. This will help you stand out as someone who truly gets what we're about.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your grooming skills! We want to see your expertise in action, so be ready to demonstrate your techniques. Bring along a portfolio of your best grooms or even offer to do a quick demo during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork spirit! Since you'll be working closely with our daycare team, share examples of how you've collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to support others and contribute to a positive work environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! We love candidates who are curious and engaged. Prepare some thoughtful questions about the grooming service and how you can help shape it. This shows us you're serious about taking ownership of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Groomer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Dogs: When you're writing your application, let your love for dogs shine through! Share any experiences you've had with grooming or caring for dogs, and how that aligns with our values at Paws & Pause.
Highlight Your Experience: Make sure to detail your grooming experience clearly. We want to know about the breeds you've worked with and any special techniques you use. This helps us see how you can contribute to our new grooming service!
Be Yourself: We’re all about authenticity here at Paws & Pause. Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share your ideas on how you’d like to shape our grooming service – we love fresh perspectives!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of joining our team, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Paws and Pause
✨Know Your Grooming Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your grooming techniques and knowledge about different breeds. Be ready to discuss your experience with various dog temperaments and how you ensure their welfare during grooming. This will show that you're not just skilled, but also passionate about what you do.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Paws & Pause values teamwork and a supportive culture. Think of examples where you've worked well in a team or helped others. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and kindly, as this aligns with their inclusive workplace ethos.
✨Bring Ideas to the Table
Since this role involves building processes from scratch, come prepared with ideas on how to improve grooming services. Whether it’s about safety standards or client interactions, showing initiative will demonstrate your proactive attitude and startup mindset.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions that reflect your interest in the role and the company’s mission. Inquire about their vision for the grooming service or how they support staff development. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their progressive workplace.