General Manager Jobs in California
General Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand in retail, hospitality, food and beverage, and commercial real estate running from entry-level assistant general manager roles through multi-unit senior positions. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego anchor most of the hiring, where large employers like Marriott, Target, and Darden Restaurants maintain substantial California operations. The most in-demand specializations are multi-unit retail operations, hotel and resort management, and restaurant group oversight. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Want to help pets live their best lives? We’re proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you. Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets and people.
Pet First – Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.
Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through district experiences, products, and services.
Let’s Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team.* We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.
ABOUT PETCO
We’re proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years — from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood — the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we’re here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
As a General Manager, you bring this purpose to life by leading a high-performing Pet Care Center that puts pets first, inspires partners, delights customers, and delivers strong business results. You are the owner of your business, accountable for people, performance, and process, and a role model for what great leadership looks like. With a passion for pets and people, you build engaged teams, drive profitable growth, and ensure the highest standards of animal care, safety, and customer experience.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What You’ll Do
Pet First
- Champion the health, safety, and humane care of all animals, ensuring Petco standards and policies are consistently met.
- Create an environment where pets and pet parents feel welcomed, supported, and cared for.
- Lead with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for pets.
Foster the Fun
- Build and lead an inclusive, energized team that embodies the Petco brand and delivers exceptional service.
- Attract, hire, train, coach, and develop diverse talent across all roles within the Pet Care Center.
- Create a positive, collaborative culture where partners feel engaged, supported, and empowered to grow.
- Lead by example — coaching in the moment, celebrating wins, and making work meaningful and fun.
Let’s Go!
- Own the business: drive sales growth, profitability, and operational excellence.
- Analyze financial and operational results, identify opportunities, and take decisive action to improve performance.
- Manage labor, payroll, and expenses to maximize productivity and results.
- Execute merchandising, inventory, and operational processes to brand and safety standards.
- Represent Petco in the community by leading local events, adoption initiatives, and partnerships that strengthen our impact.
Key Responsibilities
People Leadership
- Develop a strong leadership bench and succession plan.
- Lead performance management, coaching, and accountability for all partners.
- Promote continuous learning, growth, and career development.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and shared ownership.
Business Performance
- Meet or exceed sales, profitability, and operational goals.
- Leverage Petco tools, programs, and insights to grow the business.
- Review and act on reporting, audits, and Pet Care Center visits.
Operational Excellence
- Ensure safe opening and closing procedures and adherence to security protocols.
- Maintain store appearance, cleanliness, and safety standards.
- Protect pets, partners, and merchandise through strong loss prevention and inventory controls.
- Complete required administrative, payroll, and inventory tasks accurately and on time.
What Success Looks Like
- A safe, healthy environment where pets thrive.
- An engaged, high-performing team with strong retention and development.
- Loyal customers who trust your team and return again and again.
- A profitable, well-run Pet Care Center that reflects Petco’s values in action.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Experience & Skills
- 3+ years of management experience (retail leadership preferred).
- Strong people leadership, coaching, and talent development skills.
- Solid business, financial, and operational acumen.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
- A genuine passion for pets and customer service.
Education
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Completion of Petco leadership development programs may be required for internal candidates.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
This role is primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment. The General Manager is expected to be regularly present on the sales floor, leading by example and engaging with partners, customers, and pets.
- Majority of work is conducted indoors; however, occasional duties may require leaving the Pet Care Center for tasks such as bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events.
- The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
- Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
- Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
- Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- This is a full-time position. Eligibility for full-time status is based on average hours worked, as defined by company policy and applicable law.
- A limited amount of travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT HERE
- Purpose-driven work that makes a real difference.
- Growth opportunities through development programs and career pathways.
- A culture that values authenticity, inclusion, and teamwork.
- The chance to lead, own, and shape your business — every day.
LOCATION
Location: 1230 Commerce Ave, Atwater, CA 95301 United States
COMPENSATION
Salary Range: $17.25 - $23.75
Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO.
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
INTRODUCTION
Want to help pets live their best lives? We’re proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you. Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what’s right for pets and people.
Pet First – Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.
Foster the Fun – Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through district experiences, products, and services.
Let’s Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team.* We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.
ABOUT PETCO
We’re proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years — from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood — the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we’re here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
As a General Manager, you bring this purpose to life by leading a high-performing Pet Care Center that puts pets first, inspires partners, delights customers, and delivers strong business results. You are the owner of your business, accountable for people, performance, and process, and a role model for what great leadership looks like. With a passion for pets and people, you build engaged teams, drive profitable growth, and ensure the highest standards of animal care, safety, and customer experience.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What You’ll Do
Pet First
- Champion the health, safety, and humane care of all animals, ensuring Petco standards and policies are consistently met.
- Create an environment where pets and pet parents feel welcomed, supported, and cared for.
- Lead with integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right for pets.
Foster the Fun
- Build and lead an inclusive, energized team that embodies the Petco brand and delivers exceptional service.
- Attract, hire, train, coach, and develop diverse talent across all roles within the Pet Care Center.
- Create a positive, collaborative culture where partners feel engaged, supported, and empowered to grow.
- Lead by example — coaching in the moment, celebrating wins, and making work meaningful and fun.
Let’s Go!
- Own the business: drive sales growth, profitability, and operational excellence.
- Analyze financial and operational results, identify opportunities, and take decisive action to improve performance.
- Manage labor, payroll, and expenses to maximize productivity and results.
- Execute merchandising, inventory, and operational processes to brand and safety standards.
- Represent Petco in the community by leading local events, adoption initiatives, and partnerships that strengthen our impact.
Key Responsibilities
People Leadership
- Develop a strong leadership bench and succession plan.
- Lead performance management, coaching, and accountability for all partners.
- Promote continuous learning, growth, and career development.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and shared ownership.
Business Performance
- Meet or exceed sales, profitability, and operational goals.
- Leverage Petco tools, programs, and insights to grow the business.
- Review and act on reporting, audits, and Pet Care Center visits.
Operational Excellence
- Ensure safe opening and closing procedures and adherence to security protocols.
- Maintain store appearance, cleanliness, and safety standards.
- Protect pets, partners, and merchandise through strong loss prevention and inventory controls.
- Complete required administrative, payroll, and inventory tasks accurately and on time.
What Success Looks Like
- A safe, healthy environment where pets thrive.
- An engaged, high-performing team with strong retention and development.
- Loyal customers who trust your team and return again and again.
- A profitable, well-run Pet Care Center that reflects Petco’s values in action.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Experience & Skills
- 3+ years of management experience (retail leadership preferred).
- Strong people leadership, coaching, and talent development skills.
- Solid business, financial, and operational acumen.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
- A genuine passion for pets and customer service.
Education
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Completion of Petco leadership development programs may be required for internal candidates.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
This role is primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment. The General Manager is expected to be regularly present on the sales floor, leading by example and engaging with partners, customers, and pets.
- Majority of work is conducted indoors; however, occasional duties may require leaving the Pet Care Center for tasks such as bank deposits, merchandise transport, or community events.
- The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
- Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
- Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
- Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- This is a full-time position. Eligibility for full-time status is based on average hours worked, as defined by company policy and applicable law.
- A limited amount of travel may be required for training, meetings, or community engagement.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT HERE
- Purpose-driven work that makes a real difference.
- Growth opportunities through development programs and career pathways.
- A culture that values authenticity, inclusion, and teamwork.
- The chance to lead, own, and shape your business — every day.
LOCATION
Location: 1230 Commerce Ave, Atwater, CA 95301 United States
COMPENSATION
Salary Range: $17.25 - $23.75
Hourly or Salary Range will be reflected above. For a more detailed overview of Petco Total Rewards, including health and financial benefits, 401K, incentives, and PTO.
Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.
See All 670+ General Manager Jobs in California
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Find General Manager JobsGeneral Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
General Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Taco Bell238
- McDonald's92
- Wendy's70
- KFC49
- Dollar General20
Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage479
- Hospitality & Tourism136
- Retail52
- Construction & Real Estate16
- Automotive14
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in general manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a related field
- Five or more years of progressive management experience in a relevant industry
- Demonstrated experience managing P&L, budgets, and operational performance metrics
- Strong background in team leadership, hiring, and California labor law compliance
- Experience with California-specific employment regulations including meal break and overtime rules
- Proficiency in workforce management, scheduling software, and operations reporting tools
General Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a general manager in California?
Most general managers in California work their way up through assistant or department manager roles before stepping into full GM responsibility. No state-issued license is required for the title itself, but employers in specific sectors expect additional credentials: food service GMs typically need a California Food Handler Manager Certification through an ANSI-accredited provider, and hotel GMs at larger properties often hold hospitality management degrees. An MBA or relevant bachelor's degree strengthens most applications significantly.
How much do general managers make in California?
General managers in California earn a median of about $124,390 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $60,370 for the lowest 10% to over $293,810 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire general managers in California?
Employers hiring general managers in California right now include Taco Bell, McDonald's, and Wendy's, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's size and industry diversity mean openings come from a wide range of sectors, including hospitality groups, multi-location retail chains, restaurant franchises, and commercial property management companies headquartered in or operating extensively across the state.
Which California cities have the most general manager jobs?
Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento post the most general manager openings in California. Los Angeles leads because of its scale across retail, hospitality, food service, and entertainment, while San Francisco's dense concentration of corporate offices and hotels drives demand in the Bay Area, and San Diego's strong tourism, military-adjacent hospitality, and growing restaurant scene keeps its market consistently active.
Are there remote general manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. General manager roles are largely hands-on and tied to a physical location, making full remote work uncommon by the nature of the job. About 1% of general manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those tend to be in regional oversight or multi-unit director-level positions where the administrative and reporting functions can be handled off-site.
How can I get hired as a general manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is starting as an assistant manager or department supervisor, then moving into a GM role after building operational experience. Large California employers like Darden Restaurants, Target, and Marriott run structured management development programs that recruit candidates with limited direct GM experience but strong performance in supervisory roles. A California Food Handler Manager Certification adds a concrete credential for food and beverage candidates, and retail operations coordinators or assistant store managers are the most common lateral entry points.
Where can I find and apply to general manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to general manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search by city or role type to see what is available now, find the roles that fit your experience and industry background, and apply directly to each one.
See All 670+ General Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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