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Operations Leader Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Operations Leader

Westchester, CA · On-site

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Petco

Operations Leader

Grass Valley, CA · On-site

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Petco

Operations Leader

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Petco

Operations Leader

San Rafael, CA · On-site

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Petco

Operations Leader

San Mateo, CA · On-site

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Chick-fil-A

Operations Leader

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $25/hr

An Operations Leader is one who consistently demonstrates our core values, embraces the Chick-fil-A culture and has a servant's heart. They have a passion for people and serving others, have strong ...

Chick-fil-A

Operations Leader

Lancaster, CA · On-site

$23.50 - $25/hr

An Operations Leader is one who consistently demonstrates our core values, embraces the Chick-fil-A culture and has a servant's heart. They have a passion for people and serving others, have strong ...

Paul Mitchell Schools

Operations Leader

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Operations Leader Role The Operations Leader oversees the day-to-day operations of the school, ensuring that facilities, systems, schedules, and administrative processes support a safe, compliant ...

Petco

Operations Leader

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Petco

Operations Leader

San Francisco, CA

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Petco

Operations Leader

Los Banos, CA · On-site

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Petco

Operations Leader

Long Beach, CA · On-site

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Paul Mitchell

Operations Leader

San Diego, CA · On-site

Operations Leader Role The Operations Leader oversees the day-to-day operations of the school, ensuring that facilities, systems, schedules, and administrative processes support a safe, compliant ...

Petco

Operations Leader

Los Banos, CA

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Petco

Operations Leader

San Jose, CA · On-site

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Petco

Operations Leader

San Mateo, CA · On-site

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Petco

Operations Leader

Placerville, CA · On-site

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Petco

Operations Leader

Cameron Park, CA · On-site

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Petco

Operations Leader

Paso Robles, CA · On-site

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

Petco

Operations Leader

Rolling Hills Estates, CA · On-site

As a Key Holder , you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOperations Leader JobsOperations Leader Jobs in California

Operations Leader information

See California salary details

$12

$27

$63

How much do operations leader jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for operations leader in California is $27.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Operations Leader vs Operations Manager?

AspectOperations LeaderOperations Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, leadership experience, industry-specific certificationsBachelor's degree, management experience, certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, cross-department collaboration, high-level decision makingOverseeing daily operations, team management, process optimization
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, corporate settings, and industries like manufacturing and logisticsCommon in various industries including retail, manufacturing, and service sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, strategic responsibilitiesManaging daily operations, team leadership

The main difference between an Operations Leader and an Operations Manager lies in their scope and focus. Operations Leaders typically focus on strategic planning and high-level decision making, while Operations Managers oversee daily operations and team management. Both roles require relevant experience and certifications, but Operations Leaders often operate at a higher strategic level within organizations.

What are 5 careers in operations leadership?

Five careers in operations leadership include Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Director, Production Supervisor, and Business Operations Director. These roles typically require strong organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills, often supported by experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and relevant certifications. They involve overseeing daily operations, optimizing processes, and managing teams to ensure efficiency and productivity.

What does an operations leader do?

An operations leader oversees the daily activities and strategic planning of an organization to ensure efficiency and productivity. They manage teams, optimize processes, and implement policies, often using tools like project management software, and require strong leadership and organizational skills.

What is an operations leader?

Operations Leaders are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the daily activities of a company's operations to ensure efficiency, productivity, and quality. They coordinate between various departments, implement process improvements, and monitor key performance indicators. Operations Leaders play a crucial role in strategic planning, resource allocation, and problem-solving to help organizations achieve their goals. Their leadership ensures that business operations run smoothly and align with overall company objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operations leader?

To thrive as an Operations Leader, you need strong organizational, analytical, and leadership skills, often supported by a degree in business, management, or a related field. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, process improvement methodologies (like Lean or Six Sigma), and project management certifications is highly valuable. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for driving operational efficiency, leading teams, and ensuring organizational objectives are met effectively.

What are some common challenges operations leaders face when managing cross-functional teams?

Operations Leaders often navigate challenges such as aligning diverse team priorities, ensuring clear communication across departments, and balancing competing deadlines. Collaboration between different functions—like logistics, production, and customer service—requires strong relationship-building skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Successful Operations Leaders foster a culture of transparency and continuous improvement to address these challenges, enabling their teams to work cohesively toward shared organizational goals.

Is operations a high paying job?

Operations leaders typically earn higher salaries compared to many other management roles, with compensation varying based on industry, experience, and company size. They often receive additional benefits such as bonuses and stock options, especially in larger organizations or in roles requiring advanced skills in logistics, process improvement, and team management.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Leader jobs in California? The most popular types of Operations Leader jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Operations Leader jobs? Cities in California with the most Operations Leader job openings:
Operations Leader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operations Leader job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,378 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Operations Leader

Petco

Westchester, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 637 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

459th of 732 rated retailers

Job description

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 distinct 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 Key Holder, you are a trusted member of the leadership team who helps ensure smooth daily operations, exceptional customer service, and a safe, secure environment for pets, partners, and customers.
You support store leadership by supervising partners, opening and closing the store, and serving as a point of contact when management is not present. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leading on the floor, solving problems in the moment, and delivering a great experience every day.
What You'll Do
Pet First
  • Uphold Petco's animal care standards, ensuring the health, safety, and proper handling of all animals.
  • Promote a safe, welcoming environment for pets, pet parents, and partners.
  • Follow all policies and procedures related to animal welfare, safety, and store operations.

Foster the Fun
  • Deliver friendly, knowledgeable, and solution-oriented service to every customer.
  • Support and supervise store partners, helping maintain productivity and positive morale.
  • Assist with training new partners and reinforcing best practices on the sales floor.
  • Help maintain a clean, organized, and visually appealing store environment.

Let's Go!
  • Open and close the store while following all cash handling, safety, and security protocols.
  • Support daily store operations including sales, task execution, and recovery.
  • Execute merchandising standards, including planograms, pricing accuracy, signage, and promotional set-ups.
  • Assist with inventory activities such as restocking, cycle counts, inventory integrity, and required inventory paperwork.
  • Identify out-of-stocks, low inventory, or merchandising issues and communicate them to store leadership.
  • Process transactions, refunds, and exchanges accurately and efficiently.
  • Act as the primary point of contact in the absence of store management.
  • Support sales initiatives and promotions to help achieve store goals.

Key Responsibilities
Store Operations, Merchandising & Inventory
  • Maintain merchandise presentation and in-stock conditions to Petco standards.
  • Ensure accurate pricing and signage throughout the store.
  • Assist with inventory counts, product replenishment, and shrink awareness.
  • Monitor merchandising and inventory conditions during shifts and escalate issues as needed.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards.

Customer Experience & Leadership
  • Address customer questions and resolve concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Model Petco's selling behaviors and service expectations.
  • Provide guidance and direction to partners during assigned shifts.
  • Escalate concerns appropriately to store leadership.

What Success Looks Like
  • The store opens and closes safely and smoothly.
  • Merchandise is well-stocked, accurately priced, and visually appealing.
  • Inventory is handled accurately and with care.
  • Customers receive prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable service.
  • Partners feel supported and clear on expectations during each shift.

What You Bring
Experience & Skills
  • Previous retail experience required; key holder or supervisory experience preferred.
  • Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
  • Ability to multitask and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  • Basic math skills and experience handling cash and transactions.
  • Reliable, responsible, and detail oriented.

Essential Functions & Work Environment
This role is primarily performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment. The Key Holder 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.
  • 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 difference for pets and people.
  • Opportunities to build leadership skills and grow your career.
  • A collaborative, inclusive team culture.
  • A strong stepping stone for future leadership opportunities.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
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.
The pay ranges outlined below are presented in accordance with state-specific regulations. These ranges may differ in other areas and could be subject to variation based on regulatory minimum wage requirements. Actual pay rates will depend on factors such as position, location, level of experience, and applicable state or local minimum wage laws. If the regulatory minimum wage exceeds the minimum indicated in the pay range below, the regulatory minimum wage will be the minimum rate applied.
$18.75 - $28.75
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 -see https://careers.petco.com/us/en/key-benefits
To translate this webpage to Spanish or other languages on your internet browser click the translate button to the right of your browser address bar. Additional instruction can be found here: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/173424?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
Para traducir esta página web al español u otros idiomas en su navegador de Internet, haga clic en el botón de traducción a la derecha de la barra de direcciones de su navegador. Puede encontrar instrucciones adicionales aquí:
https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/173424?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop

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