Lead Dog Groomer, Onsite, Permanent, Italy

Lead Dog Groomer & Salon Manager

Location: Liguria, Italy (Inland from Imperia / Albenga — 30 minutes from the coast, near the French border) 

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent (Following a 6-month probation period) 

Target Start Date: 1st or 2nd Week of September 

Compensation: Approx. €26,000 gross/year (~€13/hour) + Paid Overtime

The Opportunity 

We are partnering with a premium, newly established grooming parlor in the picturesque Liguria region of Italy. We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Dog Groomer & Salon Manager to run daily operations alongside the business owner.

This is a unique relocation opportunity for an experienced grooming professional looking to move to the Italian Riviera region. You will be working in a beautiful environment, with full support for local integration, including assistance finding housing and language training.

Core Responsibilities 

Precision Grooming: Execute premium grooming techniques across all dog breeds. Mastery in grooming Poodles and Bichons is highly desired.

Specialized Techniques: Perform advanced techniques, including hand-stripping, scissoring, and breed-standard clipping. (Future services will include feline grooming, teeth cleaning, and ozone therapy).

Salon Management: Operate as the face of the business. You will manage daily shop operations, answer phone inquiries, greet clients, and optimize the appointment schedule.

Client Relations: Provide a patient, ethical, and highly professional experience for both the animals and their owners.

Candidate Requirements 

Qualifications & Proof of Work: Must be fully certified. A portfolio (photos and videos) of your recent grooming work is strictly required for consideration.

Language Skills: Fluent English is mandatory. Zero Italian is required on day one, but a verified willingness to learn is essential (the employer will provide language training). If fluent Italian, that's a great plus from the start.

Logistics & Mobility: A valid Category B driving license is highly preferred.

Flexibility: Standard 40-hour work week, but you must be open to paid overtime and weekend work on demand based on salon bookings.

The Relocation & Benefits Package 

Housing Assistance: The employer will secure a 1-bedroom apartment in a nearby village for you for the first month. (Note: Rent is paid by the candidate, but is highly affordable for the region, averaging €350–€400/month).

Commute: A moped will be provided by the employer for your daily commute.

Growth: Structured 6-month probation transitioning directly into an indefinite, permanent employment contract (as per market standard).