Nichole Lay
Sunbury
Summary
Experienced retail and animal-care professional with over 14 years of leadership experience in pet-focused environments. Proven track record managing teams, overseeing daily operations, maintaining high standards of animal welfare, and delivering exceptional customer service. Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Conservation with a strong foundation in animal behavior, husbandry principles, conservation, and welfare. Skilled in staff development, inventory management, operational compliance, and creating safe, healthy environments for animals. Seeking to leverage leadership and animal-care expertise as a Husbandry Manager.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Store Manager
Pet Supplies Plus
Columbus
01.2023 - Current
- Lead daily operations within a high-volume pet retail environment.
- Train and mentor team members on merchandising, customer service, and operational procedures.
- Monitor inventory levels and coordinate replenishment to maintain product availability.
- Assist customers with pet-related product recommendations and education.
- Support overall store operations and maintain company standards.
- Lead by example and train team members on animal care and husbandry.
Apparel Department Manager
Public Lands
Columbus
07.2021 - 01.2023
- Managed daily operations of a specialty retail location, including staffing, scheduling, inventory control, and customer service.
- Led recruitment, training, and performance development for team members.
- Ensured compliance with company policies, safety procedures, and operational standards.
- Oversaw inventory accuracy, loss prevention, and facility organization.
- Fostered a positive and collaborative team culture.
Assistant and store manager
Pet Supplies Plus
Beavercreek
08.2016 - 07.2021
- Managed store operations with a focus on customer satisfaction, team development, and operational efficiency.
- Oversaw care and welfare standards for live animals within the store.
- Trained employees on animal care procedures, sanitation protocols, and customer education.
- Managed inventory, ordering, budgeting, and staffing responsibilities.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and animal-care standards.
Sales associate, assistant manager, store manager
Jacks Pets/Pet Valu
Cincinnati
01.2012 - 08.2016
- Assisted in daily store management and team supervision.
- Supported live animal care and maintained clean, safe habitats.
- Educated customers regarding proper animal care, nutrition, and enrichment.
- Assisted with inventory management, merchandising, and operational procedures.
- Helped train new employees on company and animal-care standards.
- Primary caretaker of the marine livestock and trained other associates and managers on proper husbandry and general knowledge of saltwater species.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Conservation Biology
Unity College
Unity, ME 02.2020 - 02.2024
Skills
- Inventory management
- Animal and aquatic husbandry
- Customer education
- Team leadership
Timeline
Store Manager
Pet Supplies Plus
01.2023 - Current
Apparel Department Manager
Public Lands
07.2021 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife Conservation Biology
Unity College
02.2020 - 02.2024
Assistant and store manager
Pet Supplies Plus
08.2016 - 07.2021
Sales associate, assistant manager, store manager
Jacks Pets/Pet Valu
01.2012 - 08.2016