Bark & Purr · Team Reference
Promotion Ladder
Per-rung criteria across the grooming and operations tracks — published in advance so advancement is never decided retroactively.
The Framework
Every rung on the ladder below is judged on the same three-part test, combined — never on any one alone:
- Time-in-role floor — the minimum tenure at the current rung before advancement is even considered.
- KPI metric gate — a measurable performance threshold pulled from the role's own KPI table.
- Skill sign-off — a named competency checklist completed and signed by a named authority.
Where the source Job Description docs do not state one of the three parts for a given rung, that gap is flagged below rather than invented. No promotion decision should be made against an un-flagged gap without first getting Linda's sign-off on the missing criterion.
Grooming Track
Bather → Lead Bather
Time-in-Role FloorMinimum 6 months as a Bather (or equivalent demonstrated proficiency)
KPI GateSustained Bather KPI performance (table-ready quality ≥95% of handoffs, zero preventable safety incidents) — see Bather role's KPI table
Skill Sign-OffBather Training Checklist fully completed and signed (Shop Manager / Managing Partner)
[CONFIRM: the Lead Bather JD states promotion "requires management approval and demonstrated sustained performance" but does not name a specific KPI number as the promotion gate — Linda to confirm whether the ongoing Bather KPI targets ARE the gate, or a distinct threshold should be set.]
Lead Bather / Bather → Grooming Apprentice Program
Time-in-Role FloorNot documented
KPI GateNot documented
Skill Sign-OffNot documented — source notes only that Bathers who "demonstrate passion, reliability, and a desire to advance" get first priority
[CONFIRM: no time-in-role floor, KPI gate, or named skill sign-off is documented anywhere in the source JDs for entry into the Grooming Apprentice Program — this is the single biggest gap on the ladder and needs Linda's input before it can be used to grade anyone.]
Grooming Apprentice Program → Junior Groomer
Time-in-Role FloorCompletion of the Bark and Purr Grooming Apprentice Program (or equivalent externally verified)
KPI GateNot separately documented beyond program completion
Skill Sign-OffApproved Junior Groomer breed list issued by management upon promotion; active Fear-Free certification
Junior Groomer → Groomer
Time-in-Role FloorTypically 6–12 months (JD language is descriptive — see confirm note); Day-90 performance review is the first formal promotion-readiness checkpoint
KPI Gate≥ 90% client rebooking rate (this is a higher bar than the standing Junior Groomer KPI target of ≥70%) and zero preventable safety incidents
Skill Sign-OffApproved breed list expanded to the full range; management sign-off (signer not named in source)
[CONFIRM: JD says "typically 6–12 months" for this rung — confirm whether that is a hard floor or an average, and who specifically ("management") signs off.]
Groomer → Stylist
Time-in-Role FloorNot documented as a gate for internal promotion — Stylist hiring qualification lists "minimum 3 years professional grooming; Bark and Purr Groomer track preferred"
KPI GateNot documented — JD uses only qualitative language ("demonstrate exceptional client relationships, technical breadth, and cultural leadership")
Skill Sign-OffExpert-level proficiency across all breeds including complex/stripped coats (assessed, signer not named)
[CONFIRM: no documented time-in-role floor or numeric KPI gate for Groomer→Stylist — the JD is qualitative only. Recommend Linda set an explicit gate given this is the top technical rung and the #1 promotion-fairness risk per the HR research (unclear criteria = top retention driver).]
Stylist → Senior Stylist → Training Director / Franchise Development
Time-in-Role FloorNot documented
KPI GateNot documented
Skill Sign-OffNot documented — described as a 5-Year Growth Plan tied to "exceptional mentorship and business acumen"
[CONFIRM: this rung is explicitly a future/5-year-plan rung in the source doc with no criteria written yet — flagged, not invented.]
Operations Track
Front Desk Receptionist → Lead Receptionist → Client Experience Manager → Assistant Shop Manager
Time-in-Role FloorNot documented
KPI GateNot documented
Skill Sign-OffNot documented — JD notes only that receptionists who "demonstrate exceptional organizational skills and client relationship building will be considered"
[CONFIRM: none of the three intermediate rungs (Lead Receptionist, Client Experience Manager, Assistant Shop Manager) has documented promotion criteria — needs Linda's input for each.]
Assistant Shop Manager / internal candidate → Shop Manager
Time-in-Role FloorNot documented for internal promotion — Shop Manager hiring qualification lists "minimum 2 years leadership experience in pet care, retail, or service industry"
KPI GateNot documented
Skill Sign-OffDemonstrated ability to lead, coach, discipline, and develop a team of 5+ people
[CONFIRM: the 2-year leadership qualification is written as an external-hire requirement, not an internal-promotion gate — confirm whether it applies the same way to an internal candidate.]
Cross-Trained Track
Bather/Front Desk Cross-Trained Associate → Lead Bather or Lead Receptionist → Bathing Supervisor / Client Experience Lead → Apprentice Groomer (grooming track) or Assistant Shop Manager (operations track)
Time-in-Role FloorNot documented
KPI GateNot documented
Skill Sign-OffNot documented — cross-trained role carries both the Bather and Front Desk competency checklists (see the position's Checklists tab) but no combined promotion criterion is written
[CONFIRM: BP_09's career pathway lists four possible branch points with no documented gate at any of them — needs Linda's input.]
Kennel Tech
Kennel Tech → ?
Time-in-Role FloorN/A
KPI GateN/A — role is in a 30-day data-only KPI period; no numeric targets set yet
Skill Sign-OffN/A
[CONFIRM: source doc (BP_10, DRAFT) states directly — "No documented advancement path from Kennel Tech to another position exists yet — needs Linda's input." Carried forward as-is; no ladder invented.]
Bark & Purr Pet Grooming & Boarding · Allen, TX · Internal team document · Pay and commission details live in your offer letter