Sr. Director of Merchandising

About the Team

It's no surprise people are passionate about the health and happiness of their pet and our Merchandising (buying) team is no different. When it comes to the products and solutions in our stores, our incredible teams of merchandising associates have everything covered – from head to tail! From keeping up with the top trends to developing new, innovative solutions, our buyers help ensure every pet parent can find exactly what their pet needs at PetSmart. Join our team and show your love for pets by creating products as special as pets themselves!

About the Location

Collaborative & Flexible Work Environment : We believe in fostering growth, teamwork and creativity in a dynamic workplace. This role is based at PetSmart's Phoenix Home Office, where associates currently enjoy the benefits of in-person collaboration while having the flexibility to work remotely one day per week (a "flex workday" with leader approval), and an expected four days in the office. At PetSmart, you'll be part of an engaging and supportive environment designed to help you and our teams thrive.

About the Job

The Sr. Director of Merchandising is a key leader in the Merchandising Buying team that oversees all aspects of an assigned category. This leader is accountable for the creation and execution of comprehensive strategies both near and long term that ensures the achievement of company business goals. Strategies should cross assortment, in store and online merchandising, promotions, and go to market activities, and should incorporate robust knowledge of the customer, competitors, and category trends. The Sr. Director of Merchandising leads a team of merchants who are responsible for department level strategies including product creation, merchandising, and promotion.

As a competitive leader in retail, this role leads buying teams to continually identify business opportunities and trends, understand competitive landscape, maximize assortment, and generate business analysis to achieve continued growth, forward looking plans, and profitability. This role works collaboratively across the organization to champion support for team initiatives in order to maximize the impact of their strategy.

Responsibilities :

Leads a team responsible for the assigned categories; Indirectly lead and partner with Planning and Allocation teams.

Creates and rolls out strategy with full accountability for assigned categories ensuring that the sales and margin results achieve financial and strategic goals of the Company.

Ensures partnership and collaboration with Merchandise Planning and Allocation, Product Development, Store Operations, Digital, Marketing and vendor community.

Moves the business forward with a sense of urgency by leveraging and integrating business analysis to track sales, identify key trends and maximize opportunities in the assortment.

Responsible for vendor relationships including annual negotiations to secure financial and business support.

Accountable for the skill development and career growth of the team.

Qualifications

Bachelor Degree, MBA preferred.

8-10 years experience in Buying / Planning roles, with increasing levels of leadership experience. Retail experience required.

Proven ability and experience in evaluating analytics and applying to business decision making.

Proven track record of identifying opportunities and achieving sales and margin metrics.

Proven strategic, customer focused, analytical, management, and financial skills.

About the Culture

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where

every associate feels like they truly belong

and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share. These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they're core to PetSmart's success.

Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We'd still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including :

Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work!

On-site Dog Park

"Top Dog" gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers

"Sit & Stay" Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options

On-site coffee bar

"Lil' Paws" learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid)

Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities

Learn more about #Life

tPetSmart here :

https : / / www.lifeatpetsmart.com / life-at-petsmart /

Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart :

https : / / www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com /

Explore PetSmart Benefits here :

https : / / benefits.petsmart.com /

If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area :

Welcome to Phoenix Guide

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.