Category Manager, Pet Training Strategy & Innovation

SUMMARY

This position will provide leadership and strategic direction for our Pet Training services specific to identifying strategic opportunities and translating them into initiatives that improve the financial performance of the business. Services is a key pillar to the growth of PetSmart. The ability to innovate according to customer and market needs, continually improve operations and the P&L while meeting business and financial goals will be essential to success in this position. Responsibilities include staying abreast of current and future trends within the service marketplace, driving innovation and maintaining strong cross-functional partnerships.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to the following:

• Solicits and instigates Voice of Customer, customer research and field input as a key component of solutions.
• Supports the creation of business cases & coordinates the development and analytical sizing of proposed initiatives.
• Strengthen Training traffic and maximize total PetSmart basket and sales through strong customer base.
• Regularly reviews competitive marketplace to identify gaps & opportunities for pet-training customers to drive solutions.
• Must be able to develop effective partner relationships within Phoenix Home Office (marketing, labor, finance and more) and the field.
• Partner with Workforce Management team to develop and refine labor model to ensure execution of strategic priorities, control labor costs and ensure high customer Net Promoter Score
• Drives the training business; working in partnership with Director to identify, develop, test, and launch innovative, customer-centric projects to drive the business forward. Specifically, driving products and packages to respond to customer preferences.
• Provides leadership and mentoring to the Pet Training Initiatives Manager.
• Regularly reviews financial performance to identify and communicate drivers & business opportunities.
• Manages promotional planning strategy & relationship with Marketing to drive efficient & strong promotional spend.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Responsible for supervising associate(s)

BUDGET RESPONSIBILTIES

• Oversees Training OG&A budget

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• 5-7 years of directly related services retail operations &/or merchandising experience
• Demonstrated track record of working fast, making quick and well thought out decisions and inspiring cross-functional teams to align and execute strategies on short-timelines.
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills will be essential. Must have excellent communications skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and the ability to work under pressure.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred, preferably with a business focus, or an equivalent blend of relevant experience and education

Additional requirements include:

• Thorough financial acumen, ability to manage P&L
• Demonstrated ability to identify new ways of growing the business while maintaining profit
• Ability to travel up to 15% of time
• Leadership experience to grow and develop a team.
• Deep project management skills experience using project tools, and the ability to effectively multitask.
• Excellent presentation skills & ability to manage up to senior leadership teams.

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!
• If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area: Welcome to Phoenix Guide
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers
• On-site Dog Park
• Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities
• Learn more about #LifeAtPetSmart here: https://www.lifeatpetsmart.com/life-at-petsmart/
• Explore PetSmart Benefits here: https://benefits.petsmart.com/
• “Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid)
• On-site coffee bar
• Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: https://www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com/