Category Manager

The Procurement & Strategic Sourcing team mission is to actively lead the acquisition of indirect goods and services through strategic sourcing and negotiation in order to mitigate risk, improve quality and service and increase value. We strategically partner with PetSmart stakeholders to enable timely and informed decisions by utilizing leading edge tools and processes. We are committed to excellence through training and development, professional ethics and best-in-class business practices.

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.

We are seeking a Category Manager with experience in Indirect Sourcing across multiple categories and process management. Categories may include but are not limited to real estate and travel. The individual in this role will partner with several teams across PetSmart and interact with our most important suppliers to satisfy organizational requirements. This person will also collaborate with those teams to develop and execute category sourcing strategies, deliver savings and improve category productivity.

Key responsibilities or primary duties:

• Develops and leads the RFI/RFP process for various goods and professional services in accordance with company policy and procedures. Analyze bids based on total cost to identify opportunities to achieve optimal value.
• Evaluates vendors, products, and services based on predetermined selection criteria.
• Maintains regular and appropriate communications throughout the sourcing process, both internal and external
• Executes commercial and contractual negotiations/agreements to reach the lowest total cost, including terms to mitigate economic and currency fluctuations as appropriate for assigned indirect sourcing categories.
• Creates a category strategy in conjunction with internal customers to ensure there is a comprehensive, unified approach for the category
• Communicates and report to leadership the status of any critical external relationships that could affect planning and decision-making.
• Manages the indirect purchase order management process for PetSmart
• Earns the trust of key stakeholders to drive alignment with the business
• Participates in professional development activities to keep abreast of current industry best practices.
• Demonstrates exemplary integrity and ethics in all instances.

• Additional responsibilities may include leading a procurement workstream to optimize/implement a current/new process, training other departments on a specific process or facilitating a best practice learning session

Skills & experience required:

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least 5 years’ experience in strategic sourcing or procurement discipline in a Retail environment.
• Strong project management skills, including stakeholder timelines and meeting management skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of an international team in a dynamic Hybrid Environment

• Establish a strong network to foster collaboration with suppliers, key stakeholders and team members
• Ability to analyze complex processes and lead workgroups to help resolve problem areas.

• Be able to prioritize workload, work to tight deadlines, be adaptable, detail-oriented, organized and motivated

• Ability to effectively communicate with senior management levels (VP, SVP, etc.)
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Strong desire to promote positive change.
• Strong contract and commercial negotiation skills.
• Results-focused with a strong work ethic.
• Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel skills

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where 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 A tPetSmart here:
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• Explore PetSmart Benefits here:
• If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area:

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.