Store Operations Project Manager

There are a lot of activities that happen in our stores so we have a strong cross-functional team focused on doing Anything for Pets by supporting the store teams through effective communications, processes and initiatives. The Store Strategy & Operations department leads the way to support all store activities and define business-driving strategies. The Workforce, Insights & Planning team owns labor optimization and reporting needs. The Operations & Innovation team owns merchandise execution, process improvement, compliance, store technology and innovation. And the Strategy team leads all the business-driving efforts for Salon, PetsHotel, Pet Training and In-store customer experience. These teams work diligently to ensure our associates, pets and pet parents are supported, while operating efficiently to drive the business.

Hybrid Position:

This position may be considered Hybrid based on PetSmart’s FlexSmart policy and business needs. A Hybrid work arrangement is considered to be a blend of onsite and remote work activity. Associates with a Hybrid work arrangement have a work space at Phoenix Home Office and can be required to come onsite between 1-5 days a week as determined by leadership and based on business needs.

The Project Manager role on the Store Operations team is responsible for leading the execution of key operational programs aimed to create efficiencies in operational execution, increase associate engagement, and drive the business forward. This role must challenge the norm through thoughtful business process re-engineering efforts, business analytics, and facilitate alignment across the enterprise to set stores up for success.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Essential Duties:

• Assist teams from all functions of the Field Operations, Store Operations, and Services in developing formal processes, metrics, and controls to drive productivity and execution in our stores.
• Reviews current processes and practices impacting stores. Identifies improvement opportunities, manage a timeline to improve, and tracks success of processes.
• Leads the development of business cases for critical initiatives.
• Runs Program management for the entire Store Operations team by actively managing the initiative list and LRP (Long Range Plan) spending.
• Leverages PAW and reporting systems to conduct analytics which measure pre-defined success criteria.
• Provides business insights through data analysis.
• Ensures effective communication of all key initiatives to ensure consistent understanding of the intent, direction, and expected results of each project.
• Seeks feedback and actively listen to determine themes and actions necessary to resolve root causes of challenges at stores. Acts as key point of contact for Voice of the Associate feedback support.
• Organizes and manages the Store Governance process including presentation submissions, topic management, tools, and templates.
• Provides subject matter expertise on store operations.
• Develops and maintains strong on-going partnership with key business partners both in the field and at home office.
• Leads regular touch bases with key business partners to ensure alignment and visibility into current department goals and future strategic initiatives.
• Partners with HR and Cross-functional teams to ensure programs are integrated into and support the associate journey.
• Executes with a sense of urgency and retail agility/flexibility. Able to move quickly between strategy and tactics. Must integrate components from all cross functional partners.
• Leads cross functional meetings and communication.
• Shares best practices and drive consistency in execution across the department.
• Leverage Project Management techniques to manage assigned projects/programs. Ensures key milestones are achieved, issues/actions are managed, risks are effectively identified, budgets are achieved, and overall project goals are met.

Education, Experience & Competencies

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or equivalent
• 5+ years prior experience in business process re-engineering preferred (Previous experience should include several years in a high growth retail environment.)
• 5+ years Store Operations experience
• Experience performing, managing, and delivering on analytic projects/initiatives required
• Ability to work with and distill large amounts of data in a variety of different formats
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, “self-starter” environment serving as a catalyst for change and managing multiple work streams simultaneously
• Strong listening skills with experience soliciting feedback and consolidating insights
• Strong technical and analytical skills specializing in process improvement
• Exhibit professional initiative and entrepreneurial drive
• Excellent time management, multi-tasking, and organizational skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills - Presentation skills required
• Proficiency with MS Office (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint) required
• Experience working within a large, matrix organization

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• None required, although PMP and Lean Six Sigma preferred

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Anticipated travel in US & CAN monthly.
• The physical demands and work environment are characteristic of those found in a typical business office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• PetSmart is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetics, and protected veteran status, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

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