Category Manager - Technology - PetSmart

Our Finance team ensure we are accountable and on track to company strategies. Their responsibilities include forecasting, in-season management, and analysis across business units. From sales and margin to operations and expenses, our Finance team provides consistent, accurate information to cross-functional partners to support PetSmart's growth initiatives.

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.

We are seeking a Category Manager with experience in Technology Categories. The individual in this role will coordinate with several teams (IT Software, IT Hardware, Infrastructure(Cloud / On-Prem), IT Professional Services, and Telecom / NetWork) across PetSmart and will interact with our most important suppliers to satisfy organizational requirements. This person will also partner with those teams to develop and execute category sourcing strategies, deliver savings, and improve productivity across the categories.

Key responsibilities or primary duties:

• Lead cross-functional sourcing projects with key internal stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Leads negotiation of pricing and contract terms and conditions.
• Prepares and executes negotiation strategies resulting in contractual documents and binding agreements.
• Create a category strategy in conjunction with internal customers to ensure there is a comprehensive, unified approach for the category
• Maintain regular and appropriate communications throughout the Sourcing process both internal and external
• Execute 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.
• Evaluate vendors, products, and services based on predetermined selection criteria.
• Develop and lead RFI/RFP process for various goods and professional services, in accordance with company policy and procedures. Analyze bids based on the total cost to identify opportunities to achieve optimal value.
• Communicate and report to leadership the status of any critical external relationships that could affect planning and decision-making.
• Earn the trust of key stakeholders to drive alignment with the business
• Participate in professional development activities to keep abreast of current industry best practices.
• Demonstrate exemplary integrity and ethics in all instances.
• Additional responsibilities may include leading a procurement workstream to optimize/implement a current/new process, facilitate a best practices learning session

Skills & experience required:

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least 5 years experience in strategic sourcing or procurement discipline in a Retail environment, with a focus on enterprise technology sourcing.
• Proven record of accomplishment with delivering Professional Services sourcing results in a highly dynamic environment.
• Effective project management skills, including stakeholder timelines and meeting management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an international team in a dynamic WFH/Hybrid Environment
• Establishes an effective network and fosters 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, adaptable, detail-oriented, organized, and motivated
• Effective communication with senior management levels (VP, SVP, etc.)
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Desire to promote positive change.
• Proven contract and commercial negotiation skills.
• More than 3 years of experience with SAP Ariba or equivalent procurement system
• Deliverable-focused, effective work ethic.
• Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel skills

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 #LifeAtPetSmart 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.