Sr. Director of Product and Packaging Design - PetSmart

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!

Hybrid Position:

This position is based in Phoenix, Arizona and 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.

Reporting to the VP of Proprietary Brands, the Sr. Director of Product and Packaging Design is responsible for the seasonal trend and product design, including color palette selection, concept ideas, and style direction across PetSmart’s portfolio of Proprietary Brands.  They will manage and direct a Design Team responsible for setting the overall design direction, as well as the Packaging and PDP (which includes photography), Copy, and Production Design teams responsible for art direction, copywriting and leading the development and daily implementation of proprietary and exclusive brand packaging.  This role is responsible for managing design staff in all aspects of the design process including market research, product development, design intent and consistency of product. This leader and their team partners with Merchandising, Brand Management, Quality and Global Sourcing and Legal to bring the product from vision to reality on shelf across all product categories sold at PetSmart.

CREATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conceptualize and create commercial, global and trend relevant designs
• Forecast trends in fabric, color, and styles
• Provide strategic business guidance and objectives tailored to pet parent
• Demonstrate exceptional taste level and creative skills by designing product for our pets
• Partner with development and merchandising teams to ensure cost effective design solutions
• Support the Merchant organization with big product stories per season
• Lead the design team to ensure global trends integrate seasonal trends and design solutions
• Seek out areas of improvement, pitch and recommend ideas to elevate and innovate our brands
• Lead the greater packaging team and continue to improve internal process.
• Understand and improve digital PDP strategies, process and development
• Dynamic presenter capable of motivating and educating groups
• Travel for strategic meetings, design research, and factory visits as required
• Follow the calendar and provide input to the creative process
• Other Duties as assigned

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead, inspire, and manage members of the design team
• Balance managing up and managing down, while keeping the creative process on track
• Work cross-functionally with merchandising and Product development team to ensure powerful product stories
• Team up with product development to present new ideas and develop future seasonal road maps
• Be a creative person, as well as someone who brings out the creative best of others
• Lead team brainstorming activities and seek out areas of improvement
• Demonstrate behavior that promotes shared vision and collective team energy
• Act with integrity, seek diversity of thought, share wins & failures equally

Proven cross-functional relationships are a must have.

• The successful candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with the ability to meet deadlines and work with all levels of the organization.
• This role requires a real hands-on approach.
• Knowledge of Photoshop/Illustrator and fast computer skill is required.
• Knowledge of PowerPoint is a plus
• In-depth knowledge of design techniques and processes.
• Excellent leadership/management skills.
• Ability to set overall creative tone and lead creative design process.
• Proven excellent presentation and negotiation skills.
• Ability to deal with managerial issues (ie career development, performance management).
• Minimum of ten years design experience including 4 years of managerial experience.
• Travel is required.
• Experience in collaboration and team building
• High level of imagination and creativity in product design
• Keep up with current design trends and interpret into brand right work

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.