Lead Asset Protection & Safety Business Partner

About the Team

The Asset Protection & Safety department at PetSmart includes leaders and certified practitioners focused on workplace health & safety, food safety and pet health & safety compliance; as well as asset protection and investigations across stores, distribution centers, digital and corporate offices. In partnership with leaders across the business, we keep the pack safe while enabling Anything for Pets!

About the Location

Field Position:

This position is considered Field based and is considered to be a blend of onsite and remote work activity. Field associates will spend their time both traveling to and spending time in various PetSmart locations and can expect to be asked to travel to Phoenix Home Office periodically throughout the year. Field associates typically work out of their home office when not traveling as outlined above.

About the Job

Position Overview:
The Asset Protection & Safety Business Partner (APSBP) plays a critical role in implementing and driving strategies related to asset protection, safety, crisis management, and loss prevention across their designated region. Collaborating closely with field leadership and corporate teams, the APSBP leads initiatives to reduce shrink, enhance safety culture, and ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory standards. Acting as Incident Commander during significant events, this leader ensures swift resolution and mitigation of disruptions affecting operations. The ideal candidate is a proactive influencer who inspires teams to achieve safety and asset protection goals while embodying our company’s vision, mission, and values.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Regional Leadership: Serve as the primary Asset Protection and Safety partner for assigned districts/stores, supporting Regional Vice Presidents (RVP) to achieve strategic objectives.
• Strategic Collaboration: Partner with field leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to design and implement initiatives aligned with business goals.
• Crisis Management: Lead as the Incident Commander during critical events, ensuring efficient response, resolution, and documentation of incidents impacting operations.
• Operational Compliance: Conduct shrink and safety compliance reviews, providing guidance and follow-up to drive corrective actions and process improvements.
• Data Analysis & Insights: Analyze safety and shrink data to identify trends, risks, and actionable opportunities to improve performance.
• Store Assessments: Regularly visit stores (minimum 60% travel) to evaluate safety protocols, identify potential hazards, and address loss prevention opportunities.
• Investigations: Conduct investigations related to theft, fraud, or policy violations in alignment with company guidelines.
• External Collaboration: Develop strong relationships with local law enforcement and external agencies to enhance safety efforts and support investigations.
• Training & Development: Educate store teams on safety best practices, loss prevention measures, and methods to reduce injuries and retail loss.
• Special Projects: Support the Senior Asset Protection and Safety Manager on projects to advance company safety and protection strategies.

Key Competencies:

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, influence, and inspire teams in a multi-unit environment.
• Analytical Thinking: Skilled in data interpretation and using insights to drive decision-making.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to deliver clear, impactful messaging.
• Problem Solving: Proactive approach to identifying risks and developing effective solutions.
• Collaboration: Strong ability to build partnerships across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to manage shifting priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Solid experience with office tools (Microsoft Teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Business Administration, Safety, Criminal Justice, or a related field (preferred, not required).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in asset protection, safety management, loss prevention, or a related field, preferably in a retail environment.
• Experience managing P&L results, business planning, or team training is a plus.
• Candidate should reside in the Mountain West region (Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, or Minnesota).

Certifications (Preferred):

• Certification in Interview and Interrogation Techniques (e.g., Wicklander-Zulawski, Reid, etc.)
• CFI (Certified Forensic Interviewer) certification is desirable.
• LPC (Loss Prevention Certified) or LPQ (Loss Prevention Qualified) certifications.

About the Culture

At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed. 

We’re more than a workplace, we’re Team PetSmart. Together, we grow, collaborate, and challenge ourselves to be the best in all we do. Our culture is built on belonging and shared purpose, where every voice and experience matters. Guided by our values, we strive to do what’s right, lead responsibly, and bring our passion for pets to life every day. 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 might be the right fit for this role or another opportunity across Team PetSmart.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Pet-friendly environment, bring your pets to work and enjoy the on-site dog park!
• On-Site Events & Adoptions, enjoy community-building opportunities, including pet adoption days, seasonal celebrations, family events, art events, & holiday festivals
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists, personal trainers, and wellness spaces
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options, snacks, & more
• “Lil Paws” NAEYC-accredited onsite childcare facility providing high-quality early education
• Paid Volunteer Opportunities to spend time doing good for causes close to heart
• Print Center and Business Services, Dry Cleaning, Mother's Rooms, Sustainable Infrastructure & more

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.