Associate Brand Manager

About the Team

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!

About the Location

Collaborative Work Environment:
At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.

About the Job

Job Summary

The Associate Brand Manager is responsible for managing the execution of strategy for assigned Proprietary Brands and categories.  Core responsibilities are day to day execution of brand strategy and commercialization to ensure assigned brands meet sales and margin goals.  The Associate Brand Manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams including Sourcing, Process Management, Quality, Merchandising and Marketing to create the best Brand experiences for our customers.  The Associate Brand Manager reports to the Sr. Brand Manager for Proprietary Brands.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop deep category insights for the brand and competition, create stories and identify opportunity areas for the brands.
• Lead cross functional teams, including collaboration with Buying and MPA teams and manage project timelines and key Product Development and Design partners.
• Manage product concept development to create the innovation pipeline and ensure the brand guard rails and brand strategies are being followed. Initiate Product Claim development to create a pipeline of new products that initiate trial and relevancy.
• Continuously monitor customer and passionate intelligence to identify trends and hot topics that could impact the business.
• Using Customer Research, Insights Analytics: Leverage customer and transactional analyses to better plan and develop initiatives.
• Analyze consumer research and business metrics to identify and recommend initiatives, as well as gauge effectiveness of previous strategies.
• Possess a passion for identifying key research insights and turning them into compelling customer propositions that initiate customer loyalty and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least 3 years of experience in Retail, preferably in Merchandising, Private Brands or Product Development.
• A data mindset with experience in category management and ability to leverage analysis to make business recommendations. Deep analytical skills, leveraging both in-house and 3rd party data sources to support recommendations. Translates customer needs into business strategies and initiatives.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize with a high sense of urgency. Ability to manage deadlines and milestones across multiple simultaneous projects.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work with internal resources and external stakeholders to develop strategies that meet department goals within budget and established timelines.
• Have a passion for brands, customer empathy, and excitement about new products.
• Proactive thinker and doer, anticipates issues before they arise, has great pride of ownership to see projects through end to end. Must be comfortable in a fluid and evolving organization without losing momentum or focus on key business goals.
• Good listening skills and ability to be effective in working with all levels of the organization.
• Position may require some travel (up to 25%).

Additional Job Considerations

• This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.
• Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross-functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.
• On-site presence in accordance with our FlexSmart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.

* This is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this position. PetSmart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.

About the Culture

Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we’re building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and teamwork. Our goal is to create a culture where associates learn and grow together, thrive as effective teams and challenge each other to be the best they can be. 

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.