Transportation & Logistics Category Manager

About the Team

The Supply Chain team focuses on keeping things moving across all aspects of our business. They make an impact by ensuring our products get from the vendors to the distribution centers and then to the stores in the most efficient and timely way. Their goal is to improve each step within the process, so we have the right product at the right place at the right time for our pet parents.

About the Location

Collaborative & Flexible Work Environment:  We believe in fostering growth, teamwork and creativity in a dynamic workplace. This role is based at PetSmart’s Phoenix Home Office, where associates currently enjoy the benefits of in-person collaboration while having the flexibility to work remotely one day per week (a “flex workday” with leader approval), and an expected four days in the office. At PetSmart, you’ll be part of an engaging and supportive environment designed to help you and our teams thrive.

About the Job

This job works in our Phoenix Home Office - visa sponsorship is not available for this role

We are seeking a Category Manager with experience in Transportation Sourcing across multiple modes/service models and a history of success in process management.  The individual in this role will partner with the Transportation team at PetSmart and interact with our most important suppliers to satisfy organizational requirements. This person will also collaborate with that team to develop and execute category sourcing strategies, deliver savings and improve category productivity.

Key responsibilities or primary duties:

• Develops and leads the RFI/RFP process for transportation services in accordance with company policy and procedures.  Analyze bids based on total cost and identify opportunities to achieve optimal value.
• Evaluates carriers and services based on predetermined selection criteria.
• Maintains regular and appropriate communications throughout the sourcing process, both internal and external
• Executes commercial and contractual negotiations/agreements to reach the best total cost, including terms to mitigate economic and currency fluctuations as appropriate for the transportation category.
• Creates a category strategy in conjunction with internal customers to ensure there is a comprehensive, unified approach for the category
• Communicates and reports to leadership the status of any critical external relationships that could affect planning and decision-making.
• Earns the trust of key stakeholders to drive alignment with the business
• Participates in professional development activities to keep abreast of current industry best practices.
• Demonstrates exemplary integrity and ethics in all instances.

• Additional responsibilities may include leading a procurement workstream to optimize/implement a current/new process, training other departments on a specific process or facilitating a best practice learning session

Skills & experience required:

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least 5 years’ experience in strategic sourcing or procurement discipline in a Retail environment.
• Strong project management skills, including stakeholder timelines and meeting management skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic Environment

• Establish a strong network to foster 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, be adaptable, detail-oriented, organized and motivated

• Ability to effectively communicate with senior management levels (VP, SVP, etc.)
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Strong desire to promote positive change.
• Strong contract and commercial negotiation skills.
• Results-focused with a strong work ethic.
• Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel skills

Experience with Ariba, Jaggaer (or similar e-Sourcing platform) and ChatGPT

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

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.