Store Operations Process Engineer

About the Team

There are a lot of activities that happen in our stores so we have a strong cross-functional team focused on doing Anything for Pets by supporting the store teams through effective communications, processes and initiatives. The Store Operations department leads the way to support all store activities and define business-driving strategies. The Workforce, Insights & Planning team owns labor optimization and reporting needs. The Operations & Innovation team owns merchandise execution, process improvement, compliance, store technology and innovation. And the Strategy team leads all the business-driving efforts for Salon, PetsHotel, Pet Training and In-store customer experience. These teams work diligently to ensure our associates, pets and pet parents are supported, while operating efficiently to drive the business.

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.

Onsite Position:

This position is considered to be Fully Onsite, work is to be done onsite at a PetSmart location (Phoenix Home Office, PetSmart stores, Merchandise Development Center, Distribution Centers or another PetSmart site).

About the Job

This role works onsite at our Phoenix Home Office - visa sponsorship is not available for this role

Summary

The Store Operations Process Engineer serves as the enterprise subject-matter expert for retail labor allocations, engineered labor standards, time-study practices, and store process methods. This role analyzes and improves store workflows, systems, tools, and documented methods to optimize labor, productivity, service, safety, quality, and execution. The position leads complex, cross-functional initiatives and partners with field and corporate stakeholders to implement sustainable, measurable improvements across the store network.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducts time studies to develop, improve, and validate engineered labor standards for current and future store processes, WFM configurations, and labor allocations.
• Serves as the subject-matter expert for store labor allocations, best-method development, engineered standards, documented methods, and time-study practices.
• Designs, improves, establishes, and maintains engineered labor standards, ensuring alignment among documented methods, time-study results, labor allocations, and workforce-management-system configuration.
• Evaluates labor, process, operational, and cost-benefit implications of proposed store initiatives, methods, systems, equipment, and tools.
• Provides input on store workflows to optimize associate labor.
• Assesses the impact of operational, system, equipment, and process changes on labor standards and associate work; develops alternatives and communicates recommendations.
• Leads and/or supports complex cross-functional and cross-departmental projects from analysis and solution design through documentation, implementation, stabilization, and benefit validation.
• Establishes and maintains governance for labor-standard updates, approvals, documentation, implementation, and periodic review; monitors consistency of standards and methods across the store network.
• Partners with Field Support, Store Operations, Services, Labor Management, IT, and other internal and external stakeholders to interpret field feedback, resolve labor-standard questions, and ensure proposed methods support operational and business objectives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No direct supervisory responsibilities

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or related field preferred.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in relevant and related positions leading business improvement projects and programs is preferred.
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies is preferred, Lean Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• Retail experience and knowledge of Store Operations strategies and concepts is preferred.
• Ability to travel 25-50%

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must be proficient in using the Microsoft Office Suite required including intermediate to advanced Excel and Access application skills.
• Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and influence across different levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in utilizing workforce management, payroll, and/or related ERP systems such as Kronos, UKG and SAP is preferred.
• Experience with statistical analysis in developing and maintaining engineered labor standards is preferred.

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.