Creative Operations Manager Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Marketing brings our brand to life through deep expertise and an authentic love for pets. The team is dedicated to delivering personalized experiences for our consumers, supported by best-in-class, data-driven marketing capabilities. The work spans key areas including Loyalty, Customer Analytics & Research, Brand Experience & Creative, and Omni-Channel Marketing. Each team member brings a unique perspective, working together to create meaningful and engaging experiences for both pets and pet parents.

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 Role

PetSmart is building a modern, high-performing in-house creative organization-one that owns outcomes, moves fast, and leverages innovation to scale impact. As Manager, Digital Creative (Art Director), you are a player-coach creative leader who blends strong creative judgment, hands-on digital craft, and an AI-forward mindset to deliver exceptional digital work.

In many organizations, this level of responsibility aligns to a Senior Art Director or Art Director with team accountability; at PetSmart, we've intentionally structured the Manager role to lead with both creative authority and people leadership.

This role is for someone who thinks ahead, takes ownership, communicates with confidence, and is constantly exploring smarter, faster, more effective ways to create-without compromising quality.

What You'll Do

• Concept, art-direct, and design digital creative across web, app, email, animation, and select special projects, from concept through deployment
• Split your time between hands-on design and team leadership-staying close to the craft while elevating others
• Lead, mentor, and allocate work for 2-5 designers and motion designers, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and creative ambition
• Own creative quality, consistency, and on-time delivery across all assigned work
• Set clear direction, anticipate risks, and proactively solve problems before they slow the work
• Translate creative briefs and business goals into compelling, on-brand, conversion-aware creative solutions
• Partner closely with the Senior Manager, Creative Director, Marketing, eCommerce, Brand Creative, and Creative Operations teams
• Provide art direction for photo, video, and motion production as needed, guiding internal and external partners through shoot and post-production
• Present work with clarity and confidence to peers, senior leaders, and executive stakeholders
• Champion AI-enabled tools, animation, and new technologies to improve efficiency, scale output, and evolve creative execution-don't wait to be told, go ahead and make it happen
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, optimize processes, and help the team work smarter and faster
• Stay ahead of digital, UX, animation, and creative trends-continuously raising the bar

Who You Are

• A proactive, solution-oriented leader who takes full ownership and follows through
• Comfortable balancing hands-on design with people leadership, coaching, and mentorship
• Highly articulate communicator who can clearly explain creative strategy and sell ideas at all levels
• Incredibly organized, calm under pressure, and effective in a (very) fast-paced environment
• A strong creative storyteller with excellent judgment and attention to detail
• AI-obsessed and efficiency-minded, always experimenting with new tools, workflows, and ways of working
• Collaborative, confident, and trusted by partners and peers
• Comfortable giving clear, actionable feedback and pushing the team to evolve
• Possess a high level of expectations for yourself and for your team
• Passionate about digital craft, retail, the customer, innovation, and continuous improvement
• A pet lover who brings heart, energy, and pride to the PetSmart brand

Skills & Experience

• 6+ years of creative experience (in-house preferred or agency), including 1+ years leading creatives
• Strong portfolio showcasing high-impact digital, motion, and animated work
• Expert in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite; strong working knowledge of presentation software and modern production tools
• Strong knowledge of AI-enabled creative tools and workflows required
• Experience with motion/animation tools, such as After Effects or similar, strongly preferred
• Excellent organizational, communication, and presentation skills
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving ability
• Demonstrated interest in growth toward Senior Manager / Associate Creative Director. You're willing to put in the hard work

• 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.

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" Cafe 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.