Distributor Manager Jobs in Kitchener, ON (NOW HIRING)

PetSmart’s Canada Home Office (CHO) is home to approximately 50+ associates who work in departments such as Merchandising, Marketing, Demand Planning, Pricing, Space Planning, Digital/e-Commerce, Human Resources, Legal, IT and more. The small but mighty team at the CHO supports the operations of 160+ PetSmart stores in Canada and works closely with counterparts at PetSmart’s global corporate headquarters located in Phoenix, Arizona. We also share the Canada Home Office with our colleagues at PetSmart Charities of Canada—an independent, registered charity. PetSmart Charities of Canada is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them by connecting pets with loving homes through adoption, improving access to veterinary care and supporting families in times of crisis with access to pet food, shelter, and emergency relief.

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.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this role

PetSmart is seeking a Principal Supply Chain Manager, Canada to oversee the operational and financial performance of our Canada distribution network in partnership with our third-party logistics provider (Metro Operations), supporting the Elora and Calgary distribution centers.

SUMMARY

Responsible for the operational and financial governance of PetSmart's Canadian distribution network in partnership with Metro Operations, supporting the Elora and Calgary Distribution Centers. Owns third-party logistics provider performance, financial stewardship, operational excellence, and strategic initiatives that deliver exceptional service while achieving Supply Chain service, productivity, quality, and financial objectives.

Serves as the primary strategic partner between Metro Operations, Canadian Stores, the Canada and Phoenix Home Offices, and U.S. Distribution Centers, influencing cross-functional decisions, leading executive business reviews, and driving continuous improvement across the Canadian distribution network.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Store Service & Customer Experience

• Owns the strategic partnership between PetSmart Stores and Metro Operations by gathering operational feedback, identifying root causes, and partnering across Supply Chain to improve service, product quality, delivery execution, and load accuracy.

Distribution Center Operations

• Owns operational governance for the Elora and Calgary Distribution Centers by monitoring key performance indicators, service levels, productivity, operational risks, and quality to ensure achievement of Supply Chain objectives.
• Leads weekly operational reviews, monthly business reviews, executive Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), and other governance meetings to review performance, resolve issues, drive accountability, and align strategic priorities.
• Drives operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives that improve service, productivity, quality, efficiency, and the overall store experience.
• Develops reporting, analytics, and operational processes that enable data-driven decision making, performance visibility, and successful execution of cross-functional initiatives.

Financial Governance

• Owns the financial governance of the Canadian distribution network by managing operating expenses, distribution costs, key financial metrics, productivity, and Profit & Loss performance to ensure financial commitments are achieved.
• Partners with Finance, Procurement, and Metro Operations to develop operating budgets, forecasts, variance analyses, and cost optimization strategies while balancing service, operational performance, and financial results.
• Oversees third-party logistics invoice validation, reconciliation, and approval to ensure billing accuracy, contract compliance, service level agreement (SLA) performance, and timely resolution of financial discrepancies.

Leadership & Strategic Partnership

• Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with Metro Operations, vendors, internal business partners, and U.S. Distribution Centers to resolve complex operational, financial, and service challenges while advancing enterprise Supply Chain priorities.
• Influences senior leaders and cross-functional partners to drive accountability, resolve issues, and deliver business results through effective communication, collaboration, and change leadership.
• PetSmart represents executive business reviews, vendor governance, and strategic initiatives while supporting evolving business priorities.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business Administration, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• Seven to ten years of progressive experience in supply chain, distribution, logistics, retail operations, or third-party logistics (3PL).
• Demonstrated experience leading third-party logistics provider relationships, including operational governance, contract compliance, service level management, and executive business reviews.
• Demonstrated experience managing operating budgets, forecasting, financial reporting, invoice reconciliation, variance analysis, productivity initiatives, and Profit & Loss performance.
• Demonstrated experience leading operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable improvements in service, productivity, quality, and cost.
• Demonstrated experience presenting operational and financial performance to senior leadership and influencing cross-functional business decisions.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel and PowerPoint) and experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Labor Management Systems (LMS), reporting tools, and operational analytics.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience supporting Canadian distribution operations or cross-border logistics.
• Experience in retail, omnichannel, or consumer products distribution.
• Strong financial and business acumen with demonstrated ability to balance customer service, operational performance, and cost optimization.
• Experience managing vendor contracts, performance metrics, and service level agreements.
• Proven ability to build credibility and influence senior leaders, vendors, and cross-functional business partners.
• Demonstrated analytical and strategic problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or similar analytics platforms.
• APICS/ASCM, Lean, or Six Sigma certification.
• MBA or other relevant master's degree.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Up to 25% travel, as business needs require.
• Travel includes the Elora and Calgary Distribution Centers, U.S. Distribution Centers, the Phoenix Corporate Home Office, and PetSmart stores as needed to support operational priorities and business needs.

• 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.

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 Canada Home Office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Bring your pup to work! We have lots of dogs that come each day as well as fish and aquatic pets that live at our office
• On-site Dog Park
• Café serving fresh lunch options
• In-building day care facility option
• Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities
• We have an active social committee that hosts fun-filled events including contests, bake-offs, off-site events, and volunteer efforts, and they are always trying to out-do the previous event! See what life is like at the Canada Home Office here:
• Learn more about #LifeA tPetSmart here:  
• Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart:  
• Explore PetSmart Benefits here:  

This posting reflects an existing vacancy, and we are actively seeking candidates for this role. PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.