Optimization Manager Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Our Merchandise Planning and Allocation (MP&A) teams are the driving forces behind making the organization’s product visions available to our consumers through calculated and strategic measures. Your involvement in sales and margin forecasts, promotional performance analysis, inventory management, and vendor relationships will play a critical role in obtaining goals while maintaining PetSmart’s reputation in the market as a trusted partner to 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.

Sr Manager, Merchandise Demand Planning & Allocation

This position is responsible for developing the overall merchandise inventory and demand planning strategies for their respective Division. This position requires a proven knowledge and background of inventory planning and allocation practices and alignment with your cross functional partners.  It also requires a deep knowledge of Microsoft excel & Allocation systems.  This position will leverage the candidates analytical and leadership skill sets to influence the decision-making process and deliver the merchandise inventory & demand planning objectives.

• Sales and Margin
• Inventory, turns, DOS
• Store In-stocks and Fill Rate
• PO On time and Fill Rate
• Implement best practices to support PetSmart growth

As a Senior Manager Merchandise Demand Planning & Allocation, you will be responsible for leading the development of accurate forecast and inventory plans (sales, inventory and turn) that support the merchandise strategy and financial objectives for your respective division. You will be responsible for leading the team in both the Demand Planning decision making process and Allocation decisions for all departments within your area of responsibility.  

Responsibilities include: 

• Achieve Sales, Margin, and Inventory Turnover and other KPIs as designated to plan.
• Manage the end-to-end process of demand planning and allocation optimization, including in-stock and service levels for funded items and promotional product. Set targets and achieve plans for inventory and space productivity required to support the sales, gross margin and in-stock goals, maintain high levels of promotional product availability during promotional periods while minimizing ad residue, and optimizing end-caps, drive aisle, and in-line storytelling and integration consistent with consumer shopping patterns.
• Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership for the Demand Planning team, building capability, driving adoption of best practices, and ensuring the team effectively partners with Merchandising, Allocation, Supply Chain, and Finance to deliver divisional objectives.
• Lead & participate in the seasonal, annual, and long-range strategic inventory planning across a wide array of vendor (direct and external), customer, and merchandising segments.
• Successfully manage department and SKU level planning to reflect unique store and merchandise assortments that allows for sharp transition between selling periods.
• Develop & lead overall execution plans to align to the corporate strategy.
• Lead, execute and measure performance against the business planning and product creation calendars to drive timely and informed decision making.
• Support the VP & Director to present within various strategic meetings for the division (vendor, business reviews, and other meetings)
• Lead the development and execution of demand planning, including information sharing and problem solving with vendors around purchase orders, capacities, forecasting, and network inventory flow and optimization
• Manage the creation, accuracy, & communication of vendor demand plans.
• Actively create and lead special projects that drive growth opportunities.
• Manage processes and systems to optimize accuracy, efficiency, inventory productivity, space utilization, and margin optimization.
• Accountable for team development to include recruiting, training, development and succession planning.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably with a business focus.
• 7 plus years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience

Intermediate to expert skills in Excel, Replenishment systems, Microsoft Strategy as SAP, Relex & JDA Enterprise Planning are preferred.

• 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” 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.

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.