Category Manager

Category Manager

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We’re the Procurement & Strategic Sourcing (PS) team mission is to actively lead the acquisition of indirect goods and services through strategic sourcing and negotiation to mitigate risk, improve quality and service, and increase value. We strategically partner with Pet Smart stakeholders to enable timely and informed decisions by using leading‑edge tools and processes. We commit to excellence through training, professional ethics, and best‑in‑class business practices.

Collaborative Work Environment:
This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. Associates may work up to one remote “flex day” with leader approval.

We are seeking a Category Manager with experience in indirect sourcing across multiple categories and process management. Categories may include real estate and travel. The individual will partner with several teams across Pet Smart and interact with major suppliers to satisfy organizational requirements, collaborating to develop and execute category sourcing strategies, deliver savings, and improve category productivity.

• Develop and lead the RFI/RFP process for goods and professional services following company policy and procedures; analyze bids to identify opportunities to achieve optimal value.
• Evaluate vendors, products, and services based on predetermined selection criteria.
• Maintain regular and appropriate communication throughout the sourcing process, both internal and external.
• Execute commercial and contractual negotiations to reach the lowest total cost, including terms to mitigate economic and currency fluctuations for assigned categories.
• Create a category strategy with internal customers to ensure a comprehensive, unified approach.
• Communicate and report to leadership any critical external relationships that could affect planning and decision‑making.
• Manage the indirect purchase order process for Pet Smart.
• Earn the trust of key stakeholders to drive alignment with the business.
• Participate in professional development activities to keep abreast of current industry best practices.
• Demonstrate exemplary integrity and ethics in all instances.
• Take on additional responsibilities such as leading a procurement workstream, training others, or facilitating best‑practice learning sessions.

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least 5 years’ experience in strategic sourcing or procurement in a retail environment.
• Strong project management skills, including stakeholder timeline and meeting management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an international team in a dynamic hybrid environment.
• Build a strong network to foster collaboration with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Analyze complex processes and lead work groups to resolve problems.
• Prioritize workload, meet tight deadlines, and maintain adaptability, detail‑orientation, organization, and motivation.
• Communicate effectively with senior management levels.
• Excellent written, oral, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong desire to promote positive change.
• Strong contract and commercial negotiation skills.
• Results‑focused with a strong work ethic.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel skills.

• Requires collaboration, teamwork, and face‑to‑face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.
• In‑office presence enables timely decisions and drives results.
• On‑site presence aligns with our Flex Smart policy supporting innovation, mentorship, and engagement.
• Not an exhaustive list of all essential functions;
  Pet Smart reserves the right to assign other duties.

At Pet Smart, "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 tools, resources, and opportunities for growth. We’re more than a workplace; we’re Team Pet Smart. Together, we grow, collaborate, and challenge ourselves. Our culture is built on belonging and shared purpose,…