Sr. Purchasing Manager

About The Team

The Supply Chain team focuses on keeping things moving across all aspects of our business. They make an impact by ensuring our products get from the vendors to the DCs to the stores in the most efficient and timely way. Their goal is to improve each step within the process, so we have the right product at the right place at the right time for our pet parents.

At Pet Smart, 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.

Job Summary: At Pet Smart, we love pets, and we believe pets make us better people. Pet Smart is the trusted partner to pet parents and pets in every moment of their lives. To get there, we need exceptionally talented, bright, and driven people.

We are seeking a Sr. Purchasing Manager with experience in Indirect Purchasing across multiple categories. Categories may include, but are not limited to, capital equipment, services, safety, and supplies supporting Distribution Centers and Supply Chain operations. The individual in this role will partner with several teams across Pet Smart and interact with our most important suppliers to satisfy organizational requirements.

• Build and lead a growing team (currently one Analyst), establishing clear priorities, performance standards, and career development pathways to deliver high‑quality, timely outcomes as the function scales.
• Lead cross‑functional projects with key internal stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Develop and implement purchasing strategies to reduce expenses and improve efficiency.
• Evaluate, select, and manage relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts, prices, and timelines.
• Monitor stock levels to prevent shortages or excesses and ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Ensure all procured items meet quality standards and that contracts comply with legal requirements.
• Communicate and report to leadership the status of any critical external relationships that could affect planning and decision‑making.
• Earn 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.
• Prepare and manage budgets, analyze cost reports, and identify opportunities to reduce expenditures.
• Utilize ERP systems to generate purchase orders (POs), track metrics, and forecast future demand.
• Ensure all purchasing activities adhere to company policies and legal requirements.
• Act as subject‑matter expert (SME) working with Operations, Engineering, Facilities, Finance, and Legal teams.

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least 5 years of experience as a Purchasing Manager, Product Manager, or in a similar role within a supply‑chain retail environment.
• Proactive, self‑starter with excellent project‑management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an international team in a dynamic hybrid environment.
• Establish a strong network and foster collaboration with suppliers, key stakeholders, and team members.
• Analyze complex processes and lead work groups to help resolve problem areas.
• Prioritize workload, work under tight deadlines, be adaptable, detail‑oriented, organized, and motivated.
• Proven success negotiating supplier agreements and managing contracts and supplier relationships.
• Effective communication with senior management levels (VP, SVP, etc.).
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Deliverable‑focused, strong work ethic and sound judgment.
• Microsoft Office Suite; ERP (SAP).

• 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,…