Business Development Manager, PetSmart

Location:

Phoenix, AZ, United States
Date Posted:
Mar 11, 2026

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:

CENT and CENTA), a leading innovator, marketer and producer of quality branded products for the pet, lawn and garden supplies markets is seeking a Business Development Manager to join our Pet Sales team to lead the growth of Pet Smart, one of Central’s strategic National Accounts. We are looking for high‑energy and self‑motivated experienced candidates who are well‑versed in navigating the complexities of National Account Management.

The Business Development Manager owns Omni Channel sales execution and financial performance of the Pet Smart account. This role leads business planning, drives category growth initiatives, and delivers results through strong cross‑functional collaboration, data‑driven insights, and best‑in‑class account management.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong strategic planning, negotiation, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, along with excellent communication and relationship‑building abilities at all levels of an organization. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience in using data analytics is required. This position is based in our Phoenix, AZ office where we work a hybrid schedule:
Mondays & Fridays work from home;
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays in office.

• Develop and execute comprehensive annual and long‑range account plans aligned with corporate and Business Unit objectives.
• Implement category management principles to drive shelf expansion, assortment optimization, and portfolio growth.
• Identify and capitalize on distribution, pricing, promotional, and digital growth opportunities.
• Strengthen Central’s competitive position and expand market share within Pet Smart.

• Own revenue, margin, and profitability targets for the account.
• Deliver accurate forecasting and manage performance against budget and KPIs, including Gross Sales, Gross‑to‑Net, Gross Margin, GMROI, ROI, inventory turns, comp sales, and digital metrics (ROAS, conversion).
• Monitor and adjust plans proactively to mitigate risks and maximize results.

• Leverage consumer and retailer analytics platforms (Nielsen
  
  IQ, Profitero, Numerator) to generate actionable insights.
• Translate data into compelling business cases and customer‑ready presentations.
• Analyze competitive landscape, promotional effectiveness, and category trends to inform strategy.

• Partner with Business Units including marketing, supply chain, finance, and customer service teams to ensure aligned execution.
• Contribute to business planning, promotional strategy, KPI tracking, and customer debriefs.
• Develop deep knowledge of Central’s product portfolio, capabilities, and strategic priorities.

• Build and maintain strong executive‑level and working‑level relationships within Pet Smart and across Central.
• Lead customer meetings, line reviews, and joint business planning sessions.
• Create persuasive, data‑driven presentations using PowerPoint and clearly communicate complex insights to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated success delivering revenue and profit growth within a complex retail environment.
• Strong strategic planning, financial acumen, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint required).
• Experience leveraging syndicated and retailer data platforms (e.g., Nielsen
  
  IQ).
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• BS/BA in Business or related discipline required.
• 5–10 years of progressive national account sales experience, preferably managing large retail accounts and high‑volume, multi‑category brands or products.

• This position is based in a quiet, professional (but not stuffy!), corporate office environment in Phoenix, AZ. Candidates must be located in/around Phoenix, AZ (relocation not available).
• Approximately 20% business travel required (overnight travel included).

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and…