Production Manager

About the Team

It's no surprise people are passionate about the health and happiness of their pet and our Merchandising (buying) team is no different. When it comes to the products and solutions in our stores, our incredible teams of merchandising associates have everything covered - from head to tail! From keeping up with the top trends to developing new, innovative solutions, our buyers help ensure every pet parent can find exactly what their pet needs n our team and show your love for pets by creating products as special as pets themselves!

About the Location

Collaborative Work Environment:

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.

About the Job

The Contract Production Manager is responsible for managing external contract manufacturing and packaging partners to ensure optimal inventory levels, consistent in-stock performance, and on-time product availability across retail and omni-channel channels. This role oversees finished goods production, material planning, demand forecasting, and replenishment to support retail launches, promotions, resets, and seasonal programs.

Serving as the primary liaison between contract manufacturers and internal teams-including MP&A, Brand, Product Development, Transportation, Distribution Centers, and Retail Operations, the Contract Production Manager ensures seamless execution from raw material receipt through store and e-commerce fulfillment. The role drives production efficiency, lead-time optimization, cost reductions, and real-time inventory visibility to support retail service level goals.

This position plays a critical role in retail commercialization by managing initial buys, run-out plans for discontinued items, sample programs, and packaging transitions tied to resets and planogram changes. The Contract Production Manager leads supplier performance management through KPI tracking, regular business reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring compliance with internal controls and retail best practices.

Your goals and responsibilities will include:

* Responsible for the overall operational management of our external contract manufacturing network while ensuring alignment to strategic goals and objectives of our supply chain.

* Help develop overall proprietary brand production management strategy to deliver on innovation and product optimization goals.

* Help to optimize the flow of inventory from receipt of raw materials to deployment of finished goods; drive inventory accuracy and real time visibility to production.

* Ensure raw material, packaging, and finished good suppliers meet on time delivery and supply demands

* Work between internal stakeholders and supplier to develop accurate demand forecast and timely production scheduling for both domestic and international suppliers.

* Responsible for planning and replenishment of special projects including sample bags, online and retail forecast consolidation.

* Drives production lead time optimization and production efficiency cost reductions.

* Maintains product commercialization production timeline to gain go-no go decisions on projects from project sponsors (New launches/refreshes)

* Responsible for operations and supply chain execution of our external manufacturing sites including measuring performance tracking KPIs and holding regular reviews with our key partners including MP&A, Product Development, and Brand to ensure consistent performance.

* Aid in tracking of packaging, production planning, PO shortages, and inventory.

* Collaborate with MP&A, Brand and co-manufacturers to minimize packaging and finished good inventory when rationalizing. Ensure in stock of packaging and finished goods in accordance with reset timelines.

* Drive continuous improvement in process or production efficiency, supply chain optimization, deliver cost reduction, and manage the co-manufacturing/co-packing discipline in compliance with Internal Controls and Best Practices.

* Analyze manufacturing best practices within facilities and look to implement these practices into the key strategic Contract Manufacturers

Additional Job Considerations

* 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 Flex Smart 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…