Senior Manager, Creative Operations & Project Management - Stores

About the Team

The Marketing team works to showcase our brand through the lens of expertise and love. They work to provide a personalized experience for our consumers backed by best-in-class, data-driven marketing capabilities. The Customer Experience team focuses across 4 departments including, Marketing, Creative, Communications, and our Loyalty & CRM team. Everyone brings their own point of view to create a unique experience for the pets and pet parents.

About the Location

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.

About the Job

PetSmart is seeking a Senior Manager to head Creative Operations & Project Management for Stores, overseeing the systems, processes, and team that power one of our most visible and complex creative channels.

This role leads how work gets done-managing project managers, strengthening cross-functional execution, improving processes and reporting, overseeing budgets and vendors, and ensuring high-quality work is delivered on time, on strategy, and on budget.

This is not a traditional PM role. We're looking for a proven leader who has built teams, optimized creative operations, and driven clarity in complex environments. You're a strategic operator and change agent who can improve how teams work at scale, influence stakeholders, and deliver results in fast-moving environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Creative Operations & Project Management for Stores, including workflows, planning, and team performance
• Manage and develop a team of project managers
• Oversee end-to-end project delivery across high-volume initiatives
• Optimize processes for intake, prioritization, resourcing, and execution
• Improve reporting, visibility, and operational rigor across timelines, budgets, and capacity
• Manage budgets, forecasts, and vendor relationships
• Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Merchandising, Creative, Production, and Finance
• Drive continuous improvement through tools, automation, and AI-enabled workflows

What Success Looks Like

• High-performing PM team viewed as a strategic partner
• Faster, more predictable, and higher-quality delivery
• Stronger cross-functional alignment and planning
• Improved operational visibility and decision-making
• Scalable systems and modernized workflows, including responsible AI adoption

Qualifications

• 8+ years in creative operations, project management, or related roles
• Proven experience leading teams and complex, cross-functional initiatives
• Strong process, planning, budgeting, and vendor management expertise
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in project management tools (Workfront preferred)

Why PetSmart

Join a fast-moving, high-impact Creative team focused on innovation, collaboration, and delivering work that drives real business results-for both our partners and pet parents.

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 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.

About the Culture

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.