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.
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:
Summary
The Senior Manager, Transportation Strategy serves as a key member of the Transportation Leadership Team and is responsible for defining and executing strategic initiatives across the transportation network, including Domestic Inbound and Domestic Outbound operations. This role drives continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration to optimize cost, service, and operational performance.
The Senior Manager will play a critical role in enterprise-level decision support, including carrier negotiations, contract management, and the leadership of high-impact initiatives that deliver measurable business value. This position partners closely with Transportation Operations leadership and cross-functional stakeholders across Store Operations, Distribution, Digital, Merchandising Planning & Analytics (MP&A), and Information Technology.
As a leader of people, the Senior Manager is accountable for developing high-performing teams, strengthening organizational capability, and driving sustained improvements in key performance metrics related to transportation cost, service, and reliability.
Essential duties and repsonsibilities include, but not limited to:
Transportation Strategy & Optimization
- Lead the development and execution of transportation strategies that optimize cost-to-serve while maintaining or improving service levels across inbound and outbound.
- Identify and prioritize initiatives that drive efficiency, network optimization, and scalability, including mode optimization, utilization improvements, and prepaid-to-collect conversions.
Carrier Management & RFP Leadership
- Oversee the end-to-end execution and analysis of transportation carrier Requests for Proposal (RFPs), including annual and ad hoc sourcing events.
- Lead carrier negotiations, contract strategy, and performance management to ensure competitive pricing, service excellence, and alignment with business objectives.
Analytics, Modeling & Decision Support
- Lead a team responsible for advanced transportation analytics, reporting, and solution development.
- Deliver forward-looking, scenario-based (“what-if”) analysis to inform strategic planning and executive decision-making.
- Leverage analytical tools and modeling capabilities to roadmap initiatives that improve network efficiency and cost performance.
Third-Party Technology & Innovation
- Continuously evaluate and leverage third-party platforms, tools, and solutions to advance transportation capabilities and unlock new optimization opportunities.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to pilot, implement, and scale innovative transportation technologies.
Freight Pay & Audit Oversight
- Provide oversight of freight payment and audit processes to ensure accurate, timely payment to all carrier and courier partners.
- Ensure compliance with contractual terms and resolve discrepancies in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
Industry Research & Benchmarking
- Monitor emerging logistics technologies, market trends, and industry best practices.
- Provide thought leadership and education to the broader organization on transportation market dynamics, benchmarking insights, and competitive positioning.
Critical Event Planning
- Lead transportation planning and execution support for critical operational events, including peak seasons, holidays, and major promotional periods.
- Ensure alignment across teams to maintain service continuity and cost discipline during high-volume and high-risk periods.
People Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of analysts, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
- Build leadership capability across direct and indirect reports while promoting collaboration and engagement.
Education and/or Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field
- Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in transportation, supply chain or last mile operations
- 2+ years of people leadership experience, including team development and performance management
- Demonstrated expertise in transportation strategy, carrier management, and RFP processes.
- Strong understanding of transportation pricing structures, market dynamics, and cost drivers.
- Proven ability to analyze complex data sets, draw actionable insights, and translate analysis into strategic direction.
- Strong organizational, time management, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
- Track record of building strong, collaborative relationships with internal partners and external vendors.
- Experience leading diverse teams and developing talent across multiple levels.
- Comfortable operating in ambiguous, evolving environments and driving change through influence and leadership.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment are characteristic of those found in a typical office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform essential functions.
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.
