DC HR Specialist - Phoenix, AZ

PetSmart; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PetSmart, based at the Phoenix Home Office, seeks an HR Specialist for the DC to guide strategy and operations. You will partner with leadership to deliver HR programs, analytics, and associate engagement while ensuring consistency across the DC network.

You will coach leaders, support performance management, and collaborate with Centers of Excellence to implement development plans and HR initiatives aligned with company policy and culture.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required; 2+ years HR or related retail experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in middle management and autonomous decision-making.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and data analysis to support HR initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Partner with DC HR to support HR strategy and culture in the DC.
• Provide HR consulting to operations leadership within the DC.
• Coach leaders and engage associates on performance, development, and relations.
• Collaborate on floor to build relationships and drive results across the DC network.
• Support talent acquisition and talent management for leadership and hourly roles.

Skills

HR leadership

Coaching

Relationship management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Microsoft Word

Job description

About The Team

Our Human Resources team defies all conventional expectations and is a business-connected solutions provider. The work we do directly aligns with the company’s core areas of focus, and we ensure that associates and leaders are ready to support those strategic objectives. Our HR team is comprised of different departments, including Talent Acquisition, HR business partners, Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, and Shared Services. We enable meaningful careers for all and build our Associate Workplace Experience.

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.

Onsite Position

This position is considered to be Fully Onsite, work is to be done onsite at a PetSmart location (Phoenix Home Office, PetSmart stores, Merchandise Development Center, Distribution Centers or another PetSmart site).

About The Job

HR Specialist, DC

Summary

The HR Specialist is a key operational partner to the HR team and operations leadership team within an assigned Distribution Center (DC) and provides guidance and support on matters related to both strategy and administrative tasks, including analytics, talent, human capital, associate engagement, development, associate relations, and culture. Partners appropriately within the Distribution Center network and across the enterprise to leverage solutions and maintain consistency across the DC network.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Partners with the Manager, HR to support the HR strategy and culture for the DC, including some administrative tasks. Makes decisions guided by policies, best practices, and uses judgement to determine the best outcome.
• Provides HR consulting to the operations leadership team in the assigned DC.
• Functions as a credible coach through relationship management to the operations leadership team, as well as a strong associate advocate through regular coaching, guidance, and feedback.
• Operates in a highly collaborative and cross-functional environment and builds relationships by being present on the floor of the DC, interacting with associates and leaders.
• Supports all functions of HR for assigned DC and as needed in the DC network, including hourly talent and performance management, associate engagement, positive work environment, associate relations, and effective adoption of Supply Chain and company initiatives and strategies.
• Utilizes business acumen and understanding of the DC operations to provide the right solutions in partnership with HR Centers of Excellence.
• Supports Every Day Performance Management initiatives, including coaching good and poor performance. Advises leaders on the coaching to correct process, including disciplinary action and termination. Ensures appropriate HR and legal partners are consulted and final resolutions are aligned with company policies and risk mitigation.
• Supports and guides the operations leadership team through quarterly, hourly, bonus program calibrations and audits. Partners with HR Manager or Sr. HR Business Partner to guide leaders to implement individual development plans for associates.
• Accountability for talent acquisition and talent management for some leadership and all associate levels, with a primary focus on hourly level positions. Works closely with the Manager, HR in strategic workforce planning and succession planning.
• Uses relevant business data to assess draw insights, and story tell to support the HR strategy and measure progress. Regularly reviews HR dashboards, engagement, voice of the associate, and other sources to identify trends, and recommends creative solutions to close gaps and strengthen our culture.
• Owns and leads assigned projects in partnership with relevant stakeholders to all areas of HR, DC strategy and operations, and the distribution environment.
• Conducts investigations into violations of our Code of Ethics, company policies, and the law. Ensures appropriate HR and legal partners are consulted and final resolutions are aligned with company policies and risk mitigation.
• Facilitates training sessions on topics such as diversity and inclusion, positive associate relations, and leadership development.
• Represents the HR team by attending performance review meetings.
• Implement PARs strategy to mitigate risk of third-party intervention and strengthen our culture through both preventative and response actions including ongoing education for front-line leaders and regular review of risk factors to predict and address problem areas, identify root cause, and provide solutions to address.

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years experience in Human Resources or related experience for a retail function preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the minimum qualifications.

Technical Skills

• Demonstrated experience in middle management and autonomous decision-making.
• Demonstrated success in maintaining an environment of trust with clients where integrity is unquestioned and effectively utilizing conflict resolution skills when needed.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing, facilitation and communication skills with the ability to work across functional lines and at various levels. Ability to influence change adoption by leaders and stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize multiple, conflicting priorities with an initiative-taking approach and localized focus and strong organizational skills, including attention to detail.
• Strong business acumen, analytical and technical thinking, and delivery with proven, measurable results.
• Ability to analyze HR metrics to support key business strategies and objectives.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft software: Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• None

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment are characteristic of those found in a typical business office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals 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.

Benefits

• 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.