Operations Transformation & Automation Manager

PetSmart Store Support Group, Inc.; Phoenix, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

PetSmart in Phoenix is seeking a transformation-focused leader to identify, evaluate, and advance initiatives that modernize store operations through automation, AI, and process optimization. You will partner across Store Operations, Technology, Digital, Field, and other functions to build business cases, financials, and ensure measurable value.

The role serves as a strategic partner to align transformation priorities with enterprise goals, requiring strong collaboration and executive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Business, Operations, Technology, or related field.
• 3–5 years in retail operations, project management, or transformation roles.
• Experience translating opportunities into executable business recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve store operations via automation, AI, and modern processes.
• Develop business cases, financial analyses, and recommendations for transformation investments.
• Manage transformation portfolio with intake, prioritization, and reporting.
• Lead innovation activities, including research, POC planning, pilots, and validation.
• Define automation opportunities and support enterprise AI roadmap development.
• Monitor industry trends to identify opportunities that enhance operations and associate experience.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Financial modeling

Executive communication

Project portfolio management

Cross-functional collaboration

Automation and AI awareness

Change management readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Operations/Technology or related field

Job description

About the Team

There are a lot of activities that happen in our stores so we have a strong cross-functional team focused on doing Anything for Pets by supporting the store teams through effective communications, processes and initiatives. The Store Strategy & Operations department leads the way to support all store activities and define business-driving strategies. The Workforce, Insights & Planning team owns labor optimization and reporting needs. The Operations & Innovation team owns merchandise execution, process improvement, compliance, store technology and innovation. And the Strategy team leads all the business-driving efforts for Salon, PetsHotel, Pet Training and In-store customer experience. These teams work diligently to ensure our associates, pets and pet parents are supported, while operating efficiently to drive the business.

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

This role will work in our Phoenix Home Office - Visa sponsorship is not available for this role

Summary

This position is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and advancing transformation initiatives that improve store operations through automation, emerging technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and operational modernization. This role partners across Store Operations, Services, Technology, Digital, Field and other business functions to identify opportunities, develop business cases and financials, manage the transformation portfolio, and validate solutions that improve associate experience, operational efficiency, and business performance.

The position serves as a strategic partner responsible for evaluating future capabilities, supporting enterprise transformation priorities, and ensuring initiatives deliver measurable business value aligned with organizational objectives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate opportunities to improve store operations through automation, AI, emerging technologies, and process modernization.
• Translate operational needs and develop business cases, financial analysis, and recommendations to support transformation investment decisions.
• Manage the transformation initiative portfolio, including intake, prioritization, tracking, and executive reporting.
• Lead innovation discovery activities, including emerging technology research, proof of concept (POC) planning, pilot execution, and solution validation.
• Lead the strategy for directed work and operational execution platforms to improve prioritization, visibility, and field execution effectiveness.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to define automation opportunities and support enterprise AI strategy and roadmap development.
• Establish success measures and evaluate transformation initiatives to ensure expected operational and financial outcomes are achieved.
• Support executive governance activities through preparation of recommendations, portfolio updates, business insights, and decision materials.
• Partner with Store Operations, Technology, Digital, Field and business stakeholders to ensure transformation initiatives align with enterprise priorities.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging retail technologies to identify and evaluate opportunities that enhance operational effectiveness and associate experience.
• Support organizational change readiness by identifying business impacts, risks, and adoption considerations associated with transformation initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Individual contributor with responsibility for leading enterprise transformation initiatives through cross-functional influence and partnership.
• May lead cross-functional teams, pilots, or workgroups without direct supervisory responsibility.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in Business, Operations, Technology, or related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in retail operations, project management, business transformation, strategy, technology, innovation, process improvement, or combination of these disciplines required.
• Experience evaluating operational opportunities and translating ideas into executable business recommendations preferred.
• Experience developing business cases, evaluating operational opportunities, and leading cross-functional initiatives preferred.
• Experience with automation, AI, innovation programs, or technology-enabled business transformation preferred.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Estimate 15-25%. Occasional travel to stores, field meetings, vendor meetings and company events may be required based on business needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and business case development skills.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and executive presentation skills.
• High ethical standards and the ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality
• Ability to influence without direct authority in cross-functional initiatives.
• Knowledge of automation technologies, AI capabilities, and emerging retail technology trends.
• Strong project, portfolio, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously while balancing changing business priorities.

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

Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we’re building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and teamwork. Our goal is to create a culture where associates learn and grow together, thrive as effective teams and challenge each other to be the best they can be.

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.