Senior Buyer

PetSmart Store Support Group, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the pet retail industry is seeking a Sr. Buyer to lead merchandise strategy and manage product relationships. You will influence market trends and profitability while leading a team. Enjoy a collaborative environment that values employee wellbeing and promotes pet-friendly experiences.

Benefits

Pet-friendly environment

On-site dog park

Gym and café

Learning center and daycare

Volunteer events

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of retail buying experience in high-volume categories.
• Experience leading and mentoring a team of buyers.
• Ability to develop cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop business plans to maximize sales and profitability.
• Negotiate product costs, terms, and shipping issues.
• Build partnerships with supply chain and operations.

Skills

Negotiation

Leadership

Team Collaboration

Market Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising Management, Economics, Business

Job description

Our Merchandising (buying) team is passionate about pet health and happiness. They manage products and solutions in our stores, from trends to innovative offerings, ensuring pet parents find exactly what their pets need. Join us to show your love for pets and create products as special as they are!

About the Location

Collaborative & Flexible Work Environment: Based at PetSmart’s Phoenix Home Office, with in-person collaboration and remote work flexibility (one day per week with leader approval). Enjoy an engaging environment designed to help you and the team thrive.

About the Job

How this role will make an impact: As the Sr. Buyer, you will set merchandise strategy, select assortments, create pricing strategies, and identify promotional opportunities. Stay updated on market and competitor trends to advise Sr. Leadership on maintaining market leadership and growth. Lead a team of 1 Associate Buyer in planning purchases, communications, and controls to maximize sales and margins.

Your goals and responsibilities include:

• Developing business plans to maximize sales, margins, and profitability, maintaining market leadership.
• Negotiating product costs, terms, and shipping/returns issues.
• Building partnerships with supply chain, distribution, and store operations.
• Developing vendor relationships for the best prices, products, and shipments.
• Collaborating on product lifecycle, exit strategy, and inventory standards.
• Setting and approving product pricing strategies to meet margin objectives and managing markdowns.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising Management, Economics, Business, or related field.
• At least 5 years of retail buying experience in high-volume and fast-turning categories.
• Experience leading and mentoring a team of Associate or Assistant Buyers.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop cross-functional teams.

We encourage applicants who may not meet 100% of the requirements to apply, as they could be the perfect fit for this or other roles.

Our home office offers amenities like pet-friendly environments, an on-site dog park, a gym, café, coffee bar, learning center, daycare, volunteer events, and more. Learn about #Life at PetSmart:

PetSmart is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.