Senior Buyer

PetSmart Store Support Group, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in pet care is seeking a Sr. Buyer to set merchandise strategy and maximize sales in a collaborative work environment. You will lead a team, negotiate costs, and build partnerships to ensure product excellence and profitability. Join us to impact pet health and happiness through strategic purchasing.

Benefits

Pet-friendly environment

On-site dog park

Gym and daycare facilities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of retail buying experience in high-volume categories.
• Experience in leading and mentoring teams.
• Ability to coach and develop cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Set merchandise strategy and select product assortments.
• Negotiate product costs and terms.
• Develop vendor relationships for pricing and shipping.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising Management, Economics, Business, or related field

Job description

About the Team

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.

About the Culture

At PetSmart, we foster a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong. We celebrate diverse backgrounds and experiences, which are vital to our success.

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:

• https://www.lifeatpetsmart.com/life-at-petsmart/
• https://www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com/
• https://benefits.petsmart.com/

For those new to Phoenix, check out our Welcome to Phoenix Guide.

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.