Buyer, Indirect Purchasing

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.

Collaborative Work Environment:
At Pet Smart, 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.

The Buyer, Indirect Purchasing is responsible for purchasing and inventory management for a broad range of goods that support Pet Smarts daily operations and are not intended for resale. This includes store and distribution center supplies, fixtures, equipment, packaging materials, and other non-inventory items.

In this role, you will manage replenishment planning, create and maintain purchase orders, monitor inventory levels, support demand forecasting, track vendor performance, and help identify opportunities to improve cost, service, and process efficiency across the Goods Not For Resale (GNFR) category.

What Youll Do

• Manage GNFR inventory levels across distribution centers to ensure the right products are available to support store and DC operations, while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
• Develop replenishment plans and create purchase orders based on demand, lead times, supplier capabilities, and budget considerations.
• Forecast future GNFR needs using historical data, business trends, and cross-functional input.
• Create, maintain, and track purchase orders, and partner with suppliers to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
• Maintain information on internal purchasing tools and systems, including the Pet Smart internal web portal.
• Build and manage strong supplier relationships, support negotiations, and monitor vendor performance against service expectations.
• Analyze purchasing and inventory data to identify trends, risks, savings opportunities, and process improvements.
• Prepare reports and provide insights on purchasing activity for management.
• Partner closely with Finance, Supply Chain, Store Operations, and Real Estate to align purchasing plans with broader business priorities.
• Identify slow-moving or obsolete inventory and recommend actions to reduce waste and carrying costs.
• Research and identify potential new suppliers to improve quality, service, and cost efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement in purchasing and replenishment processes by applying best practices and leveraging available tools and technology.

What Were Looking For

• Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of experience in merchandising, supply chain, purchasing, procurement, or a related field.
• Experience with inventory management, replenishment planning, forecasting, and purchase order management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and turn insights into action.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and with external suppliers.
• Ability to balance day-to-day execution with strategic thinking and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in Excel and experience working with business systems and reporting tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with SAP, Micro Strategy, Relex Replenishment System, and/or Ariba.
• Experience supporting non-resale or operational supply categories.
• Background in vendor management and supplier performance tracking.

• 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 Flex Smart 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. Pet Smart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.

At Pet Smart, 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.

Were more than a workplace, were Team Pet Smart. 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…