Strategic Sourcing - Transportation

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 distribution centers and then 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 & Flexible Work Environment: We believe in fostering growth, teamwork and creativity in a dynamic workplace. This role is based at Pet Smart’s Phoenix Home Office, where associates currently enjoy the benefits of in-person collaboration while having the flexibility to work remotely one day per week (a “flex workday” with leader approval), and an expected four days in the office.

At Pet Smart, you’ll be part of an engaging and supportive environment designed to help you and our teams thrive.

This job works in our Phoenix Home Office - visa sponsorship is not available for this role

We are seeking a Category Manager with experience in Transportation Sourcing across multiple modes/service models and a history of success in process management. The individual in this role will partner with the Transportation team at Pet Smart and interact with our most important suppliers to satisfy organizational requirements. This person will also collaborate with that team to develop and execute category sourcing strategies, deliver savings and improve category productivity.

Key responsibilities or primary duties:

• Develops and leads the RFI/RFP process for transportation services in accordance with company policy and procedures. Analyze bids based on total cost and identify opportunities to achieve optimal value.
• Evaluates carriers and services based on predetermined selection criteria.
• Maintains regular and appropriate communications throughout the sourcing process, both internal and external
• Executes commercial and contractual negotiations/agreements to reach the best total cost, including terms to mitigate economic and currency fluctuations as appropriate for the transportation category.
• Creates a category strategy in conjunction with internal customers to ensure there is a comprehensive, unified approach for the category
• Communicates and reports to leadership the status of any critical external relationships that could affect planning and decision-making.
• Earns the trust of key stakeholders to drive alignment with the business
• Participates in professional development activities to keep abreast of current industry best practices.
• Demonstrates exemplary integrity and ethics in all instances.

• Additional responsibilities may include leading a procurement workstream to optimize/implement a current/new process, training other departments on a specific process or facilitating a best practice learning session

Skills & experience required:

• Bachelor’s Degree and at least 5 years’ experience in strategic sourcing or procurement discipline in a Retail environment.
• Strong project management skills, including stakeholder timelines and meeting management skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic Environment

• Establish a strong network to foster collaboration with suppliers, key stakeholders and team members
• Ability to analyze complex processes and lead work groups to help resolve problem areas.

• Be able to prioritize workload, work to tight deadlines, be adaptable, detail-oriented, organized and motivated

• Ability to effectively communicate with senior management levels (VP, SVP, etc.)
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Strong desire to promote positive change.
• Strong contract and commercial negotiation skills.
• Results-focused with a strong work ethic.
• Microsoft Office Suite; advanced Excel skills

Experience with Ariba, Jaggaer (or similar e-Sourcing platform) and ChatGPT

• 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.
• O…