Strategic Sourcing Manager

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.

Summary

The Category Manager, Indirect Sourcing is responsible for supporting the development and execution of sourcing strategies across assigned indirect spend categories. This role leads competitive sourcing events, evaluates suppliers, negotiates commercial terms, and partners with business stakeholders to deliver savings, improve supplier performance, and support operational objectives. The individual in this role applies strategic sourcing principles, manages multiple projects, and helps drive process consistency and continuous improvement across the procurement function.

Key responsibilities

• Lead RFx events for assigned categories, including requirements gathering, supplier outreach, bid analysis, negotiation, and contract execution.
• Support development and execution of category strategies in partnership with internal stakeholders and procurement leadership.
• Analyze spend, market conditions, supplier capabilities, and business requirements to identify savings and value creation opportunities.
• Evaluate suppliers, products, and services using defined criteria, including total cost, service, risk, and quality considerations.
• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, and contractual provisions to optimize value and mitigate risk.
• Build effective working relationships with cross-functional stakeholders to understand business needs and align sourcing activity to priorities.
• Communicate sourcing project status, supplier issues, and savings progress to stakeholders and leadership.
• Contribute to procurement process improvements, documentation, and adoption of best practices.
• May lead a workstream related to process improvement, training, or implementation of new tools or practices.

Skills and experience required

• Bachelors degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or related field.
• 3+ years of strategic sourcing, procurement, or category management experience.
• Experience leading sourcing events and negotiating commercial agreements.
• Strong analytical skills, including spend analysis and supplier evaluation.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to build partnerships across functions and influence decision-making at the manager and director level.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel; experience with ERP or e-sourcing tools preferred.

• 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.
• 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…