Principal Supply Chain Manager

Principal Supply Chain Manager, Canada

Pet Smart is seeking a Principal Supply Chain Manager, Canada to oversee the operational and financial performance of our Canada distribution network in partnership with our third-party logistics provider (Metro Operations), supporting the Elora and Calgary distribution centers.

Responsible for the operational and financial governance of Pet Smart's Canadian distribution network in partnership with Metro Operations, supporting the Elora and Calgary Distribution Centers. Owns third-party logistics provider performance, financial stewardship, operational excellence, and strategic initiatives that deliver exceptional service while achieving Supply Chain service, productivity, quality, and financial objectives.

Serves as the primary strategic partner between Metro Operations, Canadian Stores, the Canada and Phoenix Home Offices, and U.S. Distribution Centers, influencing cross-functional decisions, leading executive business reviews, and driving continuous improvement across the Canadian distribution network.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Owns the strategic partnership between Pet Smart Stores and Metro Operations by gathering operational feedback, identifying root causes, and partnering across Supply Chain to improve service, product quality, delivery execution, and load accuracy.
• Owns operational governance for the Elora and Calgary Distribution Centers by monitoring key performance indicators, service levels, productivity, operational risks, and quality to ensure achievement of Supply Chain objectives.
• Leads weekly operational reviews, monthly business reviews, executive Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), and other governance meetings to review performance, resolve issues, drive accountability, and align strategic priorities.
• Drives operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives that improve service, productivity, quality, efficiency, and the overall store experience.
• Develops reporting, analytics, and operational processes that enable data-driven decision making, performance visibility, and successful execution of cross-functional initiatives.
• Owns the financial governance of the Canadian distribution network by managing operating expenses, distribution costs, key financial metrics, productivity, and Profit & Loss performance to ensure financial commitments are achieved.
• Partners with Finance, Procurement, and Metro Operations to develop operating budgets, forecasts, variance analyses, and cost optimization strategies while balancing service, operational performance, and financial results.
• Oversees third-party logistics invoice validation, reconciliation, and approval to ensure billing accuracy, contract compliance, service level agreement (SLA) performance, and timely resolution of financial discrepancies.
• Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with Metro Operations, vendors, internal business partners, and U.S. Distribution Centers to resolve complex operational, financial, and service challenges while advancing enterprise Supply Chain priorities.
• Influences senior leaders and cross-functional partners to drive accountability, resolve issues, and deliver business results through effective communication, collaboration, and change leadership.
• Pet Smart represents executive business reviews, vendor governance, and strategic initiatives while supporting evolving business priorities.

Required education and experience:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business Administration, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• Seven to ten years of progressive experience in supply chain, distribution, logistics, retail operations, or third-party logistics (3PL).
• Demonstrated experience leading third-party logistics provider relationships, including operational governance, contract compliance, service level management, and executive business reviews.
• Demonstrated experience managing operating budgets, forecasting, financial reporting, invoice reconciliation, variance analysis, productivity initiatives, and Profit & Loss performance.
• Demonstrated experience leading operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable improvements in service, productivity, quality, and cost.
• Demonstrated experience presenting operational and financial performance to senior leadership and influencing cross-functional business decisions.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel and PowerPoint) and experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Labor Management Systems (LMS), reporting tools, and operational analytics.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and executive communication skills.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience supporting Canadian distribution operations or cross-border logistics.
• Experience in retail, omnichannel, or consumer products distribution.
• Strong financial and business acumen with demonstrated ability to balance customer…