Senior Manager, Creative Operations & Project Management – Stores

About The Team

Marketing brings our brand to life through deep expertise and an authentic love for pets. The team is dedicated to delivering personalized experiences for our consumers, supported by best‑in‑class, data‑driven marketing capabilities. The work spans key areas including Loyalty, Customer Analytics & Research, Brand Experience & Creative, and Omni‑Channel Marketing. Each team member brings a unique perspective, working together to create meaningful and engaging experiences for both pets and pet parents.

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.

Pet Smart is seeking a Senior Manager to head Creative Operations & Project Management for Stores, overseeing the systems, processes, and team that power one of our most visible and complex creative channels. This role leads how work gets done—managing project managers, strengthening cross‑functional execution, improving processes and reporting, overseeing budgets and vendors, and ensuring high‑quality work is delivered on time, on strategy, and on budget.

This is not a traditional project‑management role. We’re looking for a proven leader who has built teams, optimized creative operations, and driven clarity in complex environments. You’re a strategic operator and change agent who can improve how teams work at scale, influence stakeholders, and deliver results in fast‑moving environments.

• Lead Creative Operations & Project Management for Stores, including workflows, planning, and team performance
• Manage and develop a team of project managers
• Oversee end‑to‑end project delivery across high‑volume initiatives
• Optimize processes for intake, prioritization, resourcing, and execution
• Improve reporting, visibility, and operational rigor across timelines, budgets, and capacity
• Manage budgets, forecasts, and vendor relationships
• Partner cross‑functionally with Marketing, Merchandising, Creative, Production, and Finance
• Drive continuous improvement through tools, automation, and AI‑enabled workflows

• High‑performing PM team viewed as a strategic partner
• Faster, more predictable, and higher‑quality delivery
• Stronger cross‑functional alignment and planning
• Improved operational visibility and decision‑making
• Scalable systems and modernized workflows, including responsible AI adoption

• 8+ years in creative operations, project management, or related roles
• Proven experience leading teams and complex, cross‑functional initiatives
• Strong process, planning, budgeting, and vendor management expertise
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills
• Proficiency in project management tools (Workfront preferred)

• 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 building 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.

• Pet‑friendly environment, bring your pets to work and enjoy the on‑site dog park!
• On‑site events & adoptions, including pet adoption days, seasonal celebrations, family events, art events, & holiday festivals
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists, personal trainers, and wellness spaces
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options, snacks, & more
• “Lil Paws” NAEYC‑accredited onsite childcare facility providing high‑quality early education
• Paid volunteer opportunities to spend time doing good for causes close to heart
• Print Center and Business Services, dry cleaning, mother’s rooms, sustainable infrastructure & more

Pet Smart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.