Fixtures and Equipment Project Manager

About the Team

Our Real Estate team
takes on the task of finding and managing over 1,600 stores, DCs, and offices.

Their scope is pretty big, as we are a multi-national retailer with over 1,600 leased stores, offices, and distribution centers in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Hong Kong. The team also supports new store growth through market analysis and research with the industry’s best data resources and analytical tools. In addition to supporting the stores, we work directly with the Real Estate Legal, Facilities, New Store Construction, and Finance teams.

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 Fixtures and Equipment Project Manager – Strategic Projects is responsible for the fixtures and equipment life cycle from strategic planning to tactical activities for all vendor completed installation projects.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Approves all purchase orders, bid sheets, store maps and other project resources that apply to each project.
• Manages strategic project fixturing process including ordering fixtures through purchase, order creation and budget.
• Remotely manages vendor completed fixture install teams.
• Works independently with all functions within Phoenix Home Office to ensure accurate fixtures are ordered and delivered on a timely basis.
• Develop and maintain close business relationships with key stakeholders to identify needs and ensure business goals are met. Aid in resolving all issues that may arise such as backorders, short shipments, late shipments and onsite scope challenges.
• Monitors project execution to ensure that key milestones and financial budgets are met, and projects are delivered effectively to achieve the overall goals and objectives of strategic projects. Escalates issues to ensure they are resolved as needed.
• Document and communicate project requirements: scope, time, cost and risks.
• Interfaces and meets with vendors and Store Managers, in addition to construction and fixture set-up/merchandise Project Managers and other internal partners as needed.
• Coordinates with the transportation department for scheduling and updating strategic project dates.
• Manage vendor relations through all project phases: production, logistics, implementation and project close outs of all custom and non-custom fixtures and equipment.
• Visits project locations and inspects fixtures, equipment, and décor for accuracy of work and quality of presentation.
• Communicate fixture information and changes to impacted stores and field representatives.
• Understands and supports the company goals as well as maintains a professional relationship with all associates, vendors, and manufacturer’s representatives.
• Analyze expenditures and present recommendations on possible cost savings initiatives.
• Source and select vendors; validate installation accuracy and ensure on-time completion for individual locations and the overall project.
• Draft and submit budget estimates, and recommend subsequent budget changes where necessary. Manages various budgets based upon project scope.
• 0%-25% travel is required.

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project manager’s budget responsibility is $5M - $25M for multiple strategic projects each year.

MAJOR CHALLENGES

• This position is challenged to provide the organization with the appropriate knowledge and expertise to execute Pet Smart’s strategic projects.
• Due to the nature of the work, this position will experience periods of high demand.
• The associate must be able to work during these periods of high demand with efficiency, quality and consistency.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university and/or 2-4 years retail operation preferred.
• Key performance measures may include, but are not limited to: knowledge of SAP, Microsoft Access and…