Director, Labor Planning & Operational Strategy na PetSmart

There are a lot of activities that happen in our stores so we have a strong cross-functional team focused on doing Anything for Pets by supporting the store teams through effective communications, processes and initiatives. The Store Strategy & Operations department leads the way to support all store activities and define business-driving strategies. The Workforce, Insights & Planning team owns labor optimization and reporting needs. The Operations & Innovation team owns merchandise execution, process improvement, compliance, store technology and innovation. And the Strategy team leads all the business-driving efforts for Salon, PetsHotel, Pet Training and In-store customer experience. These teams work diligently to ensure our associates, pets and pet parents are supported, while operating efficiently to drive the business.

Collaborative & Flexible Work Environment: We believe in fostering growth, teamwork and creativity in a dynamic workplace. This role is based at PetSmart’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 PetSmart, you’ll be part of an engaging and supportive environment designed to help you and our teams thrive.

Job Summary/Purpose
The Director of Labor Planning & Operational Strategy is responsible for setting the strategic direction and leading execution of labor planning, forecasting, and performance optimization across the retail organization, including both Core and Services businesses. This role ensures labor spend aligns with company financial goals while supporting exceptional in-store execution and customer experience. The Director partners closely with Finance, Store Operations, and other enterprise functions to optimize workforce strategies that balance cost efficiency with operational effectiveness.

Major Responsibilities

• Strategic Retail Labor Planning & Budget Management
  Leads the development and execution of labor strategies to align actual labor spend with enterprise financial targets across all retail formats. Ensures labor planning supports customer service standards, sales goals, and operational efficiency at the store level.
• Retail Workforce Forecasting & Optimization
  Oversees enterprise-wide labor forecasting processes, incorporating key retail drivers such as foot traffic, sales volume, seasonal trends, and promotional calendars. Drives continuous refinement of forecasting tools and labor models to support real-time decision-making and improved store performance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Business Alignment
  Serves as a strategic business partner to senior leaders across Store Operations, Finance, HR, and Merchandising. Ensures that labor plans and forecasts support both financial objectives and in-store execution of business priorities.
• Performance Analytics & Insights
  Directs labor analytics and reporting functions to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities across store locations. Delivers actionable insights and performance dashboards to regional and field leaders to drive store-level accountability and productivity improvements.
• Leadership & Talent Development
  Leads and develops a team of labor planning professionals. Establishes clear goals, fosters professional growth, and drives a culture of performance and continuous improvement aligned with company values.
• Process Innovation & Operational Efficiency
  Champions initiatives to streamline labor planning processes, enhance reporting capabilities, and improve integration with workforce management systems. Leverages technology and best practices to drive efficiency and scalability across the labor planning function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Operations, or related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred
• 8–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in labor planning, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), or store operations within a retail environment
• Deep understanding of retail store operations, workforce management, and the financial levers that drive profitability
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing senior leadership
• Proven analytical and strategic thinking skills, with expertise in labor modeling and forecasting tools
• Experience managing and developing high-performing teams
• Proficiency in labor management systems (e.g., Kronos, Dayforce), business intelligence platforms, and data visualization tools

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share.  These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success.

Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work!
• On-site Dog Park
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options
• On-site coffee bar
• “Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid)
• Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities
• Learn more about #LifeAtPetSmart here: https://www.lifeatpetsmart.com/life-at-petsmart/
• Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: https://www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com/
• Explore PetSmart Benefits here: https://benefits.petsmart.com/
• If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area:  Welcome to Phoenix Guide

PetSmart 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.