Website Petco
Our vision at Petco is Healthier Pets. Happier People. Better World. We’re making things better for pets, people and the planet through our Think Adoption First philosophy, the Petco Foundation and other important initiatives that focus on putting animals first, educating pet parents and reducing our carbon footprint. The journey starts with knowledgeable, passionately engaged associates who are proud to recommend Petco as a place to work, who believe in our Vision and who are committed to delivering a superior customer experience.
From our retail stores and our network of Distribution Centers to our Corporate offices, you’ll work with others who share your values and commitment. We seek individuals who are passionate about animal welfare, have great people skills and are driven to grow and advance in their careers with us. Our ongoing growth is creating exceptional opportunities for professional development and personal enrichment throughout our organization.
Position Purpose:
Support the development and implementation of business goals, strategies and tactics for the pet services team in a manner that effectively reflects the overall strategy to differentiate Petco from the competition, maximize sales, increase profit margin and assure all goals, strategies and tactics are aligned with the Petco value proposition of exceeding customers’ expectations and financial budgets.
Essential Job Functions: The incumbent must be able to perform all of the following duties and responsibilities with or without a reasonable accommodation
- Take a lead role in the development of business plans for pet services team in a manner which ensures that category goals and objectives are strategically and tactically aligned to both differentiate Petco from the competition, as well as deliver on Petco’s customer value proposition of exceeding customer expectations and financial budgets.
- Create and nurture a ‘shared-vision’ environment of collaboration, partnership and open discussion with direct reports and other Petco team members and stakeholders, both internal and external, that establishes and communicates clear and realistic goals, objectives and functional roles and are aligned with the category(s) strategic plan; use objective means to monitor progress toward those goals; effectively coordinate team members in order to meet timelines.
- Execute and manage the marketing and promotional process in collaboration with the services manager. Manage and own key projects designed to drive the growth of the services business
- Collaborate with Services Manager on daily activities including: monitoring and cascading keys sales and customer insights, researching and tracking competitive intelligence, maintaining key promotional databases to drive optimization and improvement.
- Conduct research projects on services, customer trends and market factors, utilizing the category review process to identify key factors affecting the performance of assigned category(s); maintain and/or increase knowledge of company service ranges and gain specific experience related to assigned pet services business.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams in creating, developing and implementing financial models which manage assortment analysis and planning, product mix, pricing, gross margin and promotional expenditures. Additionally, use objective means to monitor progress toward goals, such as auditing sales and business performance to ensure planned profit goals are being met and recommend adjustments accordingly if they are not.
- Participate in developing advertising plans and promotions with the Services Managers which drive and increase sales and expand profit margins consistent with financial plans; partner with Advertising and Visual Presentation teams to maximize impact of promotions.
- Prepare and/or collaborate in the preparation of field and operations communications in order to ensure proper and actionable (timely) information is provided on special issues/concerns.
- Ensure all activities comply and are conducted in accordance with international, federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances; remain cognizant of planned/proposed changes to same.
- Interact professionally and effectively through verbal and written communication with all professional contacts with emphasis on company interests.
- Perform other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required, assigned and directed.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position will lead a cross-functional team over which it does not have direct administrative authority. This position is expected to independently lead these teams through the successful development and execution of strategic plans and tactical imperatives to support the business plan for the assigned category(s).
Work Environment:
Operates in a standard office environment. The majority of job duties are performed while seated indoors with little or no exposure to hazards. Day and overnight domestic travel to vendors, seminars and/or conferences is required periodically throughout the year. Extended domestic and overseas travel may occur periodically throughout the year.
Education and Experience:
Normally requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably in merchandising, marketing or related curriculum.Requires a minimum of one to three years progressively responsible, professional-level merchandising experience as a buyer or category manager in a superstore, mass market or specialty national or large regional, multi-unit retail chain store. Of these years, at least one should have been served in a capacity involving work with a national or specialty chain, merchandise buying and marketing, product assortment, vendor negotiations, etc., as well as previous general management experience of professional-level associates.
This position requires advanced business acumen and analytical skills necessary for proper financial modeling and management of assigned category(s), including the ability to control financial metrics required to achieve profit objectives. Must have advanced computer skills, including MS Office Suite and the aptitude to learn and utilize new internal applications. Additionally, this position requires a highly advanced level of knowledge, competency and continued development in the following areas with the ability to effectively:
Leading a small staff of less experienced merchandising associates and/or cross-functional team
Persuade, and motivate others with the ability to flex style as the situation requires, and collaborate or empower as needed
Partner and collaborate with Petco associates
Understand and communicate with a diverse set of leaders and associates at various levels and within various functional areas that impact their category(s)
Continue to expand ability to manage multiple responsibilities with the skill to multi-task and shift focus from one task to another seamlessly
Develop long-range plans for assigned category(s) based on sound knowledge of category and corporate expectations. Collaborate with Service Manager and Services Business Unit Leader on larger scope of business
Recognize and seize upon opportunities to maximize sales and profitability
Champion change management efforts through the effective utilization of the talent of team members
Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a US Passport for international travel.