Merchandise Planner - Services - 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.

Hybrid Position:

This position may be considered Hybrid based on PetSmart’s FlexSmart policy and business needs. A Hybrid work arrangement is considered to be a blend of onsite and remote work activity. Associates with a Hybrid work arrangement have a work space at Phoenix Home Office and can be required to come onsite between 1-5 days a week as determined by leadership and based on business needs.

The Services team is a subset within PetSmart’s store operations and represents more than $1B in annual sales. It is comprised of three distinct departments: Salon, Hotel and Training.

As part of this team, the Merchandise Planner is focused on driving sales, margin and other KPI goals. The role will leverage analytical skill sets to provide data-driven recommendations and influence decision-making across the Services division.

This position is responsible for the development of accurate annual financial plans (sales, markdowns, margin) and monthly forecasts that support the Services strategy and financial objectives. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create and revise all components of a rolling financial forecast (sales, markdowns, margin) by year/month/week.
• Create, Update, and Analyze plans and performance for key initiatives and communicate issues and opportunities.
• Develop and present financial recommendations to Senior Management, including Directors and VPs. Provides data-informed thought leadership to influence course of business strategies.
• Make both collaborative and independent day-to-day decisions which affect sales and gross margin dollars
• Partner with the Services Strategy Teams and FP&A to influence the initiatives and sales/margin plans.
• Analyze and anticipate selling patterns to influence the labor strategy.
• Provide thought leadership, analysis and insights into trends and recommendations for actions to maximize sales and margin both on a daily basis and via small and/or large scale periodic presentations.
• This position is responsible for supporting and delivering the Services financial plan objectives including growth in sales/margin and driving cost reductions. This includes identifying and communicating opportunities for improvement in your categories of responsibility to your manager and working with your peers and business partners to enable an excellent cross functional team.
• This position will leverage their analytical skill sets to influence the decision making process and deliver the financial plan objectives.
• Supports cross functional partners with ad hoc analysis.
• Analyze and interpret complex data sets into understandable stories with key takeaways.

Reporting Structure

• Reports directly to Senior Manager, Services Financial Planning
• No direct reports

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Develop yearly/seasonal/weekly category financial plans (sales, margin) in accordance with company goals, historical performance and trend analysis. Present strategies to Senior Management.
• Analyze and reforecast the business and recommend/implement strategies to maximize opportunities and minimize risk.
• Support the leadership team in the seasonal, annual, and long-range strategic and financial planning across a wide array of vendor (direct and external), customer, and merchandising segments.
• Conduct detailed post-season or post-event analysis, leveraging customer data when appropriate, and present insights and recommendations to leadership team.
• Actively create and lead special projects that engage growth opportunities
• Use consumer insights and data combined with a structured test and learn approach to maximize growth opportunities
• Support the VP & Director to present within various strategic meetings for the division (i.e. Direction Setting, Marketing Execution meetings, Forecast and Plan reviews, QBR, and other meetings)
• Integrate all processes and systems to fully optimize accuracy, efficiency and financial productivity.

EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, preferably with a business focus, or an equivalent blend of relevant experience and education
• Prior experience in a retail planner/analyst role or similar field
• Advanced analytical background required; Deep understanding of retail financial metrics/calculation
• 3+ years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• JDA Enterprise Planning (or equivalent) experience preferred
• Demonstrate ability to develop analytical and problem solving skills (i.e. critical and evaluative thinking) required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal required.
• Ability to communicate effectively across many levels within the organization
• Ability to influence decisions by creating an excellent case for action, using analytical findings
• Collaborative Skills: ability to partner across departments to engage decisions.
• Must be a self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Expert in Excel tools, Pivot Tables, data manipulation and PowerPoint.

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.