Operations Transformation & Automation Manager

Summary

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate opportunities to improve store operations through automation, AI, emerging technologies, and process modernization.
• Translate operational needs and develop business cases, financial analysis, and recommendations to support transformation investment decisions.
• Manage the transformation initiative portfolio, including intake, prioritization, tracking, and executive reporting.
• Lead innovation discovery activities, including emerging technology research, proof of concept (POC) planning, pilot execution, and solution validation.
• Lead the strategy for directed work and operational execution platforms to improve prioritization, visibility, and field execution effectiveness.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to define automation opportunities and support enterprise AI strategy and roadmap development.
• Establish success measures and evaluate transformation initiatives to ensure expected operational and financial outcomes are achieved.
• Support executive governance activities through preparation of recommendations, portfolio updates, business insights, and decision materials.
• Partner with Store Operations, Technology, Digital, Field and business stakeholders to ensure transformation initiatives align with enterprise priorities.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging retail technologies to identify and evaluate opportunities that enhance operational effectiveness and associate experience.
• Support organizational change readiness by identifying business impacts, risks, and adoption considerations associated with transformation initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Individual contributor with responsibility for leading enterprise transformation initiatives through cross-functional influence and partnership.
• May lead cross-functional teams, pilots, or workgroups without direct supervisory responsibility.

Education & Experience

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Estimate 15-25%. Occasional travel to stores, field meetings, vendor meetings and company events may be required based on business needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Strong analytical, financial modeling, and business case development skills.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and executive presentation skills.
• High ethical standards and the ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality
• Ability to influence without direct authority in cross-functional initiatives.
• Knowledge of automation technologies, AI capabilities, and emerging retail technology trends.
• Strong project, portfolio, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously while balancing changing business priorities.
• 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 FlexSmart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.
• * This is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this position. PetSmart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.
• Our associates are the heart of Team PetSmart. Together, we’re building the best team in retail through our values-based culture, connection, and teamwork. Our goal is to create a culture where associates learn and grow together, thrive as effective teams and challenge each other to be the best they can be.
• Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:
• Pet-friendly environment , bring your pets to work and enjoy the on-site dog park!
• On-Site Events & Adoptions , enjoy community-building opportunities, 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
• 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.