Director, Proprietary Brands

About the Team

It's no surprise people are passionate about the health and happiness of their pet and our Merchandising (buying) team is no different. When it comes to the products and solutions in our stores, our incredible teams of merchandising associates have everything covered – from head to tail! From keeping up with the top trends to developing new, innovative solutions, our buyers help ensure every pet parent can find exactly what their pet needs at PetSmart. Join our team and show your love for pets by creating products as special as pets themselves!

About the Location

Collaborative Work Environment:At PetSmart, 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.

About the Job

Director, Proprietary Brands

 

SUMMARY

PetSmart’s proprietary brand team is responsible for creating a range of differentiated brands and products.  The Director is responsible for the management of the existing brand portfolio of products and new product development.  This position is responsible for overseeing PetSmart’s proprietary brands within the Hardgoods division with the goal of increasing sales, expanding margin and improving customer loyalty.  This role is responsible for brands across Dog and Cat apparel, beds, feeding, collars & leads, furniture & scratch, toys, waste management, containment, travel, flea & tick and supplements. 

 

As a leader of the team, you will oversee and lead a team of brand development professionals that work cross-functionally with the merchandising, design, sourcing and quality organizations to deliver a compelling assortment.  You will have a high level of curiosity towards the customer and their needs to best drive product development.  This role will ensure brands are actively managed within a set of predetermined guard rails and take maximum advantage of trends to drive new product development. 

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director, Proprietary Brands will report to the Vice President, Proprietary Brands. Directly supervises a team of associates.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to:

 

• Provides overall direction of strategic initiatives by influencing and collaborating with cross functional teams; gathering knowledge from relevant sources; analyzing the potential return on investment; developing assessments of key opportunities; documenting project scopes; developing long-range plans and project timelines; and providing updates and progress reports to senior leaders.
• Develops long term brand strategy and vision including a pipeline of initiatives and relevant product lines. Leverages category architectures to ensure that each brand has a distinct position and role within the category. 
• Responsible for product creation, development and commercialization. Collaborates with internal and external partners to determine product needs and determines resource allocation for product development
• In collaboration with the packaging and digital teams, owns the execution of the digital product display page (PDP) strategy to ensure seamless, accurate and compelling shopping experience
• Responsible for ensuring all product packaging aligns with brand standards and captures key features and benefits
• Drive, manage and lead multiple projects and processes, ensuring successful new product launches, on time and within budget
• Identifies white space opportunities within assigned categories, inclusive of consumer needs and insight mining
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives
• Directs a high performing, customer centric team. Selects, coaches, motivates, conducts performance evaluations, and identifies development and growth opportunities. Develops associates through coaching, mentoring, performance management, talent management and succession planning.
• Proven problem-solver with excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.

 EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Requires proficiency typically obtained with 15+ years’ experience including 10+ years demonstrated leadership in retail private brands, merchandising and/or buying.

 

Requires a creative and strategic results-oriented leader with proven strategic thinking, planning and analytical skills. Must have a deep understanding of retail from a busin