About the Team Our Product Development group focuses on delivering customer-centric innovations that are available only at PetSmart. This allows us to create products and solutions that our pet parents are asking for that they can’t find anywhere else. This team partners with Merchandising, Brand Management, Product Design & Integrity, and Global Sourcing to bring the product from vision to reality. About the Location 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. About the Job The Associate Brand Manager is responsible for managing the execution of strategy for assigned Proprietary Brands and categories. Core responsibilities are day to day execution of brand strategy and commercialization to ensure assigned brands meet sales and margin goals. The Associate Brand Manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams including Sourcing, Process Management, Quality, Merchandising and Marketing to create the best Brand experiences for our customers. The Associate Brand Manager reports to the Sr. Brand Manager for Proprietary Brands. Job Responsibilities Develop deep category insights for the brand and competition, create stories and identify opportunity areas for the brands. Lead cross functional teams, including collaboration with Buying and MPA teams and manage project timelines and key Product Development and Design partners. Manage product concept development to create the innovation pipeline and ensure the brand guard rails and brand strategies are being followed. Initiate Product Claim development to create a pipeline of new products that initiate trial and relevancy. Continuously monitor customer and passionate intelligence to identify trends and hot topics that could impact the business. Using Customer Research, Insights Analytics: Leverage customer and transactional analyses to better plan and develop initiatives. Analyze consumer research and business metrics to identify and recommend initiatives, as well as gauge effectiveness of previous strategies. Possess a passion for identifying key research insights and turning them into compelling customer propositions that initiate customer loyalty and profitability. Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree and at least 3 years of experience in Retail, preferably in Merchandising, Private Brands or Product Development. A data mindset with experience in category management and ability to leverage analysis to make business recommendations. Deep analytical skills, leveraging both in-house and 3rd party data sources to support recommendations. Translates customer needs into business strategies and initiatives. Ability to multi-task and prioritize with a high sense of urgency. Ability to manage deadlines and milestones across multiple simultaneous projects. A collaborative mindset and the ability to work with internal resources and external stakeholders to develop strategies that meet department goals within budget and established timelines. Have a passion for brands, customer empathy, and excitement about new products. Proactive thinker and doer, anticipates issues before they arise, has great pride of ownership to see projects through end to end. Must be comfortable in a fluid and evolving organization without losing momentum or focus on key business goals. Good listening skills and ability to be effective in working with all levels of the organization. Position may require some travel (up to 25%). About the Culture 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