PetSmart Charities
Director, Labor Planning & Operational Strategy
PetSmart Charities, Phoenix, Arizona, United States, 85003
Director, Labor Planning & Operational Strategy
Location: Phoenix, Arizona – Home Office.
Job Summary The Director of Labor Planning & Operational Strategy is responsible for setting the strategic direction and leading execution of labor planning, forecasting, and performance optimization across the retail organization, including both Core and Services businesses. This role ensures labor spend aligns with company financial goals while supporting exceptional in-store execution and customer experience. The Director partners closely with Finance, Store Operations, and other enterprise functions to optimize workforce strategies that balance cost efficiency with operational effectiveness.
Responsibilities
Strategic Retail Labor Planning & Budget Management – Lead the development and execution of labor strategies to align actual labor spend with enterprise financial targets across all retail formats. Ensure labor planning supports customer service standards, sales goals, and operational efficiency at the store level.
Retail Workforce Forecasting & Optimization – Oversee enterprise-wide labor forecasting processes, incorporating key retail drivers such as foot traffic, sales volume, seasonal trends, and promotional calendars. Drive continuous refinement of forecasting tools and labor models to support real-time decision-making and improved store performance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Business Alignment – Serve as a strategic business partner to senior leaders across Store Operations, Finance, HR, and Merchandising. Ensure that labor plans and forecasts support both financial objectives and in-store execution of business priorities.
Performance Analytics & Insights – Direct labor analytics and reporting functions to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities across store locations. Deliver actionable insights and performance dashboards to regional and field leaders to drive store-level accountability and productivity improvements.
Leadership & Talent Development – Lead and develop a team of labor planning professionals. Establish clear goals, foster professional growth, and drive a culture of performance and continuous improvement aligned with company values.
Process Innovation & Operational Efficiency – Champion initiatives to streamline labor planning processes, enhance reporting capabilities, and improve integration with workforce management systems. Leverage technology and best practices to drive efficiency and scalability across the labor planning function.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Operations, or related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
8–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in labor planning, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), or store operations within a retail environment.
Deep understanding of retail store operations, workforce management, and the financial levers that drive profitability.
Proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing senior leadership.
Proven analytical and strategic thinking skills, with expertise in labor modeling and forecasting tools.
Experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
Proficiency in labor management systems (e.g., Kronos, Dayforce), business intelligence platforms, and data visualization tools.
Benefits & 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.
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.
Explore PetSmart Benefits:
https://benefits.petsmart.com/ .
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.
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Job Summary The Director of Labor Planning & Operational Strategy is responsible for setting the strategic direction and leading execution of labor planning, forecasting, and performance optimization across the retail organization, including both Core and Services businesses. This role ensures labor spend aligns with company financial goals while supporting exceptional in-store execution and customer experience. The Director partners closely with Finance, Store Operations, and other enterprise functions to optimize workforce strategies that balance cost efficiency with operational effectiveness.
Responsibilities
Strategic Retail Labor Planning & Budget Management – Lead the development and execution of labor strategies to align actual labor spend with enterprise financial targets across all retail formats. Ensure labor planning supports customer service standards, sales goals, and operational efficiency at the store level.
Retail Workforce Forecasting & Optimization – Oversee enterprise-wide labor forecasting processes, incorporating key retail drivers such as foot traffic, sales volume, seasonal trends, and promotional calendars. Drive continuous refinement of forecasting tools and labor models to support real-time decision-making and improved store performance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Business Alignment – Serve as a strategic business partner to senior leaders across Store Operations, Finance, HR, and Merchandising. Ensure that labor plans and forecasts support both financial objectives and in-store execution of business priorities.
Performance Analytics & Insights – Direct labor analytics and reporting functions to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities across store locations. Deliver actionable insights and performance dashboards to regional and field leaders to drive store-level accountability and productivity improvements.
Leadership & Talent Development – Lead and develop a team of labor planning professionals. Establish clear goals, foster professional growth, and drive a culture of performance and continuous improvement aligned with company values.
Process Innovation & Operational Efficiency – Champion initiatives to streamline labor planning processes, enhance reporting capabilities, and improve integration with workforce management systems. Leverage technology and best practices to drive efficiency and scalability across the labor planning function.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Operations, or related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
8–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in labor planning, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), or store operations within a retail environment.
Deep understanding of retail store operations, workforce management, and the financial levers that drive profitability.
Proven track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing senior leadership.
Proven analytical and strategic thinking skills, with expertise in labor modeling and forecasting tools.
Experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
Proficiency in labor management systems (e.g., Kronos, Dayforce), business intelligence platforms, and data visualization tools.
Benefits & 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.
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.
Explore PetSmart Benefits:
https://benefits.petsmart.com/ .
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr