Manager, Compliance Program Manager

PetSmart • Phoenix, AZ

6h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Compliance Program Manager leads the execution of PetSmart’s Proprietary Brands (PB) compliance program. The role establishes policies, procedures, governance, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure that processes supporting the introduction and continued sale of PB products are effectively managed, completed on schedule, and aligned with applicable legal and regulatory guidance, industry standards, and PB and Merchandising requirements.

As a program leader, this position defines workplans, manages interdependencies, tracks deliverables, and drives accountability across multiple functional teams. It partners closely with Legal to apply regulatory guidelines, strengthen governance, and improve compliance practices. The role also develops and tracks metrics, uses automation, and translates technical compliance requirements into practical business solutions.

The position directly supervises 2–3 associates and coordinates work across direct and cross-functional contributors. Responsibilities span compliance program strategy and execution; product registrations; social responsibility; extended producer responsibility; product withdrawals and recalls; packaging, labeling, and claims; supplier compliance; and third-party accreditations. The role is based at PetSmart’s Phoenix Home Office and requires working in the office at least four days per week, with up to one remote flex day in a standard work week subject to leader approval. Travel is 5–10%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Program Management, science, engineering, technology, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of Program Management experience in consumer goods, including manufacturing, wholesale, retail, or a related environment.
• At least 3 years of managerial experience in Regulatory Compliance, Quality Assurance, or a related function within the consumer goods industry.
• Strong experience leading complex programs from strategy and planning through execution and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple cross-functional teams, workstreams, and competing priorities in a complex environment.
• Experience developing program governance, project plans, milestones, performance measures, risk assessments, and remediation plans.
• Familiarity with government agencies, including FDA, AAFCO, CPSC, and USDA.
• Ability to make sound, timely business decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build alignment and drive results through influence, persuasion, negotiation, and collaboration.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex compliance information clearly to leadership and business partners.
• Strong program and project management skills, including planning, prioritization, dependency management, issue resolution, risk mitigation, and execution tracking.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate data, interpret trends, assess risk, and develop actionable business plans.
• Ability to facilitate complex discussions, challenge assumptions constructively, resolve conflict, and guide stakeholders toward timely decisions.
• Ability to balance regulatory compliance requirements, customer expectations, operational realities, business objectives, and risk tolerance.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to collaborate and work face-to-face with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.
• Ability to work at the Phoenix Home Office a minimum of four days each week; up to one remote flex day may be available with leader approval.
• Ability to travel 5–10%.

Nice To Haves

• A combination of Program Management and Science education is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with project management, workflow, reporting, or compliance management tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute the overall Proprietary Brands Compliance Program, including strategy, operating plans, priorities, milestones, performance measures, risk management, and continuous improvement.
• Establish program governance, roles, decision rights, communication routines, and escalation protocols for cross-functional execution.
• Develop and manage integrated project plans, defining and actively managing dependencies, resources, timelines, and deliverables.
• Monitor progress, identify barriers and emerging risks, and influence stakeholders to take timely corrective action.
• Complete or verify compliance workstreams, including product registrations, social responsibility, Extended Producer Responsibility, FDA/USDA product withdrawals and recalls, and packaging and labeling compliance.
• Create and maintain standardized processes, tools, documentation, and performance reporting.
• Support strategic Proprietary Brands compliance initiatives aligned with business objectives.
• Partner with Legal on regulatory questions, issues, and escalations, and provide direction and troubleshooting support to stores, Phoenix Home Office, field leaders, and business partners.
• Build partnerships across Sourcing, Brands, Quality, Food Safety, Legal, Merchandising, suppliers, manufacturers, and third-party service providers.
• Influence product strategies, decisions, launch plans, and operational practices to align with compliance requirements.
• Lead cross-functional discussions and decision-making by communicating compliance expectations, business implications, options, risks, and recommended actions.
• Develop and implement remediation plans for regulatory compliance issues, ensuring corrective actions are assigned, tracked, completed, and sustained.
• Lead the PB Supplier Compliance Committee, providing visibility into social compliance, reputational screening, product recall incidents, and related matters.
• Review and approve product and packaging information, including product names, ingredients and materials, nutrition information, claims, graphics, package proofs, and online content.
• Identify compliance risks early in product development and commercialization, and work with Legal and other functions on practical solutions to ambiguous or emerging situations.
• Execute state and federal product registrations, ensuring they are accurate, complete, current, and submitted on time.
• Partner with Legal to evaluate the potential impact of regulatory changes on products, packaging, claims, suppliers, and business processes.
• Lead efforts to attain and maintain third-party accreditations and certifications, including National Animal Supplement Council and “Veterinarian Recommended” claims.
• Participate in trade associations, professional organizations, compliance forums, and industry meetings to stay informed about current practices and trends.
• Directly supervise 2–3 associates; set expectations, priorities, accountability, and development goals, and support team members’ development.

Benefits

• Pet-friendly workplace, including an on-site dog park.
• On-site events and adoption opportunities, including seasonal celebrations, family events, art events, and holiday festivals.
• On-site gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists, personal trainers, and wellness spaces.
• On-site café serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
• On-site childcare facility providing early education.
• Paid volunteer opportunities.
• On-site print center and business services, dry cleaning, and mothers’ rooms.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager