Demand Planner - Rotational Trainee

PetSmart • Phoenix, AZ

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Demand Planning Trainee Program
Program Overview
The Demand Planning Trainee Program is a 12‑week immersive development experience designed to prepare early‑career talent for full‑time Demand Planner roles within PetSmart’s Merchandising Planning organization. This program reflects the evolving needs of the business, with a clear emphasis on demand planning, inventory optimization, and cross‑functional execution, while still providing foundational exposure to core merchandising principles.
Participants will gain hands‑on experience partnering with Buyers, Merchandise Planners, Demand Planners, Space/Floor Planners, Supply Chain, and Store Operations. The program blends structured learning, real‑world business ownership, and mentorship to build strong analytical, commercial, and collaboration skills. Upon successful completion of the program, trainees will be placed directly into Demand Planner roles.
PetSmart offers a clearly defined planning career path with opportunities for continued growth, development, and advancement.
What You’ll Do During the Program
As a Demand Planning Trainee, you will develop the skills and experience required to manage inventory from purchase order creation through point of sale, while supporting merchandising strategies that drive sales, margin, and in‑stock performance.
Key experiences include:
Learn how to ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time through demand forecasting and inventory planning
Support store in‑stock performance, fill rate, purchase order accuracy, and on‑time shipment execution
Assist with purchase order creation, maintenance, and issue resolution in partnership with vendors and distribution centers
Analyze sales, inventory, and forecast data at the SKU and store level to identify risks and opportunities
Understand Open‑to‑Buy, inventory turnover, and seasonal planning concepts
Gain exposure to assortment strategy, promotions, and merchandising calendars to understand how planning decisions support the customer experience
Partner cross‑functionally with Buying, Supply Chain, Store Operations, and Vendors to support business objectives
Utilize demand planning and replenishment systems to evaluate forecasts and adjust inventory levers
Identify opportunities for process improvement, efficiency, and inventory optimization
Placement After Program Completion
At the conclusion of the 12‑week program, trainees will transition into full‑time Demand Planner roles, where they will:
Own inventory management for a defined book of business
Be accountable for store in‑stocks, forecast accuracy, inventory turnover, and service levels
Manage vendor demand plans, purchase orders, and ongoing execution
Act as a key member of the merchandising cross‑functional team

Requirements

• Recent graduate or graduating senior (or internal associate with VP or Director approval)
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Analytics, Retail, or a related field
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to use data to support decisions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Collaborative mindset and comfort working across functions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Nice To Haves

• Internship, co‑op, or academic experience related to supply chain, planning, analytics, or merchandising
• Exposure to inventory, forecasting, or data analysis concepts
• Curiosity, attention to detail, and a continuous improvement mindset

Responsibilities

• Learn how to ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time through demand forecasting and inventory planning
• Support store in‑stock performance, fill rate, purchase order accuracy, and on‑time shipment execution
• Assist with purchase order creation, maintenance, and issue resolution in partnership with vendors and distribution centers
• Analyze sales, inventory, and forecast data at the SKU and store level to identify risks and opportunities
• Understand Open‑to‑Buy, inventory turnover, and seasonal planning concepts
• Gain exposure to assortment strategy, promotions, and merchandising calendars to understand how planning decisions support the customer experience
• Partner cross‑functionally with Buying, Supply Chain, Store Operations, and Vendors to support business objectives
• Utilize demand planning and replenishment systems to evaluate forecasts and adjust inventory levers
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, efficiency, and inventory optimization
• Own inventory management for a defined book of business
• Be accountable for store in‑stocks, forecast accuracy, inventory turnover, and service levels
• Manage vendor demand plans, purchase orders, and ongoing execution
• Act as a key member of the merchandising cross‑functional team

Benefits

• Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work!
• A work-life balance and family events such as movie nights, art events and holiday festivals
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options
• Starbucks cart—productivity at its finest!
• “Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility
• Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees