Director, Labor Planning & Operational Strategy

PetSmart • Phoenix, AZ

112d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

Responsibilities

• Strategic Retail Labor Planning & Budget Management
• Leads the development and execution of labor strategies to align actual labor spend with enterprise financial targets across all retail formats. Ensures labor planning supports customer service standards, sales goals, and operational efficiency at the store level.
• Retail Workforce Forecasting & Optimization
• Oversees enterprise-wide labor forecasting processes, incorporating key retail drivers such as foot traffic, sales volume, seasonal trends, and promotional calendars. Drives continuous refinement of forecasting tools and labor models to support real-time decision-making and improved store performance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Business Alignment
• Serves as a strategic business partner to senior leaders across Store Operations, Finance, HR, and Merchandising. Ensures that labor plans and forecasts support both financial objectives and in-store execution of business priorities.
• Performance Analytics & Insights
• Directs labor analytics and reporting functions to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities across store locations. Delivers actionable insights and performance dashboards to regional and field leaders to drive store-level accountability and productivity improvements.
• Leadership & Talent Development
• Leads and develops a team of labor planning professionals. Establishes clear goals, fosters professional growth, and drives a culture of performance and continuous improvement aligned with company values.
• Process Innovation & Operational Efficiency
• Champions initiatives to streamline labor planning processes, enhance reporting capabilities, and improve integration with workforce management systems. Leverages technology and best practices to drive efficiency and scalability across the labor planning function.

Benefits

• Pet-friendly environment, bring your pets to work and enjoy the on-site dog park!
• On-Site Events & Adoptions, enjoy community-building opportunities, including pet adoption days, seasonal celebrations, family events, art events, & holiday festivals
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists, personal trainers, and wellness spaces
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options, snacks, & more
• “Lil Paws” NAEYC-accredited onsite childcare facility providing high-quality early education
• Paid Volunteer Opportunities to spend time doing good for causes close to heart
• Print Center and Business Services, Dry Cleaning, Mother's Rooms, Sustainable Infrastructure & more

What This Job Offers

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