Senior Manager, Digital Creative

PetSmart•Phoenix, AZ

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

PetSmart is building a modern, high-performing in-house creative organization—one that owns outcomes, moves fast, and leverages innovation to scale impact. As Senior Manager Digital Creative, you are a proactive creative leader who blends strong creative judgment, operational discipline, and an AI-forward mindset to deliver exceptional digital work. As Senior Manager, Digital Creative, you serve as a senior creative leader with significant scope, influence, and ownership. In many organizations, this level of responsibility aligns to an Associate Creative Director; at PetSmart, we’ve intentionally structured the Senior Manager role to lead with both creative authority and operational accountability. This role is for someone who thinks ahead, takes ownership, communicates with confidence, and is constantly exploring smarter, faster, more effective ways to create—without compromising quality.

Requirements

A proactive, solution-oriented leader who takes full ownership and follows through
Highly articulate communicator who can clearly explain creative strategy and sell ideas at all levels
Incredibly organized, calm under pressure, and effective in a (very) fast-paced environment
A strong creative storyteller with excellent judgment and attention to detail
AI-obsessed and efficiency-minded, always experimenting with new tools, workflows, and ways of working
Collaborative, confident, and trusted by partners and peers
Comfortable giving clear, actionable feedback and pushing the team to evolve
Possess a high level of expectations for yourself and for your team
Passionate about digital craft, retail, the customer, innovation, and continuous improvement
A pet lover who brings heart, energy, and pride to the PetSmart brand
8+ years of creative experience (in-house preferred or agency), including 4+ years leading teams
Proven success as a Creative Senior Manager, Associate Creative Director
Strong portfolio showcasing high-impact digital and animated work
Expert in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and presentation software; strong knowledge of AI-enabled creative tools and workflows
Excellent organizational, communication, and presentation skills
Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving ability
Demonstrated interest in growing into a Creative Director role. You’re willing to put in the hard work

Responsibilities

Lead and deliver digital creative across web, app, email, animation, and select special projects, from concept through deployment
Own creative quality, consistency, and on-time delivery across all assigned work
Set clear direction, anticipate risks, and proactively solve problems before they slow the work
Develop and deliver strategic creative solutions that meet business objectives while adhering to brand standards, budgets, and timelines
Balance hands-on design with people leadership, coaching, and mentorship
Lead, mentor, and allocate work for a team of 2–5 creatives, supporting growth, quality, and delivery
Partner closely with Creative, Marketing, eCommerce, and Creative Operations teams
Translate briefs and business goals into compelling, on-brand creative solutions
Present work with clarity and confidence to peers, senior leaders, and executive stakeholders
Champion AI-enabled tools, animation, and new technologies to improve efficiency, scale output, and evolve creative execution.
Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, optimize processes, and help the team work smarter and faster. Don’t wait to be told, go ahead and make it happen.
Stay ahead of digital, UX, animation, and creative trends—continuously raising the bar
Provide art direction for photo and video production as needed, guiding external and internal partners through shoot and post-production
Act as a trusted creative and brand expert and Creative Director proxy when needed—leading reviews, presentations, and partner discussions

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

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