Sr. Director, Distribution Operations

PetSmart • Phoenix, AZ

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director of Distribution Center Operations provides enterprise-level leadership for the company’s Distribution Center network, overseeing multiple regions through direct leadership of 3–4 General Managers. Reporting to the SVP, Supply Chain, this role is accountable for end-to-end operational, financial, safety, and people performance across the DC network and serves as a key architect of the company’s supply chain strategy.
The Sr. Director drives network-wide operational excellence by setting strategy, establishing standards, and leading large-scale transformation initiatives that improve productivity, service, cost, and scalability. This role partners closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams (Supply Chain, Transportation, Merchandising, Finance, HR, IT, and Safety) to align distribution capabilities with enterprise growth objectives.
The role shares accountability for the creation, execution, and governance of the DC network’s operating and capital plans, while building a strong leadership pipeline to support current operations and future growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in distribution center or supply chain operations, including multi-site or network-level responsibility.
• Proven experience leading multiple DCs through direct leadership of General Managers or senior site leaders.
• Demonstrated success owning enterprise-wide performance across safety, service, cost, productivity, and people outcomes.
• Proven background in setting operating standards, governance, and accountability models across geographically dispersed operations.
• Deep knowledge of DC operations including labor planning, inventory management, material handling systems, and transportation interfaces.
• Proven financial acumen with experience managing operating budgets, capital investments, and long-range network planning.
• Demonstrated strength in talent development, succession planning, and building high-performing leadership teams.
• Excellent executive communication and cross-functional partnership skills, with the ability to influence enterprise decision-making.

Nice To Haves

• advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic and operational leadership for the Distribution Center network through direct management of 3–4 General Managers, ensuring consistent execution, accountability, and performance across all locations.
• Establishes clear expectations, performance standards, and governance models for GMs and DC leadership teams.
• Communicates enterprise strategy, priorities, and business objectives, translating them into actionable regional and site-level plans.
• Develops and owns network-wide operational and financial goals aligned with the company’s mission, vision, values, and long-term growth strategy.
• Drives results across DC and Supply Chain dashboards, holding GMs accountable for service levels, productivity, cost control, and operational KPIs.
• Leads initiatives to reduce DC cost as a percentage of sales through process optimization, labor efficiency, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Partners with Finance to develop and manage operating budgets, capital investments, and long-range network planning.
• Champions standardized operating models, best practices, and scalable processes across the DC network.
• Leads network-wide transformation initiatives, including technology adoption, automation, systems enhancements, and new DC start-ups or expansions.
• Ensures the DC network can flex and scale to support business growth, seasonal volume, and evolving customer expectations.
• Provide executive oversight of facility and equipment maintenance, ensuring infrastructure reliability, regulatory compliance, and long-term asset sustainability.
• Sets the tone and expectation for a strong safety culture, ensuring all safety, regulatory, and compliance standards are consistently met or exceeded across the network.
• Provides executive leadership for talent development, engagement, and retention across all DCs.
• Builds and executes robust succession plans for GMs, DC leaders, and critical operational roles to ensure leadership continuity.
• Acts as a senior enterprise leader, collaborating across functions to align distribution strategy with merchandising, transportation, inventory, and customer service objectives.
• Influences enterprise decision-making by providing insights on distribution capabilities, constraints, risks, and opportunities.
• Represents DC Operations in executive forums, steering committees, and strategic planning 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

What This Job Offers

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