PetSmart Charities is a mission-driven nonprofit committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. With over $600 million granted to organizations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, we’ve made a meaningful impact – helping millions of pets find loving homes, expanding access to affordable veterinary care, fighting pet hunger, and providing disaster response in times of crisis.
About the Location
Collaborative Work Environment:
At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.
About the Job
SUMMARY
The Senior Manager, Business Operations is responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing the operations of the Charities organization. Responsibilities include oversight of grant management activities, including execution of grant agreements; providing support for partners, stores, and internal stakeholders; and ensuring adherence to policies and procedures related to the Charities in-store adoption program. This role provides leadership for the Grant Administration and Adoption Compliance teams and is responsible for the organization’s operational audit and risk management strategy, as well as supporting and managing the vendor contract process.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Grant Administration and Adoption Partner Compliance
Lead and mentor the Grant Administration and Adoption Compliance teams by setting goals, providing professional development, organizing processes and workflows, and offering coaching and feedback to ensure productivity and engagement.
Oversee grant administration and adoption partner processes, including applicant eligibility, contract revisions, payment processing, and compliance monitoring.
Evaluate and implement lean and efficient processes to optimize grant administration workflows.
Troubleshoot and/or escalate adoption system technical issues as needed.
Project and Process Management
Gather and translate system and process requirements from internal and external stakeholders to optimize tools and workflows.
Document processes and maintain documentation as processes evolve.
Partner cross-functionally with Programs, Marketing and Communications, and Finance to identify and implement improvements, standardize procedures, and ensure alignment across teams.
Foster strong relationships with key internal stakeholders to accelerate decision-making and delivery.
Risk Management
Own the organization’s audit and risk management activities, including Business Continuity plans, Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance, and internal operational audits.
Manage annual Payment Card Industry (PCI) audits and data privacy assessments to ensure compliance with U.S. and Canadian regulations.
Conduct quarterly system access reviews to validate appropriate user access and usage.
Procurement and Vendor Contract Management
Document, design, and provide training to the PetSmart Charities team and relevant internal stakeholders on the vendor management process.
Provide ongoing contract management support to ensure contracts are executed and maintained in alignment with company policies and applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Assist with and/or lead vendor contract negotiations, including terms and pricing, to best meet organizational needs.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Directly supervises Grant Administrators and an Adoption Compliance Specialist.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
5–10%
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field, plus 7+ years of progressive experience in operations, compliance, procurement, or nonprofit administration. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
Demonstrated success in setting priorities, applying strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and enabling sound decision-making.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to prioritize, negotiate, and collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and leadership capabilities; passion for advancing impact in the animal welfare sector.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Operational excellence and continuous improvement (lean process optimization)
Audit, risk management, and business continuity planning
Regulatory and compliance awareness (PCI; U.S. and Canadian data privacy)
Stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration
Strong written and verbal communication with attention to documentation
Process mapping and data visualization or reporting skills
Additional Job Considerations
This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross-functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.On-site presence in accordance with our FlexSmart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.
* This is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this position. PetSmart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.
About the Culture
At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed.
We’re more than a workplace, we’re Team PetSmart. Together, we grow, collaborate, and challenge ourselves to be the best in all we do. Our culture is built on belonging and shared purpose, where every voice and experience matters. Guided by our values, we strive to do what’s right, lead responsibly, and bring our passion for pets to life every day. Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You might be the right fit for this role or another opportunity across Team PetSmart.
Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:
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 educationPaid Volunteer Opportunities to spend time doing good for causes close to heartPrint Center and Business Services, Dry Cleaning, Mother's Rooms, Sustainable Infrastructure & more!
PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.