Our Merchandise Planning and Allocation (MP&A) teams are the driving forces behind making the organization’s product visions available to our consumers through calculated and strategic measures. Your involvement in sales and margin forecasts, promotional performance analysis, inventory management, and vendor relationships will play a critical role in obtaining goals while maintaining PetSmart’s reputation in the market as a trusted partner to pet parents.

 

We are the Product Quality Department. We ensure that PetSmart products are safe, compliant and perform well for our customers and their pets. We do this by building and managing product standards, fostering a healthy supplier quality management program, and driving product & process improvements.

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.

The Quality Assurance Manager will build and maintain product specifications and formulations to ensure they meet FDA (FSMA) and AAFCO regulatory requirements.

Partner with Product Development (PD), Brand Management and Sourcing teams to identify product expectations and support them by building out the right critical to quality standards.
Regularly meet with the PD team to discuss new or changing products and offer insights that focus on mitigating food safety risks and ways to achieve desired product attributes.
Provide quality readiness level and risk for new product launches
Assess new vendors have the right technical and process capabilities and manage performance of existing suppliers.
Perform gap audits on vendor manufacturing facilities based on risk assessment.
Perform root cause analysis and CAPA for trending quality issues.
Review product packaging claims and substantiation with PD and Legal.
Track, report and elevate trending significant product issues.
Coordinate Consumables product removals, reworks and recalls.

 

Essential Functions:

• Support Product Quality Development: Product Review, CTQ Standards, Product Formulations, Product Specifications, Claim Substantiation, Sample Evaluation, New Product Start-ups, and Food Safety risk assessments, etc.
• Support Supplier Quality Management: Supplier Capability Assessments, FSMA Compliance, Pre-Selection approvals (GFSI compliance), Foreign Supplier Verification Program, GAP assessments of production facilities based on risk assessment.
• Support Product Quality Improvement: Track and Escalate Significant Product Issues, Coordinate Product Withdrawals/Recalls, Identify and Implement new CTQ Standard Opportunities.
• Maintain effective work relationships by partnering with PD, Brand, Sourcing and Merchandising, to help ensure a high quality and safe product is delivered within cost and on time.
• Act as a technical resource to cross-functional partners regarding appropriate regulatory, food safety and production processes for specific product categories. 

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years in a manufacturing, product development or quality role for food products.
• Bachelors Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Animal Science or related field
• Working knowledge of FDA and AAFCO regulations, GFSI Schemes (SQF, BRC etc)
• Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) training required.
• Familiar with various manufacturing processes and product categories
• Key project management and reporting

Knowledge and Skills:

• Self-motivated, passionate, approachable
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects at once.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally & influence peer group.
• Sense of urgency
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

• 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.

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 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

 

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.