About the Team Our Proprietary Brands team focuses on building brands that are exclusive to PetSmart and that pet parents and pets love. Our team partners with product development, merchandising, product design, product integrity and global sourcing to bring the brand essence to life in product form. About the Location Collaborative & Flexible Work Environment: We believe in fostering growth, teamwork and creativity in a dynamic workplace. This role is based at PetSmart’s Phoenix Home Office, where associates currently enjoy the benefits of in-person collaboration while having the flexibility to work remotely one day per week (a “flex workday” with leader approval), and an expected four days in the office. At PetSmart, you’ll be part of an engaging and supportive environment designed to help you and our teams thrive. About the Job The Brand Specialist provides support to the brand management teams in the execution of developing proprietary branded products with a primary focus on sample management across assigned categories. A key component of sample management is managing the product development software system and requires the coordinator to become the subject matter expert. The role also provides significant support for brand management teams including but not limited to product and packaging requests, market research, category analysis and insights and budget management. This role will also serve as the liaison with Global Sourcing and Process Management. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Learns and assists in the brand management and product development process including knowledge of brands and brand architectures, products, project management, industry trends and cross functional relationships Develops an understanding of PB process and development lead times Owns the sample management process, both pre and post-production, and acts as the key point person for cross functional partners to ensure on time delivery of project deliverables including ad hoc requests Subject matter expert of the product development software system (CBX) in addition to being responsible for new item creation and maintenance in the system Leads the coordination and creation of materials for product reviews Coordinate and manage external vendors, including receiving bids, resolving issues and ensuring timelines are met for the production and delivery schedule of product samples Assists with creation of Workfront product and packaging requests Ability to understand the business and identify brand, customer or category insights Partners with manager to proactively & creatively problem solve & prioritize Strong and concise communication skills, both verbal and written. Must be able to clearly communicate with China offices and vendors Supports brand team by serving as liaison with finance and other internal partners for purposes of initiating work associated with design agencies, market research, product samples etc. Strong partnership skills to build and maintain productive professional relationships with internal stakeholders, be an effective team player Other duties as assigned EXPERIENCE: Preferred-Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in Merchandising, Business or relevant path Requires 2 years related and relevant experience in various facets of merchandising Requires strong organization and high level of accountability to ensure accuracy of data. Requires human relations skills to build positive relationships with teams. Must be able to work in fast paced environment where priorities can change quickly. This role is critical in the on-time completion of new product development projects that support the Proprietary Brands business goals. Strong self-management skills are required to balance priorities across multiple categories. This person must be a self-starter and problem-solver with strong organizational skills and a keen eye to detail and accuracy. A mastery of project, logistics and time management is needed to coordinate projects with multiple components as well as internal and external stakeholders. This is a highly cross-functional role that will interact with Brand, Process Management, Global Sourcing, and Merchandising requiring strong human relations skills to build relationships and support accountability from partners. Must be able to work in fast-paced environment where priorities can change quickly. TECHNICAL SKILLS Proficient skills in Microsoft Office applications About the Culture At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share. These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success. 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 just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position. Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including: Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work! On-site Dog Park “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options On-site coffee bar “Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid) Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities Learn more about #LifeAtPetSmart here: https://www.lifeatpetsmart.com/life-at-petsmart/ Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: https://www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com/ Explore PetSmart Benefits here: https://benefits.petsmart.com/ If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area: Welcome to Phoenix Guide 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.