Creative Senior Manager, Core Digital

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Guide and direct PetSmart design projects (web/app/email/gift cards/print).
• Responsible for the overall quality of work produced by the creative team.
• Execute and deliver creative work based on outlined priorities to meet objectives.
• Collaborate with fellow creatives (designers, directors, copywriters, creative ops/project management) regularly and build strong partnerships across marketing and e-commerce teams.
• Work on high-profile/high-priority projects including daily deliverables and special projects of varying scope.
• Create work while leading the team to execute engaging creative, holding high expectations and inspiring team members.
• Follow projects through all stages of creative execution and deployment, maintaining a firm grasp on project status.
• Organize work efficiently, ask strategic questions, and develop effective solutions for the business.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows through new technologies or processes.
• Take ownership of projects, lead initiatives, manage expectations, and meet deadlines.
• Understand and work toward the team's creative vision, ensuring work remains fresh and innovative.
• Present ideas confidently to business partners and sell concepts with positive energy.
• Collaborate confidently with internal teams and external partners.
• Maintain a focus on speed, quality, and elevated aesthetics in layout, type, color, photography, and graphic elements.
• Communicate clearly with leadership, peers, and team members.
• Deeply understand PetSmart's brand, design needs, technological parameters, and Loyalty Program.
• Continuously evolve creative work, seek new skills, and encourage team growth.
• Create efficiencies to operate quickly while maintaining high-quality outputs.
• Review work regularly, providing clear and actionable feedback aligned with brand and leadership expectations.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and positive work environment.
• Identify opportunities for talent development, recruitment, and ongoing trend evaluation.

Requirements

• 8+ years of creative team experience within an in-house or agency environment.
• 4+ years proven experience as a Creative Senior Manager or Sr Art Director managing and directing others.
• Experience in a retail or creative environment is ideal.
• Proficiency in industry-standard creative applications: Figma, XD, Adobe Creative Suite, MS Office on Mac.
• A strong portfolio showcasing imaginative and compelling digital work.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with follow-through.
• Ability to present and sell ideas confidently and engagingly.
• Desire to advance toward Associate Creative Director and Creative Director roles.
• Professionalism, flexibility, and composure under stress.
• Strong collaboration skills with team, business partners, and leaders.
• Strategic, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated, proactive, positive attitude, and openness to giving and receiving feedback.
• Deep understanding of digital design, typography, color, layout, branding, and design systems.
• Passion for technology, innovation, and effective creative solutions.

Nice to Have

• Experience with animation and active pursuit of new skills.
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-volume creative environment.
• Knowledge of the PetSmart brand, Loyalty Program, and retail marketing.

Qualifications

• Educational background not explicitly specified; emphasis on experience and portfolio.

Benefits & Perks

• 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 paid daycare.
• Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities.
• Access to PetSmart benefits and wellness programs.