The Legal & Corporate Affairs team is responsible for safeguarding the company’s reputation, ensuring we are operating with integrity and in line with our strategic initiatives. The Legal team provides high-quality legal services, ensures legal compliance and mitigates risks.  The Corporate Communications team works to execute strategic and effective communication efforts that drive brand awareness, preference and reputation with internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the Corporate Social Responsibility & Belonging teams support the company’s environmental and social commitments with a strong focus on pets, people and the planet.  The collective team supports the overall success and positive reputation of the company.  

Hybrid Position:

This position may be considered Hybrid based on PetSmart’s FlexSmart policy and business needs. A Hybrid work arrangement is considered to be a blend of onsite and remote work activity. Associates with a Hybrid work arrangement have a work space at Phoenix Home Office and can be required to come onsite between 1-5 days a week as determined by leadership and based on business needs.

SUMMARY

PetSmart is looking for an experienced contracts manager to support its growing business.  The contracts manager will be responsible for building, maintaining and improving all systems, reporting, and processes related to the contracting process, in addition to drafting, editing, analyzing/evaluating, negotiating, and managing/owning contracts, legal notices, amendments and other commercial documents in coordination with attorneys responsible for PetSmart’s contract function.  Additional responsibilities include training, developing, implementing, owning, and maintaining forms, playbooks, and procedures to drive efficiency in the business, and analyzing existing contract terms for various business stakeholders.  In addition, the contracts manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams within the Legal Department to develop, enhance, implement, own and maintain policies, procedures, objectives, and short- and long-range planning to help the Legal Department meet its strategic goals.  

The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, have great technical and organizational skills, have the confidence to lead meetings with senior stakeholders, and be comfortable working independently and exercising independent judgment within parameters in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.  The associate will be expected to work directly with internal business customers and external parties and should therefore be a strong communicator and problem solver.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the contract intake function for the Legal Department, keeping up with daily submissions from the business and ensuring timely processing and coordination with attorneys.
• Create, streamline, enhance, implement and own/manage new or existing practices within the Legal Department; identify and assess legal technology software and tools to improve processes and create efficiencies, including assessing contract lifecycle management and AI tools; and develop, manage, and execute the design, rollout, and training for new systems, reports, tools and procedures.
• Manage the company’s contract intake and repository tools and systems; identify, contribute to, develop, evaluate, and define impact of changes required and/or made to the tools and systems; and support the Legal Department and business on their use and development.
• Develop, implement, and maintain reporting tools and dashboards to track contract data and metrics and analyze such data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Generate regular reports for internal stakeholders, providing insights into contract status, compliance, and potential areas for optimization.
• Analyze, draft, edit, and negotiate legal documents for different areas of the business including NDAs, statements of work, service provider agreements, amendments, order forms, and other commercial contracts for a wide variety of internal business areas.
• Communicate with internal business groups and third parties regarding contract status.
• Spearhead the creation and development of playbooks, guides, training materials, and other tools to assist both legal and business stakeholders; and update and maintain the company’s form library and contract repository, process contractual documentation and related data, and ensure business users are able to easily identify and utilize contract forms and tools.
• Analyze contracts for compliance with PetSmart policies/playbooks and make appropriate edits or consult with contract attorneys on exceptions.
• Facilitate periodic training to ensure the business understands process and requirements around contract life cycle.
• Lead regular meetings with senior attorneys.
• Conduct research with respect to any legal matter, as applicable.
• Perform additional contract administration duties as needed.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a contract specialist/contract manager with demonstrated ability in contract administration, negotiation, drafting, and management supporting internal clients.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• N/A

TECHNICAL SKILLS 

• Proficiency in contract management software and Microsoft Suite along with demonstrable capabilities with excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written). Experience with Microsoft SharePoint highly preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment are characteristic of those found in a typical office environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable those with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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.