Job Description

Our Human Resources team defies all conventional expectations and is a business-connected solutions provider. The work we do directly aligns with the company’s core areas of focus, and we ensure that associates and leaders are ready to support those strategic objectives.  Our HR team is comprised of different departments, including Talent Acquisition, HR business partners, Learning & Development, Compensation & Benefits, and Shared Services. We enable meaningful careers for all and build our Associate Workplace Experience!

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.

Summary

The Manager, Leave of Absence plays a key role in supporting the Senior Manager of LOA & Accommodations by leading the day-to-day operations of the Leave of Absence team. This role provides direct leadership to a team of Case Managers and ensures consistent, compliant, and compassionate administration of PetSmart’s leave policies, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) investigative process. The Manager also serves as a backup to the Senior Manager during periods of absence and contributes to strategic initiatives that enhance the leave experience for associates.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead a team of four to five (4-5) Case Managers responsible for administering leave of absence and accommodation requests across PetSmart’s 1,650+ stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, seven (7) Distribution Centers, and the Phoenix and Canada Home Offices.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on leave and accommodation policies, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADAAA, USERRA, Pregnancy Discrimination Act).
• Partner closely with Risk Management, Legal, Human Resources, and Benefits to ensure compliance and manage complex or high-risk cases.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, including Long-Term Disability (LTD) providers, ensuring timely coordination of benefits and resolution of service issues.
• Assist in developing and maintaining internal guidance, tools, and resources to promote consistent standards and practices across the LOA team.
• Handle escalated and/or sensitive leave and accommodation cases, ensuring timely resolution and appropriate documentation; report key issues and trends to the Senior Manager.
• Coordinate return-to-work processes, including modified duty arrangements and communication with managers and associates.
• Onboard and train new Case Managers, ensuring understanding of PetSmart’s policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Conduct regular work audits and quality checks to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance in case management practices.
• Develop and maintain reporting metrics and dashboards to monitor leave trends, identify risks, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Support the development and performance management of team members, identifying growth opportunities and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Act as a point of contact and decision-maker in the absence of the Senior Manager, maintaining continuity of operations and leadership.
• Support Tier I investigations into potential leave misuse or fraud, partnering with Associate Relations and Legal as needed.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field from a four-year college or university.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in Leave of Absence administration, preferably in a multi-state or national organization.
• Experience leading or mentoring teams preferred.
• SHRM-CP or PHR certification is a plus.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where 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 #Life A tPetSmart here: 
• Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: 
• Explore PetSmart Benefits here: 
• If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area:

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.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs