Job Description

Our Real Estate team  takes on the task of finding and managing over 1,600 stores, DCs, and offices. Their scope is pretty big, as we are a multi-national retailer with over 1,600 leased stores, offices, and distribution centers in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Hong Kong.  The team also supports new store growth through market analysis and research with the industry’s best data resources and analytical tools.  In addition to supporting the stores, we work directly with the Real Estate Legal, Facilities, New Store Construction, and Finance teams.

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.

Position Summary:

The Director of Lease Administration will lead and manage the lease administration function for a portfolio of over 1,700 retail locations across the United States and Canada. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate lease data management, timely rent payments, compliance with lease obligations, and cross-functional collaboration to support real estate, legal, accounting, and operations teams. The ideal candidate brings proven leadership skills, deep experience in lease management, and a strategic mindset to drive process improvements in a fast-paced retail environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Lease Administration team in overseeing the lifecycle of all lease documents, including abstracts, amendments, renewals, assignments, and terminations.
• Ensure timely and accurate rent payments, reconciliations (CAMS, taxes, insurance), and critical date tracking (options, expirations, kickouts, etc.).
• Maintain integrity of lease data in the lease administration system; identify and resolve data discrepancies in coordination with IT and accounting.
• Oversee the audit and validation of landlord billings, rent escalations, and operating expense reconciliations; pursue recoveries and credits where appropriate.
• Serve as a point of escalation for complex lease or landlord issues; engage with landlords, attorneys, and consultants as necessary.
• Support internal and external audits by providing lease documentation and related financial data.
• Ensure lease administration processes and documentation meet SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley) compliance standards; maintain robust internal controls and audit trails.
• Drive continuous improvement in lease administration processes, system enhancements, and reporting capabilities.
• Develop and manage department KPIs, workflow standards, and SLAs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, including lease administrators, analysts, and specialists.
• Ensure compliance with lease obligations, internal controls, and regulatory requirements in both U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Finance, or related field (Master’s degree or JD a plus).
• 10+ years of lease administration experience, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Experience with large multi-unit retail portfolios
• Proficiency with lease administration systems (e.g., Lucernex, CoStar, Accruent, Tango, or similar).
• Keen understanding of lease accounting principles (ASC 842/IFRS 16), operating expense clauses, and landlord/tenant legal frameworks.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with a strategic mindset for driving efficiencies and mitigating risk.

Preferred Experience:

• Prior experience in mid-box, big-box, or national specialty retail environments.
• Experience managing system migrations or implementations in the lease administration domain.
• Working knowledge of lease abstraction tools and AI-powered platforms.

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.

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