Location: Philadelphia, PA Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
About Us
We are a fast-growing US pet products business with an established presence across the retail and e-commerce markets. Driven by a passion for improving the lives of pets and the people who love them, we have experienced significant growth in recent years and have ambitious plans for the future.
As the business continues to expand its product portfolio, distribution network and customer base, we are investing in the people, processes and infrastructure needed to support our next stage of growth.
Role Overview
This is an exciting senior leadership opportunity at a pivotal time in the company's journey. The Vice President of Operations will take ownership of the end-to-end US operations and supply chain function, playing a central role in building the operational capability required to support the company's ambitious growth plans.
Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Team, this position will be responsible for developing and executing the operational strategy, overseeing international manufacturing relationships, strengthening supply chain performance and ensuring products are delivered efficiently, consistently and to the highest quality standards.
The successful candidate will bring a combination of strategic thinking and hands-on operational experience, with the commercial awareness to balance growth, profitability and customer experience. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing business, shaping the operational infrastructure, team and processes that will support its continued success.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute the overall operations strategy, ensuring alignment with the company's wider commercial objectives and growth ambitions.
- Lead the development of annual operating plans, departmental budgets and operational priorities.
- Build, lead and develop a high-performing Operations team, establishing clear objectives, accountability and opportunities for progression.
- Work closely with the COO and Executive Team to identify opportunities for operational improvement and business growth.
- Establish KPIs, reporting processes and performance measures to drive visibility, accountability and informed decision-making.
- Oversee the end-to-end supply chain, including demand and supply planning, purchasing, production, quality, logistics and fulfilment.
- Lead relationships with international manufacturing partners and suppliers, managing capacity planning, commercial negotiations, performance and service agreements.
- Own the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, ensuring effective alignment between demand forecasts, inventory requirements, production and purchasing.
- Develop supply chain resilience through effective risk management, dual sourcing and business continuity planning.
- Support new product development and launches, coordinating operational requirements from initial development through to production and delivery.
- Oversee inbound and outbound logistics, freight forwarding, customs, import compliance, warehousing and third-party logistics partners.
- Manage order fulfilment across retail, distributor and e-commerce channels, including Amazon and major retail customers.
- Drive improvements in delivery performance, inventory availability and retailer compliance, including EDI, routing guides and chargeback management.
- Ensure operational processes can support increasing volumes and expanding distribution requirements.
- Take ownership of operational financial performance, including cost of goods, landed costs, freight expenditure, working capital and inventory management.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability without compromising product quality or customer service.
- Develop and manage departmental budgets, forecasts and operational investment plans.
- Monitor inventory health, balancing availability, stock turnover and aged inventory.
- Provide regular operational and financial performance updates to the Executive Team.
- Lead the development and implementation of scalable operational systems, processes and reporting capabilities.
- Oversee the effective use of ERP, planning, warehouse and reporting platforms, including NetSuite and Power BI.
- Identify opportunities to introduce automation and AI to improve planning, reporting and operational efficiency.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and operational excellence across the business.
Essential Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Engineering or a related discipline.
- At least 8 years' progressive experience within operations and supply chain, including a minimum of 3 years in a senior leadership position at Director level or above.
- Proven experience leading end-to-end operations and supply chain functions within a consumer products business.
- Experience managing international contract manufacturers, overseas suppliers and import operations.
- Demonstrable experience leading, developing and building high-performing teams, including managers.
- Strong commercial and financial understanding, including budgeting, COGS, landed costs, working capital and P&L impact.
- Experience supporting retail and e-commerce distribution channels, with knowledge of retailer compliance, EDI, routing guides and chargebacks.
- Experience working with ERP systems, with NetSuite strongly preferred.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop and interpret operational KPIs and performance reporting.
- Previous experience within the pet industry, particularly working with pet specialty, mass retail or e-commerce customers.
- Experience scaling operations within a growing, founder-led or mid-sized business.
- MBA or other relevant advanced qualification.
- APICS/ASCM, CPIM, CSCP, Lean Six Sigma or similar professional certification.
- Experience with Power BI, Shopify, WMS platforms and supply chain planning tools.
- Knowledge of international trade programmes, tariff mitigation and customs compliance.
- Experience applying automation or AI to operational processes.
- Strategic and commercially minded, with the ability to translate business objectives into practical operational plans.
- A confident and collaborative leader who can influence and communicate effectively at every level of an organisation.
- Equally comfortable setting strategic direction and getting involved in the detail when required.
- An effective negotiator with strong supplier and stakeholder management skills.
- Analytical and solutions-focused, with a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to navigate a growing and sometimes unpredictable environment.
- A hands-on approach, with a willingness to take ownership and contribute wherever needed.
- Passionate about building a positive, collaborative and accountable team culture.
- Must reside within a commutable distance of Philadelphia, PA.
- Position requires approximately 10-25% travel, including overnight and international visits to manufacturing partners.
- Willingness to participate occasionally in community events, volunteering activities and local initiatives.
- An opportunity to join a fast-growing business at an exciting stage of its development.
- A senior leadership position with direct exposure to the COO, CEO and Executive Team.
- The opportunity to shape the operational strategy, infrastructure and team as the business continues to scale.
- A collaborative, energetic and dog-loving working environment.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the future growth of an established US pet business.
