Interim Chief Financial & Operations Officer (Contract – Parental Leave Coverage)

<p>Interim Chief Financial and Operations Officer (Contract – Parental Leave Coverage)</p>

<p>Location: Toronto, ON (hybrid)</p>

<p>Term: Fixed-term contract (November 2026 – December 2027)</p>

<p><br></p>

<p>Who We Are<br>Based in Toronto, Canada Pooch is a fast-growing pet gear company leading the way in functional, problem-solving products for dogs. From everyday essentials to category-defining innovations, we design gear that meets real needs and raises the bar for comfort, performance, and style in the pet industry.</p>

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<p>Role Summary</p>

<p>We're looking for an experienced operating executive to step into an interim leadership role covering Finance, Supply Chain, and HR while one of our Co-Presidents is on parental leave. This is a hands-on position for someone comfortable owning multiple functions in a mid-sized, high-growth company - not just overseeing from a distance but staying close to the day-to-day.</p>

<p><br></p>

<p>This is a fixed-term contract with a defined start and end date, ideal for an experienced CFO, COO, or VP-level operator between roles, or a fractional/interim executive seeking a substantial engagement. It is a full-time hybrid role based in Toronto.</p>

<p><br></p>

<p>Key Responsibilities</p>

<p><br>Finance</p>

<ul>

<li>Partner with and provide oversight to the Director of Finance, who continues to run day-to-day execution of accounting, financial planning &amp; analysis, and cash management.</li>

<li>Serve as key decision-maker on all financial matters, alongside Co-President and Founder.</li>

<li>Prepare and present financial results and company-wide updates to the Board of Directors on quarterly basis</li>

<li>Manage the communication with investors, including providing financial updates, insights, and forecasts as required.</li>

<li>Oversee banking, audit, and other external financial relationships alongside Director of Finance.</li>

<li>Support and guide the annual budgeting process, pressure testing assumptions and ensuring alignment with company objectives.</li>

<li>Monitor overall financial health, including cash flow, profitability, and cost management, proactively identifying risks and opportunities.</li>

</ul>

<p><br>Supply Chain / Operations</p>

<ul>

<li>Oversee end-to-end supply chain operations, including inbound and outbound logistics, 3PL management, inventory management, and demand planning.</li>

<li>Audit the existing supply chain structure across both brands (Canada Pooch and WAGLAB) identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and cost effectiveness.</li>

<li>Lead the implementation of supply chain process improvements and operational enhancements with cross-functional teams and 3PL partners.</li>

<li>Review and optimize demand planning processes for both recurring monthly buys and seasonal buys.</li>

</ul>

<p><br>HR / People</p>

<ul>

<li>Oversee the part-time HR consultant, providing guidance and final decision-making across hiring, performance management, compensation, and policy questions.</li>

<li>Support leadership in organizational planning, team structure, and resource allocation.</li>

<li>Provide leadership on key people initiatives, including performance reviews, goal setting, and team development.</li>

<li>Review and approve all employee-related agreements, including employment contracts, compensation arrangements, offer letters, and policy documentation.</li>

<li>Ensure the planning and execution of company-wide initiatives that support employee engagement and culture, including town halls, team events, and internal communications.</li>

<li>Provide direction on programs that strengthen culture, engagement, and team cohesion across the organization.</li>

</ul>

<p><br>Qualifications</p>

<ul>

<li>8+ years of senior finance and/or operations leadership experience</li>

<li>Prior CFO, COO, VP Finance, or VP Operations experience, preferably in consumer products, retail, or e-commerce</li>

<li>Strong financial acumen with experience reviewing financials, managing budgets, and working with boards and/or investors</li>

<li>Comfortable working hands-on in a smaller company environment (not just strategic oversight)</li>

<li>Strong communication skills and ability to build trust quickly with an existing leadership team</li>

<li>Experience with interim/fractional executive engagements is an asset</li>

<li>Available for the full term (November 2026 – December 2027)</li>

</ul>

<p><br>What We Offer</p>

<ul>

<li>Competitive contract compensation (commensurate with experience)</li>

<li>A collaborative, fast-paced team environment</li>

<li>The opportunity to have real impact leading a growing consumer brand</li>

<li>Dog-friendly office in the heart of Toronto</li>

<li>Hybrid work environment, with one day in office weekly (note this may evolve over time)</li>

</ul>