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

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

Location: Toronto, ON (hybrid)

Term: Fixed-term contract (November 2026 – December 2027)

Who We Are

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.

Role Summary

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.

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.

Key Responsibilities

Finance

• Partner with and provide oversight to the Director of Finance, who continues to run day‑to‑day execution of accounting, financial planning & analysis, and cash management.
• Serve as key decision‑maker on all financial matters, alongside Co‑President and Founder.
• Prepare and present financial results and company‑wide updates to the Board of Directors on quarterly basis
• Manage the communication with investors, including providing financial updates, insights, and forecasts as required.
• Oversee banking, audit, and other external financial relationships alongside Director of Finance.
• Support and guide the annual budgeting process, pressure testing assumptions and ensuring alignment with company objectives.
• Monitor overall financial health, including cash flow, profitability, and cost management, proactively identifying risks and opportunities.

Supply Chain / Operations

• Oversee end‑to‑end supply chain operations, including inbound and outbound logistics, 3PL management, inventory management, and demand planning.
• Audit the existing supply chain structure across both brands (Canada Pooch and WAGLAB) identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, and cost effectiveness.
• Lead the implementation of supply chain process improvements and operational enhancements with cross‑functional teams and 3PL partners.
• Review and optimize demand planning processes for both recurring monthly buys and seasonal buys.

HR / People

• Oversee the part‑time HR consultant, providing guidance and final decision‑making across hiring, performance management, compensation, and policy questions.
• Support leadership in organizational planning, team structure, and resource allocation.
• Provide leadership on key people initiatives, including performance reviews, goal setting, and team development.
• Review and approve all employee‑related agreements, including employment contracts, compensation arrangements, offer letters, and policy documentation.
• Ensure the planning and execution of company‑wide initiatives that support employee engagement and culture, including town halls, team events, and internal communications.
• Provide direction on programs that strengthen culture, engagement, and team cohesion across the organization.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of senior finance and/or operations leadership experience
• Prior CFO, COO, VP Finance, or VP Operations experience, preferably in consumer products, retail, or e‑commerce
• Strong financial acumen with experience reviewing financials, managing budgets, and working with boards and/or investors
• Comfortable working hands‑on in a smaller company environment (not just strategic oversight)
• Strong communication skills and ability to build trust quickly with an existing leadership team
• Experience with interim/fractional executive engagements is an asset
• Available for the full term (November 2026 – December 2027)

What We Offer

• Competitive contract compensation (commensurate with experience)
• A collaborative, fast‑paced team environment
• The opportunity to have real impact leading a growing consumer brand
• Dog-friendly office in the heart of Toronto
• Hybrid work environment, with one day in office weekly (note this may evolve over time)

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