Head of Operations - Denzel's

Denzel’s isn’t just another pet brand. It’s a high-energy, dog-obsessed cult (the friendly kind) built around Denzel - a Cocker Spaniel so loved it’s borderline ridiculous.

Since launching in 2018, Denzel’s has gone from “cute startup” to “holy crap, they’re in M&S, Pets at Home, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Ocado” - while also building a digital pack of dog parents who love them almost as much as their dogs love snacks.

We’re helping them in hiring a Head of Operations to oversee the entire operations function of the business. If you’re the kind of person who melts when a dog looks at you like you hung the moon, Denzel’s might be your natural habitat.

About the role:
The primary responsibility will be to manage and optimise the end-to-end supply chain, which includes logistics, warehousing, and production, to support ambitious growth plans.

You will play a pivotal role in driving operational change, owning the strategic direction of the channel. Reporting directly to the CEO & Co-Founder, you will be a key member of the senior leadership team, during an exciting time of growth for the brand.

They’re looking for a passionate and driven individual who can take ownership of this department and transform Denzel’s supply chain into a best-in-class operation!

What you’ll be doing:

• Run the full supply chain show - from forecasting and production planning to procurement and stock management - keeping everything humming, even when seasonal madness kicks in.

• Shape the operational strategy for the business: what they do now to get sharper, and what they build for the future as they scale.

• Be the guardian of Unleashed, the inventory system - keeping stock levels tight, data clean, and write-offs low.

• Nurture the supplier relationships that keep this whole thing moving, and build new ones as they grow.

• Be the connective tissue between Ops, Finance, Sales, and Marketing - making sure everyone's aligned on production, launches, budgets, and reporting.

• Manage and mentor two kick-ass direct reports.

• Spot inefficiencies, fix them, repeat. They're a scale-up - there's always something to make better.

Who we’re looking for:

• 5+ years in FMCG operations and supply chain, strength in procurement preferred

• Previous experience holding senior positions within operations

• Experience in leading and directing successful teams and operational change

• Someone who thrives in high-growth environments, happy to roll up their sleeves and tackle challenges

• Strong problem-solving and reasoning skills, comfortable with ambiguity and change

• Confident in budgeting & forecasting

• Experience managing products with shelf-life constraints and stock rotation requirements.

• Strong experience with Unleashed, or equivalent supply chain system

• Flexible and hard-working; this role requires some travel around the UK for supplier visits and meetings

• Bonus points for export experience and secondary spoken languages

• And of course, must be dog person (otherwise, we’re not sure we can trust you).
  

What’s in it for you:

Salary: £65,000 - £72,000 DOE

3 days per week in a Wanstead office (2 days WFH)

• Flexible working hours

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)

• Extra time off at Christmas

• Enhanced parental leave

• Real opportunities to learn, grow and build your career

• A dog-friendly East London office.

• Free treats for your pup (if you have one - if not, free snacks to hand out at the dog park).