Protein Candy: VP, Finance & Operations

Pulp and Press; London; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading snack company in London, Ontario is seeking a VP of Finance & Operations to oversee financial strategy and operational excellence. This role requires 8–15 years of experience in finance or operations, with a strong background in growth-stage companies. The ideal candidate will lead budgeting, financial reporting, and supply chain operations while driving cross-functional collaboration. Join a high-growth team that values innovation and accountability in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

High-growth environment

Cross-functional work opportunities

Supportive, ambitious team

Qualifications

• 8–15 years of experience in Finance, Operations, or Supply Chain.
• Proven track record in growth-stage companies.
• Experience preparing financial statements and working with external accountants.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual budgeting, monthly forecasting, and rolling financial projections.
• Oversee operations, logistics, and manufacturing teams.
• Implement and maintain financial controls and risk management frameworks.

Skills

Financial modeling

Cost accounting

Budgeting

Cash flow management

Strong negotiation skills

Education

CPA, CFA, or MBA preferred

Tools

QuickBooks

Shopify

ERP systems

Inventory planning tools

Job description

The VP, Finance & Operations is a hands-on strategic leader responsible for building the financial and operational foundation that will scale Protein Candy efficiently and profitably. This role bridges finance, operations, supply chain, and manufacturing—building systems, leading teams, and driving clarity as we grow from a fast-rising brand into a category leader.

You’ll serve as a key strategic partner to the CEO, lead financial planning and investor relations, and ensure operational excellence across all channels. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution.

Key Accountabilities

Financial Strategy & Planning

• Lead annual budgeting, monthly forecasting, and rolling financial projections aligned with company growth goals.
• Build and maintain cash flow models and scenario planning to guide strategic decisions.
• Oversee monthly financial reporting, including P&L analysis, KPI dashboards, and annual financial statements (prepared externally).
• Partner with the CEO on investor relations, board reporting, and fundraising materials.
• Conduct financial analysis on pricing strategy, margin optimization, and new business initiatives.
• Lead contract review and negotiation for suppliers, co-packers, and key partners.

Operational Excellence & Supply Chain

• Oversee operations, logistics, and manufacturing teams to ensure smooth fulfillment across DTC and retail channels.
• Own demand planning and inventory forecasting to minimize spoilage, reduce stockouts, and optimize working capital.
• Negotiate raw material pricing and supplier contracts to drive cost efficiency and supply reliability.
• Build scalable processes across supply chain, fulfillment, HR, and administrative systems.
• Maintain crisis management readiness, including quality incidents, supply chain disruptions, and business continuity planning.

Risk Management & Controls

• Implement and maintain financial controls, risk management frameworks, and insurance coverage.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of all accounting systems (QuickBooks, Shopify, inventory management, and analytics tools).
• Partner with external accountants and auditors to prepare financial statements and maintain compliance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Brand teams to align demand, production capacity, and growth initiatives.
• Provide financial insights to guide decision-making across product launches, promotions, and channel expansion.
• Ensure operational plans support revenue targets and strategic priorities.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop a team spanning finance, logistics, and manufacturing functions.
• Drive accountability, clarity, and continuous improvement aligned with company values.
• Foster a culture of transparency, problem-solving, and ownership across the organization.

About You (Must-Haves)

• 8–15 years of progressive experience in Finance, Operations, or Supply Chain, ideally within CPG or consumer brands.
• Proven track record in growth-stage companies ($10M–$100M+ revenue) operating across DTC and retail channels in multiple markets.
• Strong financial expertise, including financial modeling, cost accounting, budgeting, and cash flow management.
• Demonstrated success in demand planning and inventory management, with measurable results in reducing spoilage and improving service levels.
• Experience preparing financial statements and working with external accountants/auditors.
• Strong negotiation skills with vendors, co-packers, logistics partners, and suppliers.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks, Shopify, ERP systems, and inventory planning tools.
• Strategic thinker with a hands‑on operator mentality—comfortable rolling up your sleeves in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.

Nice to Haves

• CPA, CFA, or MBA preferred.
• Experience in natural, better‑for‑you, or emerging CPG brands.
• Familiarity with fundraising processes and investor reporting.
• Background in manufacturing or co‑packing operations.
• Experience implementing new financial or operational systems during periods of rapid growth.

Success in 12 Months

• Own annual budget and rolling forecasts established with clear alignment across departments.
• Cash flow forecasting model implemented and accurate within ±5%.
• Gross margin and contribution margin visibility improved with actionable insights.
• Weekly KPI dashboard live for leadership and board reporting.
• Supplier pricing renegotiated with measurable cost savings.
• Inventory accuracy >98%, with improved forecast reliability and reduced spoilage.
• Crisis response plan documented and tested.
• Finance & Operations team operating with clear structure, accountability, and rhythm.

Why Join Us?

At Protein Candy, we’re reimagining the snacking category by creating functional candy that’s better for you—without sacrificing taste. Joining our team means being part of a fast-growing, disruptive brand that values innovation, agility, and real impact.

Here’s what you can expect:

• A high-growth environment where your ideas and contributions directly shape the future of the business.
• Opportunity to work cross-functionally and gain exposure across multiple aspects of the business.
• A supportive, ambitious team that’s as passionate about execution as it is about celebrating wins.
• A mission-driven company changing the way people think about candy.

Our Values

• Discipline – Show up ready to perform, even when it’s hard. Accountable, punctual, prepared, dependable—no excuses.
• Results Oriented – Impact over activity and ego. Every hour and dollar should create measurable value.
• Innovation – Everyone innovates with curiosity—in every role. We look for smarter, faster, better ways to win.
• Value Others – We genuinely respect our team, our customers, and our community. We participate, contribute, and support each other. We have fun.
• Excellence – We hold ourselves to a higher standard—in quality, adaptability, effort, and attitude. Being “all-in” is the minimum.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Protein Candy invites applications from all qualified individuals. We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from all individuals, including but not limited to members of visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodations, please let us know when you apply.