Head of Strategy - Fixed Term

Butternut Box; London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the pet food industry is seeking a Head of Strategy for a 12-month maternity cover. The role involves developing long-term strategies, managing global projects, and leading a high-performing team. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in strategic roles and a strong understanding of DTC markets. This hybrid position allows for flexibility while driving significant growth initiatives.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in a strategic role within DTC, e-commerce, or tech-driven businesses.
• Experience managing multiple high-visibility projects from inception to completion.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Butternut’s 5-year Long Range Plan.
• Manage complex cross-functional global projects from start to finish.
• Lead a research-focused team to generate insights on market growth.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Stakeholder Management

Education

Project Management Qualification

Job description

We’re looking for a Head of Strategy to join the team at Butternut for a 12-month maternity cover contract, reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer.

We're seeking a strategic leader and expert decision-maker to identify and execute the most exciting opportunities for growth, aiming to make Butternut & Marro Europe’s leading dog and cat food brand. Strategy at Butternut involves both thinking and doing—thriving on a blend of theory and execution is essential.

As Head of Strategy, you’ll oversee the development of our mid to long-term strategy, playing a key role in bringing innovative ideas and 'big bet' opportunities to fruition. The focus over the next few years will be on international expansion and ensuring a long-term strategy that sustains world-class performance. This includes launching into new international markets, retail channels, product categories, and more.

If you are comfortable with a varied and dynamic workload, excel at context switching, and enjoy delivering new ideas, we want to hear from you.

In this role, you can expect to:

1. Long-term strategic planning and execution:

• Develop and implement Butternut’s 5-year Long Range Plan, ensuring alignment across all business pillars in every market.
• Manage complex cross-functional global projects from start to finish, such as launching into new markets.
• Lead a research-focused team to generate insights on market growth and share expansion strategies, including organic launches and M&A activities.
• Make decisions with clarity and timeliness to drive the company towards its North Star goal of feeding 1 million happy and healthy dogs.
• Lead the global market and competitor insights team to inform brand, marketing, and digital strategies.

Leadership, team, and budget management:

• Collaborate closely with co-founders and the leadership team to realize strategic objectives globally.
• Manage and develop a high-performing team of analysts, project managers, and go-to-market specialists.
• Set goals, provide feedback, and foster a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.

Complex problem solving and storytelling:

• Communicate the strategic vision to internal and external stakeholders, including executives and investors.
• Translate complex issues into clear stories and solutions, engaging diverse team members.

About you:

• Proven expertise in developing and executing strategy at an executive level, with knowledge of strategic methodologies.
• At least 8+ years of experience in a strategic role within DTC, e-commerce, or tech-driven businesses.
• Experience managing multiple high-visibility projects from inception to completion.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills across all levels.
• Inclusive and empathetic leadership style with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of commercial and financial KPIs, especially in DTC settings.
• Experience with international market launches is highly desirable.
• Possession of a relevant Project Management qualification (e.g., Prince2, Agile, PMI) is preferred; sponsorship available for the right candidate.

We operate in a hybrid model, working three days per week from our White City office (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) and two days remotely.