Strategy Operations Manager

Pure Pet Food; Cleckheaton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday (including Bank Hybray

Discretionary annual bonus plan

Free dog food up to £100 per month

Cycle to work scheme

EV SS Car Scheme

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Pure Pet Food is seeking a Strategy Operations Manager to shape the future of our growing operations. You will forecast capacity needs, model scenarios and translate growth forecasts into actionable plans across manufacturing, supply chain and fulfilment.

Working with Finance, Quality and Commercial teams, you will build business cases for investment, drive efficiency, and lead strategic projects to boost performance and resilience in a fast-paced, UK-based food business.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operations improvement in a fast-paced environment — DTC, FMCG, food, or subscription business.
• Experience in Operational Improvement or Continuous Improvement.
• Lean Manufacturing experience.
• Process mapping experience.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
• Experience delivering measurable cost savings.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• Experience in FMCG, Manufacturing or Distribution.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the operations strategic roadmap and a prioritised project pipeline across supply chain, production and fulfilment, aligned with business plans and growth targets.
• Build business cases for improvement initiatives, covering scope, cost, resources, timelines and ROI, working with Finance and senior leadership.
• Analyse cost drivers and operational data to identify and deliver savings, productivity gains and service improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma or similar methodologies, and coach managers in problem-solving techniques.
• Lead cross-functional projects from concept to post-implementation review, managing plans, risks and dependencies.
• Own project governance, including stage-gate reviews and standardised processes and documentation.
• Lead change management and support the adoption of new systems, automation and digital tools.
• Define and track key operational KPIs (e.g. OTIF, pick accuracy, cost per order) through clear dashboards and reporting.Track benefits against business cases and report progress, risks and ROI to the Executive Team and Board.

Skills

Operations improvement

Lean manufacturing

Data analysis

Advanced Excel

Cost savings

Communication skills

FMCG experience

Tools

ERP/WMS

Power BI

Job description

At Pure, we're passionate about transforming dogs' lives through better nutrition. Born from a friendship between two dog-loving friends and a shared vision, we've grown into something truly special - a UK-based company that's leading the pack in healthy, tailored dog nutrition.

We're not just another pet food company – we put paws and people first with dogs and their owners driving our decisions. We craft healthy, perfectly portioned meals that delight dogs and keep bowls sparkling clean. But what really makes us different is how we support our pet families every step of the way. Through expert advice and personalised communication, we're right there beside them on their journey of giving their four-legged family members the best possible life.

What’s in it for you...

• 33 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)
• Enrolment within our discretionary business performance 10% annual bonus plan (following successful probation).
• Free dog food up to £100 per month.
• Small business with a family feel!
• Salary exchange company pension
• Team social events and the opportunity to support local charities, with 2 paid volunteer days available each year.
• Free on-site parking.
• A supportive working environment within a very dynamic growing business that supports personal development goals.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• EV SS Car Scheme.
• Contracted to 38.75 hours per week, working Monday – Friday.

The role…

The Strategy Operations Manager is responsible for shaping and planning the future operational needs of the business, ensuring the Operations function has the capacity, capability, infrastructure and systems required to support continued growth. The role will focus on forward planning, capacity modelling and scoping future operational requirements, identifying when and where investment in people, equipment, technology, facilities and supply chain capability will be required.

Working closely with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance and Commercial teams, the role will translate business growth forecasts into clear operational plans, develop options and business cases for future investment, and ensure Operations remains ahead of business demand. The role will also lead strategic improvement projects that increase efficiency, reduce cost and strengthen operational resilience, ensuring the business builds a scalable and sustainable operational platform for future growth.

Duties and responsibilities of the role are:

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the operations strategic roadmap and a prioritised project pipeline across supply chain, production and fulfilment, aligned with business plans and growth targets.
• Build business cases for improvement initiatives, covering scope, cost, resources, timelines and ROI, working with Finance and senior leadership.
• Analyse cost drivers and operational data to identify and deliver savings, productivity gains and service improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma or similar methodologies, and coach managers in problem-solving techniques.
• Lead cross-functional projects from concept to post-implementation review, managing plans, risks and dependencies.
• Own project governance, including stage-gate reviews and standardised processes and documentation.
• Lead change management and support the adoption of new systems, automation and digital tools.
• Define and track key operational KPIs (e.g. OTIF, pick accuracy, cost per order) through clear dashboards and reporting.Track benefits against business cases and report progress, risks and ROI to the Executive Team and Board.

About you…

• Ahead of the pack: Able to develop financially sound plans aimed at achieving growth or driving efficiencies. Able to use data as the catalyst to drive collaborative and open discussions focused on performance.
• Paws & People First: Motivated and driven to exceed customer expectations. Understands that providing great dog nutrition influences every decision at Pure. Displaying a customer centric mindset and passionate about delivering best in show customer service. Great at building positive and effective people relationships to support the achievement of our goals. Showcases integrity, kindness and consistency in an effort to maintain effective working relationships.
• Best in Show: Being results driven and committed to exceeding targets and driving continuous improvements in a fast-paced entrepreneurial successful business.
• New tricks: Drives and supports innovation by sharing ideas, communicating effectively and displaying an openness to change, embracing new concepts and ideas.

It’s essential that you have:

• Proven experience in operations improvement in a fast-paced environment — DTC, FMCG, food, or subscription business preferred.
• Experience in Operational Improvement or Continuous Improvement.
• Lean Manufacturing experience.
• Process mapping experience.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
• Experience delivering measurable cost savings.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• Experience in FMCG, Manufacturing or Distribution.

It would be great if:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Experience with ERP/WMS implementation.
• Power BI or similar business intelligence tools.
• Knowledge of automation and digital transformation.
• Experience in a high-growth business.

At Pure Pet Food, our promises put Paws & People First. We’re committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, included, and able to thrive. By celebrating diversity, promoting equity, and embracing new ideas, we aim to be Best in Show for our people as well as their pets. If you’re passionate, curious, and want to be part of a team that’s Ahead of the Pack, we’d love to hear from you.

Recruitment agencies – we are managing recruitment for this role directly and not currently engaging with recruitment agencies. Any unsolicited CV’s sent to Pure or members of the team will be treated as direct applicants unless agreement has been made in writing to work directly with the agency on this role.