Head of Operational Finance

Head of Operational Finance

Fixed-Term Contract, 12 months

Hybrid, with two days a week in our Cheshire HO (SK9 3RN)

Purpose

The Head of Operational Finance plays a pivotal role within Pets at Home, owning Operational Finance support for our Pet Care Centres (stores), Distribution Centre and Central Operations, to ensure the integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness of our financial and operational processes. This position is crucial in supporting the drive to improved commerciality in retail operations through simpler KPIs, improved MI covering P&Ls, Hours & Category LFLs and profitability insight.

As our Head of Operational Finance, the role will see you:

• Own Operational Finance support for Stores, DC / Logistics and Central Operations
• Challenge and support stakeholders to deliver the FY27 Business Plan, including £8m of FY27 productivity benefit and wider DC / operational cost optimisation supported by clear reporting, insight
• Lead routine planning, forecasting and Risks & Opportunities management across colleague costs, bonus, store P&Ls, hours reporting, Grooming and Live Pet
• Support delivery of the RTP / transformation agenda including DC transformation and end-to-end cost programme
• Support a drive to improved commerciality in retail operations through simpler KPIs, improved MI covering P&Ls, Hours & Category LFLs and profitability insight
• Lead and develop a high-performing team — creating clarity on priorities, coaching people well and raising both technical and business partnering capability
• Maintaining strong control across period-end, management accounting, balance sheet reviews, audit support and governance
• Strengthen ways of working across Analytics, FP&A, Director of Retail, Retail Operations Directors, Head of Central Operations, Head of People – Retail, Head of Payroll

About You – what we would like you to bring to our role

Experience, Knowledge and Expertise

• Chartered Accountant (ACCA) and/or relevant degree in accounting, finance, economics or mathematics
• Proven ability to bridge the gap between technical accounting expertise and practical operational excellence
• Operated as a Head of or Senior Operational Finance Manager
• Experience gained within multi-site, operationally complex business
• Exceptional planning / control discipline
• Senior business partnering across matrix environments

Skills & Competencies

 - Technical Skills: Proficient in financial controls and governance, strong operational leadership, proven expertise in streamlining financial operations and enhancing efficiency/profitability
- credibility, change / transformation experience, and genuine people leadership

Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with a focus on developing  talents.
- Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with keen attention to detail.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, capable of articulating complex ideas clearly, across multiple audiences within a complex/matrix organisation
- Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build strong relationships and work collaboratively with various departments.
- Project Management: Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.

About Us

At Pets at Home, we are committed to providing the best possible care for pets and their owners. As the UK’s leading pet care retailer, we offer a unique and rewarding work environment where passion for pets meets professional growth. We pride ourselves on our supportive and inclusive culture, where every team member is valued and encouraged to make a difference. Join us and be a part of a dynamic team that shares your love for pets and commitment to excellence.

Pets just see people. They aren’t biased and they don’t discriminate. We take our inspiration from pets, and we value and respect difference in all its forms. Our aim is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and every colleague can help us achieve this. We encourage our people to be themselves so even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!