Strategy and Development Lead

Lyka is an Australian founded pet wellness company on a mission to increase the lifespan of dogs and cats. This role gives Lyka a rigorous, data-led view of where to place its biggest bets - and the hands-on capability to turn those calls into results. Partnering closely with the VP of Strategy and CEO/COO founders, you'll build the analysis behind major strategic decisions (market sizing, scenario planning, business cases), then lead execution once approved.

Responsibilities

Partner directly with VP of Strategy, and the CEO/COO founders to shape and pressure-test Lyka's longer-range strategy; Build the analytical backbone behind major portfolio bets - market sizing and prioritisation, scenario planning, competitor and comparable-company benchmarking, and business case development - to inform go/no-go and sequencing calls; Translate long-range strategic thinking into clear, executive- and board-ready analysis and recommendations; Lead launch support as an approved bet moves from strategy into execution - e.g., standing up the plan, milestones and cross-functional cadence as Lyka enters a new geography, or sourcing, negotiating and mobilising new strategic partnerships; Partner with Finance to maintain Lyka's long-range financial model, including scenario planning around capital needs, timing and major assumptions; Track progress of key strategic bets against milestones, surfacing risks, trade-offs and recommendations to leadership; Support fundraising, M&A activity and IPO-readiness needs as they arise (e.g. benchmarking, data-room/diligence prep, positioning), in partnership with Finance and the exec team

Requirements

3+ years' experience in strategy consulting, investment banking, private equity, or in-house strategy, strategic finance or corporate development roles; Advanced financial modelling and scenario-planning skills; excellent Excel and analytical craft; Track record of framing ambiguous, 0-to-1 problems and turning them into structured, decision-ready recommendations; Experience with (or strong interest in) new market entry, geographic expansion or new channel launches; Confident, clear communicator - comfortable operating and influencing at board/exec level as well as with delivery teams; Comfortable moving between "big picture" strategic thinking (multi-year, company-shaping bets) and hands-on execution support; Highly organised and self-directed, able to manage multiple concurrent strategic priorities; Proficient with, and curious about, emerging AI tools to accelerate analysis; Passionate about Lyka's mission to improve the healthspan of pets, with a connection to our vision of changing the status quo for pet wellness

Benefits

Work in a fast-growing start-up, experiencing what goes behind the scenes to sustain hyper-growth for a start-up with a physical product; Growth and Development - Lyka is growing extremely quickly, which means you will have the opportunity to experience different challenges every day and progressively acquire more responsibilities as our facility and team expands. We provide an annual L&D budget for you to continue your personal development; Work for a sustainability focused company - we care about the health of our dogs and our planet. We’re proud to be Australia’s only carbon-negative and plastic-negative pet company and we’re always looking at ways for us improve sustainability practices; Be part of a diverse top talent team, coming from widely different backgrounds and geographies; Up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave top-up; Wellbeing assistance and tools to take care of your mental and physical wellbeing so you can do your best work; Hybrid working - 3 days per week in office. We have pet-friendly offices and industrial kitchens in Sydney and Melbourne. Onsite days are required during your onboarding; Pupper parent support to care for your furry friends - flexible arrangements for new pets, pet-friendly offices, discounts, and financial allowance for dog training & care to help them live their best life!