At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational strategy and ensure smooth site openings while enhancing team experiences.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven business focused on positive impact and a vibrant work culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic environment with passionate colleagues and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that values collaboration, accountability, and kindness.
- Qualifications: Experience in a leadership role within hospitality or leisure, with a focus on customer experience.
- Other info: Ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced settings and cares about sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Due to the sensitive nature of this appointment, full details will only be disclosed to shortlisted candidates.
The Company
This organisation is a growing, purpose-led business going through an exciting phase of change and momentum. Backed by long-term investors and driven by a clear mission, their aim is to really build something that aims to make a positive impact on people, on the planet, and on how things are done. The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic but friendly; values matter, and culture is something they actively shape rather than leave to chance. If you enjoy working with passionate people, helping teams grow in the right way, and being part of something with a bit of heart, you’ll fit right in.
The Opportunity
This is a big role with huge potential – ideal for someone who thrives in fast-moving environments, has a calm, commercial head, and cares deeply about creating brilliant experiences for teams and guests alike.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Strategy & Leadership: Develop and lead the operational strategy to support growth, ensuring new sites open smoothly and the company scales efficiently.
- Business Planning & Delivery: Create and manage the operational roadmap – align departments, set clear priorities and make sure the day-to-day runs like clockwork.
- People & Culture: Inspire and support the site and central teams to build a culture of collaboration, accountability and kindness.
- Commercial & Financial Oversight: Drive commercial performance through smart planning, cost control and new efficiencies. Work closely with the finance and sales teams to deliver against business targets.
- Systems & Processes: Review and strengthen the systems, processes and tech stack to improve productivity, communication and visibility across the business.
- Growth & Expansion: Lead on the operational planning for new and existing sites across all revenue streams. Work closely with property, design and people teams to deliver experiences that feel seamless and exciting.
About You
- Your most recent position is a leadership role as COO/MD/Operations Director/Commercial Director in a hospitality/leisure business.
- You’ve led operations and support functions in a multi-site, customer-facing business, ideally in hospitality, leisure or lifestyle sectors.
- You instinctively understand what great hospitality feels like and bring real enthusiasm for food, drink and the overall guest experience.
- You care about the bigger picture, from sustainability to social responsibility, and believe in growing a business that wants to do good as well as perform well.
- You’re a strong communicator who is able to connect with teams and inspire trust across all levels.
- You’re emotionally intelligent, calm under pressure, collaborative by nature and great with people.
- You take a proactive approach to sales, energising teams and unlocking revenue potential across all parts of the business.
- You understand what it takes to scale a business without losing quality or culture.
- You’re strategic but hands-on; equally comfortable in the boardroom and on the floor.
- You’re commercially sharp with a track record of delivering growth, improving systems and driving performance.
Chief Operating Officer employer: Troika Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Troika Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals who have experience in hospitality and operations. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company's mission and values thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs during informal conversations or networking opportunities, as cultural fit is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on trends in the hospitality and leisure sectors, particularly around sustainability and social responsibility. Being knowledgeable about current challenges and innovations will help you engage in meaningful discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in fast-paced environments. Think of specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire collaboration and drive performance, as these qualities are essential for the COO role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership experience in hospitality or leisure sectors. Emphasise your achievements in operational strategy, team management, and commercial performance to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for creating positive experiences and your understanding of the company's mission. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you can contribute to their growth and culture.
Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence: In your application, highlight instances where you've successfully managed teams under pressure or resolved conflicts. This will showcase your emotional intelligence and ability to inspire trust, which is crucial for the COO role.
Research the Company Culture: Familiarise yourself with the company's values and culture. Mention how your personal values align with theirs in your application, demonstrating that you are not just a fit for the role but also for the organisation as a whole.
How to prepare for a job interview at Troika Recruitment
✨Show Your Passion for Hospitality
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for the hospitality industry. Share specific examples of how you've created memorable experiences for guests in your previous roles, as this aligns with the company's mission to make a positive impact.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your approach to developing operational strategies that support growth. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully scaled operations while maintaining quality and culture, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise People and Culture
Be ready to talk about how you've inspired teams and built a collaborative culture in your previous positions. Share anecdotes that showcase your emotional intelligence and ability to connect with people at all levels.
✨Prepare for Commercial Discussions
Since the role involves driving commercial performance, brush up on your financial acumen. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets, improved efficiencies, and contributed to revenue growth in past roles.