At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations across multiple sites in a growing food franchise.
- Company: Established, owner-led food and franchise business with a strong operational foundation.
- Benefits: Opportunity for significant ownership, influence, and career growth in an entrepreneurial environment.
- Other info: Join a team focused on continuous improvement and expansion into new markets.
- Why this job: Take charge of operational performance and drive real change in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site leadership within QSR or hospitality, with strong people-development skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
We are working with an established, owner-led food and franchise business that is looking for an experienced Senior Operations Manager / Head of Operations to take ownership of its growing multi-site estate. This is a genuine build opportunity for an operator who wants to move beyond simply managing stores and take full responsibility for operational performance, people development and future growth.
The business has a strong operational foundation, an experienced management team and a track record of year-on-year improvement. The owners are now looking to step back from the day-to-day operation and appoint a senior operator who can become the key operational leader, providing structure, accountability and commercial direction across the estate. The business is also continuing to grow, with further acquisitions in progress and longer-term ambitions to expand into additional sites and brands.
What you will own
- Operational Performance: Take ownership of performance across the estate, including delivery times, labour productivity, food costs, sales and overall store standards.
- Leadership & Accountability: Develop existing management talent, set clear expectations and have the difficult conversations required to raise performance.
- Training & Development: Professionalise training, onboarding and management sign-off processes, ensuring capability is genuinely assessed and developed.
- Structure & Growth: Help design the next layer of operational leadership as the business grows, including future Area/Multi-Site Manager structures.
- Commercial Performance: Use data, reporting and operational tools to identify opportunities, improve underperforming locations and drive sustainable like-for-like growth.
- Owner Partnership: Become the senior operational point of contact for the owners, providing clear reporting, recommendations and confidence that the estate is being effectively managed.
The first objective
You'll be expected to quickly understand the operation and establish where the real opportunities are. This will include:
- Completing a structured operational review across the estate
- Assessing management capability and training standards
- Identifying underperforming locations and creating improvement plans
- Introducing stronger training and sign-off processes
- Building a strong relationship with the existing Regional Manager
- Developing the future operational structure
- Taking increasing ownership of the day-to-day business from the owners
Who we are looking for
We're particularly interested in speaking with experienced Area Managers, Regional Managers, Operations Managers or Senior Multi-Site Operators who have:
- Strong multi-site leadership experience, ideally within QSR, hospitality or franchising
- Experience managing a significant multi-site operation and P&L
- A track record of improving sales, productivity and operational standards
- Strong people-development and team-building capability
- The confidence to challenge performance and have difficult conversations
- Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills
- A hands-on, commercially minded approach
- The ambition to grow into a Director-level position as the business continues to expand
The right person may currently be working within a larger corporate or franchise environment but wants the opportunity to have far greater ownership, influence and visibility within an entrepreneurial, owner-led business.
Senior Operations Manager / Head of Operations in London employer: Bite Talent
Join a dynamic and innovative coffee brand in Cheltenham, where we prioritise employee growth and development in a supportive work culture. As a Multi-Site Store Leader, you'll enjoy competitive benefits, the opportunity to lead passionate teams, and the chance to make a significant impact on our customers' experiences. We foster a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and rewards hard work, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Operations Manager / Head of Operations in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Bite Talent. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Bite Talent
Don't be shy about reaching out to Bite Talent directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Operations Manager / Head of Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Bite Talent and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bite Talent
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
