At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations and drive improvements in our vibrant Farm Shop and Café.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Cowdray Farm Shop, Café and Lifestyle in West Sussex.
- Benefits: Exciting redevelopment project, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative journey with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a unique business while enhancing customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail or hospitality, strong leadership, and problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
We are seeking a dynamic and commercially minded Operations Manager to join our Farm Shop, Café and Lifestyle business in West Sussex at a particularly exciting point in its journey. Our business brings together a farm shop, butchery, café, production kitchen and lifestyle retail, employing a large and dedicated team. With a major redevelopment project on the horizon, this is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of the business.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Operations Manager will play a central role in the day to day running of the business, while also contributing to its longer term development and success. This is a hands on and varied role, requiring strong leadership, commercial awareness and a proactive approach to problem solving.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing operational support across all areas of the business, ensuring consistency and high standards including goods in and ordering
- Planning and delivery of our courtyard events including our Spring tasting, Apple day and Christmas market
- Supporting communication and coordination between departments and the wider Cowdray Estate
- Managing and optimising the business website and online ordering platforms
- Working closely with the Estate marketing team to drive footfall and customer engagement
- Leading the team at Little Cowdray in Chichester
Business Transformation & Development
A core focus of this role is to support the ongoing evolution of the business. The successful candidate will be encouraged to take a proactive approach in identifying and delivering improvements across operations.
This Will Include
- Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency across departments
- Enhancing the customer experience both in-store and online
- Supporting initiatives that drive revenue growth and profitability
- Contributing to the development of systems, processes and ways of working as the business prepares for redevelopment
About You
- An experienced operator with a strong understanding of multi-faceted retail or hospitality environments
- A confident leader, able to motivate and support teams across different functions
- Commercially aware, with the ability to spot opportunities and implement improvements
- Highly organised, adaptable and comfortable managing a varied workload
- A strong communicator, able to work collaboratively across the business
Why Join Us
This is an incredibly exciting time to join the business as we move towards a significant redevelopment project. The successful candidate will have a genuine opportunity to influence and shape both the operational structure and the future direction of the business. We recognise that candidates may not have experience across every aspect of this role, we encourage applications from individuals with strong transferable skills and the ambition to shape and grow the position over time.
How To Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter to: richard.main@cowdray.co.uk
Operations Manager – Cowdray Farm Shop, Café and Lifestyle in Midhurst employer: Cowdray
At Cowdray Farm Shop, Café and Lifestyle, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant work culture that values innovation and collaboration. As an Operations Manager, you will be at the forefront of an exciting redevelopment project, with ample opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact on our diverse operations. Join us in West Sussex, where your leadership will help shape the future of our business while enjoying a supportive environment that encourages creativity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager – Cowdray Farm Shop, Café and Lifestyle in Midhurst
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Cowdray Farm Shop, Café and Lifestyle, and understand their values, mission, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their exciting journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, or attend local events related to the business. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how your skills align with the role. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved operations or enhanced customer experiences in previous roles. We want to see your proactive problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to contribute to the future of Cowdray Farm Shop, Café and Lifestyle.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager – Cowdray Farm Shop, Café and Lifestyle in Midhurst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in retail or hospitality to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for the role and how you can contribute to our exciting redevelopment project. Be sure to mention specific examples of how you've improved operations in the past.
Show Off Your Commercial Awareness:We love candidates who can spot opportunities! In your application, share any insights or ideas you have about enhancing customer experience or driving revenue growth at Cowdray Farm Shop, Café and Lifestyle.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cowdray
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Cowdray Farm Shop, Café and Lifestyle. Understand their offerings, values, and recent developments. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project. Highlight how you motivated others and achieved results, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be ready to discuss how you can spot opportunities for improvement and growth within the business. Think about ways you could enhance customer experience or streamline operations. Presenting actionable ideas will show that you're proactive and commercially minded.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the upcoming redevelopment project or how they envision the future of the business. Engaging in this way shows your enthusiasm and strategic thinking.
