Group Operations Manager in London

As Group Operations Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the operational strategy across a diverse portfolio of properties. You will lead initiatives that drive commercial performance, elevate guest experience, and embed operational excellence at scale. Acting as a strategic partner to senior leadership and cross-functional teams, you will ensure that operations are agile, brand-aligned, and future-ready. The position is based full-time at our London Bridge Head Office, with occasional property visits.

The stage is set for something different. We don’t run conventional hotels; we build places with character and intent. What began as a small UK aparthotel portfolio has grown into a European collection recognised for design and atmosphere - and we’re now entering a new chapter. As we redefine the brand and evolve our identity, we’re focused on creating spaces that feel compelling, contemporary, and truly distinctive. Locke leads with bold expression; Cove by Locke refines that same spirit into a quieter, more streamlined approach. Guests come to rest, work, or escape. Comfort is a given - great beds, hot showers, genuine service. But we aim to create moments that feel memorable and a little unexpected, bringing back the sense of mood hospitality often lost. This is our backdrop. We’re on an exciting journey step on stage and play your part.

The Work in Your Hands

• Operational Strategy & Excellence: Lead the design and implementation of scalable operational frameworks, SOPs, and policies that drive efficiency, profitability, and service excellence. Continuously benchmark operational standards against industry best practices, ensuring innovation and relevance. Develop and maintain a centralised knowledge base for property teams, enabling consistent execution and rapid onboarding.
• Supplier & Contract Management: Own group-level supplier relationships, ensuring performance against SLAs and commercial targets. Lead strategic sourcing and tendering processes to optimise cost and quality. Monitor market trends to mitigate risk and leverage opportunities for cost control and value creation. Ability to navigate and negotiate contracts.
• Revenue Growth & Commercial Impact: Drive non-room revenue (NRR) initiatives in collaboration with GMs, identifying new monetisation opportunities across the guest journey. Partner with Finance and Revenue teams to enhance profitability through data-driven decision-making, budgeting, and forecasting. Lead cost optimisation programmes without compromising brand or service standards.
• Guest Experience & Brand Integrity: Champion a guest-first culture, embedding brand values and service ethos across all touchpoints. Oversee brand audits and quality assurance programmes, ensuring consistency and excellence across the portfolio. Deliver actionable insights to improve guest satisfaction and investor value.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Act as a strategic liaison between Operations and functions including Marketing, HR, IT, and Development. Lead operational input into digital transformation, ESG initiatives, and systems implementation. Influence cross-departmental projects to ensure operational feasibility and long-term scalability.
• Stakeholder & Ownership Relations: Serve as the primary operational contact for ownership groups, delivering transparent, data-led reporting and strategic updates. Align property-level goals with broader business objectives through collaboration with corporate teams.

The Fire You Carry

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Advanced certifications in operations, project management, or leadership are advantageous.

Your Proven Track

• Minimum 5 years' experience in hospitality operations.
• Proven track record of delivering profit enhancing results and operational transformation.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets, KPIs, and supplier contracts.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and strategic thinking skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with regular travel.

What We Look For

We’re here to rethink what a modern lifestyle hotel can be. That takes pace, creativity, and people who enjoy working with purpose. If you’re comfortable with change, motivated by ideas, and focused on crafting meaningful guest experiences, you’ll do well here. We value individuals who can hold a vision, appreciate atmosphere, and want their work to have impact. Skills can be taught. Mindset can’t. There’s no single template for success here - just the right approach and willingness to grow.