At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate our entire drinks programme, from coffee to seasonal beverages.
- Company: Join the vibrant Farmer J farm-ily, where creativity meets quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, daily food allowance, 50% off meals, and 31 days holiday.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities as we expand into new markets!
- Why this job: Make a real impact on our drinks experience and lead a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in multi-site hospitality and deep coffee expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a highly knowledgeable and detail-oriented Coffee Operations Manager to join the Farmer J farm-ily! Drinks are one of Farmer J’s highest-potential categories – commercially, creatively and as part of the customer experience. We’re hiring a Coffee Operations Manager to own the entire programme end-to-end: coffee, hot drinks, cold drinks, smoothies, juices and seasonal launches. You’ll be responsible for the product, the training, the quality and the commercial performance of every drink served across our estate. This is a senior, hands‑on role. Coaching teams, visiting shops and leading from the front are an essential part of this role. You’ll set the standard for what a Farmer J drink looks, tastes and feels like – and then make sure that standard shows up in every site, every day.
What you’ll be doing as our Coffee Operations Manager:
- Own the full drinks range across coffee, hot drinks, cold drinks, smoothies, juices and seasonal beverages. This includes both barista‑made drinks and retail drinks.
- Lead all seasonal drinks launches, aligned to the food menu calendar.
- In partnership with the Commercial Director, select suppliers and partnerships – roasters, milks, syrups, juice bases and equipment partners.
- Maintain an active innovation pipeline informed by global trends, customer insight and competitor benchmarking.
- Set drinks quality standards across every site in the UK.
- Design and roll out barista and front‑of‑house training programmes, in partnership with L&D team.
- Build SOPs, recipe cards, calibration protocols and audit frameworks.
- Own the drinks KPIs: customer feedback, revenue, mix, margin and attachment rates across all sites.
- Set pricing strategy in collaboration with the Head of Operations and Finance.
- Report weekly on drinks performance with clear actions to grow the category.
- Specify and standardise drinks equipment across the estate.
- Support new shop openings (NSOs), ensuring coffee areas are fully operational, correctly set up, and teams are trained and capable from day one.
- Manage supplier service contracts and maintenance schedules.
- Ownership of coffee machine settings and performance.
Our new Coffee Operations Manager will have:
- Significant experience leading a drinks or coffee programme in a multi‑site hospitality business (15+ sites).
- Deep coffee expertise – sourcing, roasting, extraction, equipment and barista craft to a high standard.
- Track record of developing and launching drinks products that have driven measurable revenue growth.
- Experience building and scaling training programmes across geographically distributed teams.
- Strong commercial acumen – comfortable reading a P&L and knowing which levers to pull.
- Hands‑on operator with the energy for regular site visits, bar work and team coaching.
- Background in fast‑casual, premium QSR or speciality coffee.
- US market experience, or appetite to support our New York site and US expansion, a bonus!
- Strong supplier network across the UK coffee and drinks industry.
- Experience launching cold and seasonal beverage ranges.
What's in it for our Coffee Operations Manager?
- Competitive salary, £55,000 - £60,000 per annum, plus bonus scheme.
- Daily food and drink allowance during shifts.
- 50% discount across all our restaurants when off duty.
- You will never work on your birthday, and you will be paid for it!
- 31 days holiday per year, including bank holidays, and increasing with length of service.
- Medicash – subsidised healthcare cash plan.
- Employee Assistance Programme by Hospitality Action.
- Green commute – cycle scheme.
- A great opportunity to grow as we continue to grow!
Coffee Operations Manager employer: Farmer J
Farmer J is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its team members, offering a competitive salary and a generous benefits package including daily food allowances, discounts, and a unique policy of paid leave on your birthday. With a vibrant work culture that encourages innovation and hands-on leadership, our Coffee Operations Manager will thrive in an environment that values creativity and collaboration, while also having ample opportunities for professional development as we expand across the UK and into new markets.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Coffee Operations Manager
✨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 Farmer J. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Farmer J
Don't be shy about reaching out to Farmer J 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 Coffee Operations Manager
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 Farmer J 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 Farmer J
✨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!
