Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations, drive growth, and integrate new acquisitions in a fast-paced bakery environment.
- Company: Galeta, the UK's best-loved wholesale bakery, scaling rapidly with exciting opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, meaningful equity, and a genuine partnership with the founder.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team to build something exceptional alongside a dedicated founder.
- Qualifications: Experience in scaling businesses and strong operational leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with early starts, big days, and full ownership of operations.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 ÂŁ per year.
About us
Galeta is on a mission to become the best-loved wholesale bakery in the UK. We already supply ~1,200 of the country’s best cafés, restaurants, hotels and cultural institutions — from Selfridges to Tate. But we’re just getting started. We’re scaling fast, we’ve made our first acquisition, and we plan to double the business in short order, organically and through acquisition.
The role
You’ll be the founder’s right hand and the operational force behind the business. You run the machine:
- People
- Production
- Product
- Marketing
- Systems, processes, delivery
You make sure things actually happen. This is a true number two role in a founder-led company. The founder is staying firmly in the seat, driving growth, strategy and acquisitions; and needs a partner who can own execution with real authority. If you’re looking to “step into a CEO role soon”, this isn’t it. If you want to build something meaningful, side by side with a founder going all-in, keep reading.
What you’ll own
- The end-to-end operating engine of the business
- Leadership of Production, Product, Marketing and People
- Integration of our newly acquired bakery (and future ones)
- Building the platform to scale - people, systems, processes
- Driving accountability, cadence, and execution across teams
- Making cross-functional initiatives actually land
You’re the person who turns ambition into reality.
Who we’re looking for
- You have scaled a business before (COO / Ops Director / MD level)
- You have been through real growth, and carry the scars
- You understand how to integrate acquisitions properly
- You are as comfortable at 4am on the floor as 4pm in the boardroom
- You lead from the front — and people would follow you again
- You are commercially sharp, but operationally obsessed
Most importantly: You know you want to be number two to a founder, not the CEO. You’re here for the partnership, pace, and challenge; not the title.
The reality
This isn’t a 9–5. It’s early starts, big days, and full ownership. It’s switching between strategy and firefighting - sometimes in the same hour. It’s helping build something from momentum into something exceptional. For the right person, that’s exactly the point.
The package
- A genuine partnership with the founder
- Real influence over how the business scales
- High-impact role with full operational ownership
- Competitive salary + performance bonus
- Meaningful equity - we want you to build wealth with us
To Apply
Send your CV and a short note: Why this role? Why Galeta? Why now? We will move quickly for the right person.
Chief Operating Officer in London employer: Galeta
Contact Detail:
Galeta Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at Galeta or other exciting companies.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Galeta’s mission, values, and recent achievements. Show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely wants to be part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your experience! Think of specific examples where you’ve scaled a business or integrated acquisitions. This is your chance to shine and prove you’re the operational force they need.
✨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 being part of something meaningful.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your CV with Care: Make sure your CV is tailored to the COO role at Galeta. Highlight your experience in scaling businesses and integrating acquisitions, as these are key for us. Keep it concise but impactful!
Nail the Cover Note: In your short note, be genuine! Tell us why this role excites you, why Galeta is the place for you, and why now is the perfect time for you to join us. Show your passion and understanding of our mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to know how you lead from the front. Share examples of how you've motivated teams and driven accountability in previous roles. This will help us see if you're the right fit for our fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Galeta
✨Know Galeta Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Galeta's mission, values, and current operations. Understand their unique position in the wholesale bakery market and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your skills to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Operational Expertise
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully scaled a business or integrated acquisitions. Highlight your hands-on experience in production, marketing, and systems management. This will demonstrate that you can handle the operational demands of the COO role effectively.
✨Emphasise Leadership Style
Galeta is looking for someone who leads from the front. Be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've inspired teams in high-pressure situations. Show that you can balance strategy with execution and that people would willingly follow you.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about Galeta's future plans, especially regarding their recent acquisition and scaling strategies. This not only shows your interest but also gives you insight into how you can contribute to their growth. It’s a great way to demonstrate your strategic thinking.