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- Tasks: Lead operations and drive growth in a fast-paced, founder-led bakery.
- Company: Join Galeta, one of the UK's fastest-growing wholesale bakeries.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and equity participation.
- Other info: Dynamic role with commitment beyond 9-to-5; perfect for ambitious leaders.
- Why this job: Be the trusted right hand to a passionate founder and shape the future of the business.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations at scale, preferably in food or FMCG sectors.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Galeta is one of the UK’s fastest-growing wholesale bakeries. Every day we bake for around 1,200 of the country’s best coffee shops, restaurants, hotels and cultural institutions. Our ambition is simple: to be the best-loved wholesale bakery in the UK, roughly doubling the size of the business in short order, growing both organically and through acquisition.
This is the most important hire Galeta has ever made. We’re looking for a Chief Operating Officer to be the operational counterweight to the founder and the number two in the business. You’ll run the operating engine of the group day to day: the people, the production, the product, the marketing, the integration of the bakery we’ve just acquired, and all the cross-functional machinery that lets a growing business actually function.
You’ll be accountable for:
- The operating engine of the group, end to end, with the Production Director, Head of Product, Head of Marketing and Head of HR reporting to you.
- The integration of the bakery we’ve just acquired into the Galeta group, ensuring both businesses become stronger.
- The operational platform that allows us to double the business without it falling over, including right people, systems, and processes.
- The leadership rhythm of the company, owning how the senior team works together and how things get done.
- Cross-functional delivery on every major initiative.
- Future acquisitions on the integration side, being involved as targets come into view.
- A genuine partnership with the founder on everything else.
We’re looking for someone who has run operations at serious scale before, probably as a COO, Operations Director or MD in a food, FMCG, hospitality or premium consumer business. You should have experience in taking a business through a doubling in size and integrating acquisitions.
You need to be comfortable on a bakery floor at 4am as well as in a board meeting at 4pm. You should be commercially literate and understand that operations exists to serve the commercial engine.
The relationship between founder and COO will be the most important working relationship in the company, with weekly one-to-ones, constant informal contact, real trust, and an honest, direct working partnership.
This isn’t a Monday-to-Friday, 9-to-5 job. The commitment looks like early starts when production needs you, long days when an integration milestone is landing, and occasional weekends when it matters.
The package includes a senior base reflecting the seniority of the role, a performance bonus tied to key metrics, and meaningful equity participation.
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why this role and why now.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) in London employer: Galeta
Contact Detail:
Galeta Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer (COO) 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 job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, especially since Galeta is all about being the best-loved wholesale bakery. Tailor your responses to show how you align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your operational expertise! Be ready to discuss your past experiences in scaling businesses and integrating acquisitions. Highlight how you've tackled challenges and driven results in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Galeta and being part of their exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for the role and the bakery industry.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that aligns with the COO role. Focus on your operational achievements and how you've contributed to business growth in previous positions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why this role excites you. Share your vision for the future of Galeta and how you can contribute to our ambition of becoming the best-loved wholesale bakery in the UK.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the quickest way for us to receive your application and get the ball rolling on what could be an exciting partnership!
How to prepare for a job interview at Galeta
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Galeta's operations, values, and recent news. Understand their ambition to double in size and how you can contribute to that vision. Being able to discuss specific aspects of their business will show your genuine interest and readiness to be a key player.
✨Prepare for Partnership Questions
Since this role is all about being a trusted partner to the founder, think about your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with leadership. Be ready to share examples that highlight your ability to support and challenge effectively, showcasing your operational weight and judgement.
✨Showcase Your Operational Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in scaling operations, especially in the food or FMCG sectors. Bring concrete examples of how you've integrated acquisitions or improved processes. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the operational engine of Galeta and ensure smooth growth.
✨Embrace the Commitment
This role demands flexibility and dedication. Be honest about your willingness to put in the hours when needed, whether it's early mornings or late nights. Showing that you understand the commitment required will resonate well with the founder and highlight your readiness for the challenges ahead.