At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations across Grind's cafés, ensuring high standards and performance.
- Company: Grind, a sustainable hospitality company based in London.
- Benefits: Extra holiday, pension scheme, discounts, and social events.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making coffee a force for good.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site hospitality operations and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 90000 £ per year.
A bit about us.
Grind is a hospitality company that lives in London.
Since opening Shoreditch Grind in 2011, we've expanded across London with cafés serving coffee, food and cocktails - as well as coffee trucks and a state-of-the‑art coffee roastery.
Coffee is at the forefront of what we do and who we are.
We are coffee specialists and have always aspired to deliver the best quality, service, and consistency of product at all our Grind locations.
Each of our cafés has an incredible team serving speciality coffee, mixing cocktails, and cooking amazing food—all to the beat of a great playlist.
We think coffee can be a force for good.
Whether it's through creating the UK's first compostable coffee pods, our plastic‑free packaging or carbon‑free shipping - we're on a mission to be the world's most sustainable coffee company.
In 2023, we created our charity, the Better Coffee Foundation, to undo the damage done by the global coffee industry - in our first year, we recovered 43 million pods' worth of ocean‑bound plastic.
A bit about the role.
The Head of Operations is responsible for the overall operational leadership and performance of the Grind‑owned estate.
This role is a leadership position and is accountable for ensuring operational performance, standards and commercial results are delivered consistently across all company‑owned locations.
While the Operations Manager oversees the day‑to‑day performance of individual sites, the Head of Operations leads the operations function as a whole, setting the direction for the estate and ensuring the operational team is supported to deliver strong results.
The role operates at an estate‑wide level and requires someone who can combine strong commercial judgement, operational expertise and people leadership to ensure the estate performs consistently and sustainably.
The Head of Operations will work closely with the Managing Director and the wider Support team to ensure that operational delivery across Grind‑owned sites aligns with the wider strategic priorities of the business.
Role responsibilities.
- Lead the operational performance of the Grind‑owned estate, ensuring consistently high standards across all locations.
- Set clear operational priorities, expectations and ways of working across the estate.
- Work closely with the Managing Director to translate business strategy into effective operational plans.
- Act as the senior operational escalation point for site‑level challenges, providing clear direction and support.
- Ensure Grind‑owned locations consistently deliver the brand experience expected by customers and set by the business.
- Identify and lead opportunities to strengthen operational performance, consistency and efficiency across sites.
- Take ownership of the overall financial performance of the Grind‑owned estate, including sales, margin, labour and cost control.
- Collaborate closely with Finance, People, Marketing, Property and other central stakeholders to ensure operational plans are joined up and commercially effective.
- Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing operations leadership team, supporting succession planning and leadership development.
- Spend regular time across sites, building strong relationships with teams and staying close to operational realities.
You’ll have.
- Significant experience leading operations across a multi‑site hospitality estate, with the ability to operate strategically while staying close to day‑to‑day site realities.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with confidence overseeing performance across sales, margin, labour, cost control and wider operational metrics.
- A strong track record of driving commercial performance, operational standards and consistency at scale.
- Experience leading, coaching and developing operational leadership teams, including Operations Managers or equivalent roles.
- The ability to translate business strategy into clear operational priorities, plans and execution across an estate.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a leadership style that balances strategic direction, regular site presence and a genuine passion for exceptional hospitality and proud, high‑performing teams.
- Bonus if you have…
- A track record of implementing innovative technology solutions to enhance guest experience and operational efficiency.
Diversity and Inclusion.
Grind is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or disability status.
If there are any adjustments you need to help you bring your best self to an interview with us please let us know.
Benefits and Perks.
- Extra Holiday: Gain an extra day of holiday for each year you spend with us, capped at 3 additional days.
- NEST Pension: We offer a pension scheme to help you plan for your future.
- Financial support: access to interest‑free, short‑term loans when you need them most
- Referral Bonus: Earn up to £300 in tiered bonuses for referring great talent to our team
- Discounts online: Up to 40% off our retail line online.
- Spectrum
Life: Access our confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
- Crew Card: Enjoy 50% off all food and drinks, plus two free coffees a day at Grind locations.
- Friends & Family Discount: Share the love with discounts for your friends and family on our website and at our sites.
- Meals on Duty: Enjoy one staff meal on shift
- Social Events: Join us for team social events to connect and have fun.
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity: Enjoy enhanced maternity and paternity benefits once eligible.
- Salary range
- Up to 10% Performance Bonus of Base Salary
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Operations in London employer: Grind
Grind Coffee is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, perfect for those passionate about the hospitality industry. With competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while enjoying a dynamic café atmosphere in a bustling location. Join us to be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and outstanding customer service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in London
✨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 Grind. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Grind
Don't be shy about reaching out to Grind 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 Head of Operations in London
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 Grind 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 Grind
✨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!
