At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in a Michelin-starred restaurant, ensuring top-notch service and efficiency.
- Company: Join the award-winning JKS Restaurants, known for its innovative dining experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, career progression, and a supportive work culture with unique perks.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team that celebrates food, drink, and exceptional hospitality.
- Qualifications: Experience in hospitality or restaurants, with strong leadership and operational skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Gymkhana is seeking an Operations Manager to join their team. The successful candidate will be friendly, personable and passionate about all things food and drink. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager looking for a new role in an award-winning, critically acclaimed group.
The Restaurant Gymkhana is inspired by the elite clubs of India where members of high society socialise, eat, drink, celebrate and play sport. The Gymkhana menus take influence from the breadth of India, focusing on tandoori-grilled specialties, classic regional curries, biryanis and chaat-style sharing plates. The flavours are bold, rooted in tradition and richly layered with spices. The bars at Gymkhana specialise in a collection of Club Cocktails, which showcase the finest Indian ingredients and flavour combinations, offering a modern Indian interpretation on renowned classics. Above the restaurant is 42, Gymkhana’s intimate cocktail lounge. Gymkhana received its second Michelin Star in 2024, a decade after the first Star and winning Best Restaurant at the National Restaurant Awards and BMW Square Meal Restaurant of the Year.
The role
The Operations Manager is responsible for supporting the restaurant, ensuring operational excellence, consistency in service delivery, and financial performance. This role involves working closely with General Managers to maintain standards, drive efficiency, and implement strategic initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Service: Support General Managers in delivering exceptional hospitality standards. Monitor and enhance service consistency through regular audits. Ensure the restaurant maintains comprehensive knowledge of food and beverage offerings. Review and improve ambient standards including temperature, music, cleanliness, and lighting. Guide teams in optimising table management and cover maximisation. Analyse guest feedback and support improvement initiatives. Ensure brand standards are consistently met. Support development of site-specific service enhancement strategies. Monitor implementation of company service procedures. Build relationships with key clients.
- Operations: Support implementation of operational procedures. Ensure consistent application of SOPs and completion of checklists. Monitor operational standards across all departments. Support General Managers in maintaining brand reputation. Oversee standards of presentation including linen, china, glassware, and silverware. Monitor food quality and consistency. Review opening and closing procedures. Audit end-of-day processes and investigate discrepancies. Monitor EPOS compliance including staff meals, wastage, and discounts. Facilitate communication between the restaurant and head office.
- Commercial: Support stock management and margin control. Monitor achievement of budgets and financial targets. Analyse competitor activity and market trends. Support implementation of waste reduction initiatives. Assist in budget preparation and review processes. Monitor P&L performance. Support cost control measures while maintaining standards. Review sales performance and implement improvement strategies. Ensure consistent execution of marketing initiatives. Monitor food and beverage GP performance.
- People: Support HR processes. Monitor labour cost management and staffing levels. Ensure compliance with payroll procedures. Support training and development programmes. Assist in recruitment and onboarding processes. Foster communication between kitchen and front of house teams. Monitor staff presentation and hygiene standards. Support implementation of company culture initiatives. Assist in performance management processes. Guide General Managers in team development.
Benefits & Culture
Our team is the most important part of our business, translating our passion for genuine hospitality to our guests every day. We are proud to work with industry-leading talent and recognise the importance of offering our teams the tools, guidance and experience necessary to build confidence and grow. We encourage you to bring your whole self to work and celebrate the skills and characteristics that make you unique. Your commitment to be kind and work hard comes with a range of benefits such as:
- Treat Yourself Monthly JKS Dining Out Allowance
- Up to 50% off dining across JKS Restaurants
- Retail & Takeaway Discounts
- Code App Membership
- Company tech scheme
- Look After Yourself Discounted Gym Membership
- Stream – stream your pay earlier
- Company Donations for your involvement with Charities
- Cycle to work Scheme
- Employee Assistance Program
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Access to Financial Advice
- Wedding Gift & New-born Care Package - Celebrating your big occasions
- Season Ticket Loan
- Progress Yourself Access to our fantastic L&D Calendar
- A personalised learning & development plan to develop your skills and knowledge
- Career progression with a fast-growing, critically acclaimed restaurant group.
- Be Yourself Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 30 days)
- Employee referral scheme - paying up to £600 per referral
- Staff parties & long service awards
The Group
JKS Restaurants was founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi in November 2008. Since its inception, the group has received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including 8 Michelin stars, 6 Michelin Bib Gourmands, a restaurant ranked among the World’s 100 Best Restaurants, a spot in the Sunday Times Best 100 Places to Work 2025 and one of codes happiest places to work 2025. The JKS portfolio currently features Michelin-starred restaurants such as Trishna, Gymkhana, Ambassadors Clubhouse, Kitchen Table, Sabor, and Legado, along with cult favourites Hoppers, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar and Bibi. JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to pursue a career in fine dining or to develop within trend-focused casual cuisine, with opportunities across all disciplines for those looking to advance their careers within a people-focused, collaborative hospitality group.
Operations Manager - London employer: Gymkhana
Gymkhana is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates individuality and fosters professional growth within the prestigious JKS Restaurants group. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous dining discounts, and a comprehensive learning and development programme, all while working in an award-winning environment that prioritises genuine hospitality and teamwork. With additional perks like enhanced leave, employee assistance programmes, and opportunities for career progression, Gymkhana stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in the hospitality industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Gymkhana or similar venues. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for food and drink! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your love for culinary experiences and how you can contribute to their mission. It’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing the menu inside out! Familiarise yourself with Gymkhana’s offerings and be ready to discuss how you can enhance the guest experience. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨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 at Gymkhana and ready to embrace their culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for food and drink shine through! We want to see that you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely excited about being part of our award-winning team.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Manager role. Highlight your previous experience in hospitality and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive operational excellence. We love seeing how you can bring value to our team!
Be Personable:Remember, we’re looking for someone friendly and personable. Use a conversational tone in your cover letter to show us your personality. We want to know who you are beyond your qualifications!
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 fantastic opportunity at Gymkhana. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gymkhana
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Gymkhana’s menu and its unique offerings. Understand the flavours, ingredients, and cooking methods used in their dishes. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine passion for food and drink.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, resolved conflicts, or improved service standards. Be ready to discuss your approach to fostering a positive team culture.
✨Understand Operational Excellence
Familiarise yourself with key operational procedures relevant to the restaurant industry. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement and monitor SOPs, manage stock, and ensure financial targets are met. Showing that you have a strategic mindset will set you apart.
✨Be Personable and Engaging
Since Gymkhana values a friendly and personable atmosphere, make sure to bring your best self to the interview. Practice your communication skills and be ready to engage with your interviewers. A warm smile and genuine enthusiasm can go a long way in making a great impression.
