At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations to ensure smooth daily running of our coffee outlets and maintenance functions.
- Company: HatHats, an independent coffee business passionate about community and customer service.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape a growing business and make a real impact in the community.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on brand standards and team collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a hands-on team and leave your mark on a unique hospitality experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site hospitality operations and strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
A unique opportunity has arisen to join our Senior Leadership team as we embark on an exciting new phase of growth, and we need an experienced operator to help us build and deliver the systems, processes and structure to help us scale.
Who we are
HatHats is an independent coffee business with outlets across Kent, a small but growing vending network, and a Foundation giving grants out to the communities we serve and projects in East Africa. HatHats is not a franchise; we are not a chain pretending to be independent. We have been bootstrapped by the founders and live and breathe our values. HatHats is a business built by people who care about customer service, community and doing things properly. We are growing but we know we need an Operations Manager who wants to grow with us.
What this actually means day to day
The operations manager will work with managers to make sure every site opens every day. Every manager is clear on what is expected. Nothing serious left unresolved. You will review trading data, understand how to build and implement processes and have the conversations that are needed. You will also take on line management of our in‑house maintenance function, which means knowing what is broken across the estate, monitoring our internal ticketing hub and then assigning and knowing who is fixing it, and making sure nothing falls through the gaps.
Some of what you own
- All store managers (currently 10), their development, performance and accountability
- Labour percentages, staffing and rota oversight
- Food safety, compliance and EHO readiness across the estate
- Maintenance, day-to-day coordination of our maintenance tickets and all hub‑logged repair requests
- Engineer callouts and equipment prioritisation
- New site openings alongside our founder
- Driver management – we have a small delivery driver team who take stuff to our sites daily
- Shared on‑call duties at weekends
The right person
Has run a multi‑site hospitality operation. Knows what good looks like on the ground and is happy to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in where necessary. They will also know how to develop and implement process and does not wait to be told there is a problem because they have already seen it coming. The right person is comfortable with the physical reality of running a live estate with lots of nuance from site to site. They can hold a maintenance function to account without needing to be an engineer and are equally happy firefighting problems as they arise on their own initiative.
Worth knowing
The founder is hands on and you will work closely and report to him. Like with any fast‑growing hospitality business the team moves fast and we are obsessed with maintaining brand standards in terms of the drinks we serve but also the way our customers feel. This is a role for someone who wants to leave a real mark on how a growing independent business operates, utilising skills from other companies.
Operations Manager in Kent employer: HatHats Company Limited.
HatHats is an exceptional employer that prioritises community, customer service, and employee growth within a vibrant and supportive work culture. As an Operations Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our operational processes while enjoying the benefits of working in a hands-on environment alongside passionate leaders. With opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a growing independent coffee business, HatHats offers a unique and rewarding career path in Kent.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at HatHats. Building relationships can give you insider info and might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the brand! When you get the chance to chat with someone from HatHats, make sure to express why you love their values and how you align with their mission. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research HatHats’ operations, understand their challenges, and think about how your experience can help them scale. Be ready to share specific examples of your past successes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After any interaction, drop a quick thank-you note or email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a nice touch that can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Coffee:When writing your application, let your love for coffee and community shine through. We want to see that you care about customer service and the values we uphold at HatHats.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Highlight your experience in multi-site operations and give examples of how you've successfully implemented processes. We’re looking for someone who knows what good looks like on the ground, so don’t hold back!
Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills:Share instances where you've proactively identified issues before they became problems. We need an Operations Manager who can roll their sleeves up and tackle challenges head-on, so show us you can do just that!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with HatHats!
How to prepare for a job interview at HatHats Company Limited.
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to really understand HatHats' values and mission. Familiarise yourself with their coffee business, community initiatives, and how they operate. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their ethos.
✨Demonstrate Your Operational Expertise
Be ready to discuss your experience in running multi-site operations. Prepare specific examples of how you've implemented processes, managed teams, and resolved issues in previous roles. Highlight your ability to foresee problems and take initiative, as this is crucial for the Operations Manager role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since you'll be working closely with store managers and the founder, it's important to demonstrate your leadership and communication skills. Share examples of how you've developed team members, handled conflicts, or improved performance in past positions. This will illustrate your capability to foster a positive work environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-time scenarios. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role, such as maintenance issues or staffing shortages, and prepare your strategies for addressing them. This will show that you're proactive and ready to tackle the demands of the job.
