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 for growth, hands-on experience, and a chance to shape our operations.
- Other info: Work closely with the founder in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing team and make a real impact in a unique independent business.
- 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 Whitstable 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 have the unique opportunity to shape the operational framework of a growing independent coffee business, with a focus on collaboration and hands-on leadership. With a commitment to maintaining high standards and a founder who is actively involved in the business, you will be part of a team that values innovation and personal development while making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Whitstable
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at HatHats. You never know who might give you the inside scoop or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding HatHats' values and operations. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs and be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the coffee industry and community service. HatHats is all about caring for customers and communities, so let that shine through in your conversations and examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the HatHats family.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Whitstable
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role and our values shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about customer service and community, just like we do at HatHats.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience in multi-site operations and how you've tackled challenges in the past. We’re looking for someone who can roll their sleeves up, so share specific examples of how you've implemented processes or solved problems.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details 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, make sure you research HatHats thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and the unique aspects of their operations. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Demonstrate Your Operational Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience managing multi-site operations. Share specific examples of how you've implemented processes, improved efficiency, or resolved issues in a fast-paced environment. This will highlight your ability to contribute to HatHats' growth.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role involves firefighting and proactive problem-solving, come ready with examples of challenges you've faced in past roles. Explain how you identified the problem, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcome. This will demonstrate your initiative and capability.
✨Engage with the Founder’s Vision
As you'll be working closely with the founder, express your enthusiasm for their hands-on approach and vision for the company. Ask insightful questions about their goals and how you can align your operational strategies to support them. This shows you're ready to collaborate and grow together.
