Operations Manager in Preston

We are looking for a driven and experienced Operations Manager to join our central team. This is a hands-on, company-wide role spanning all Haute Dolci locations — both company-owned and franchised — and is critical to driving operational consistency and service excellence across our entire estate.

You will be the custodian of our brand standards, embedding operational procedures, and ensuring every team member — from front of house to kitchen — understands and upholds the Haute Dolci standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver on-site and remote training to new and existing team members across company-owned and franchise locations.
• Conduct regular operational audits and site visits to assess adherence to brand standards, identifying gaps and implementing corrective action plans.
• Work collaboratively with franchisees to support onboarding, brand compliance, and the consistent delivery of the Haute Dolci guest experience.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all front-of-house, back-of-house, and management functions.
• Support the opening of new locations domestically and internationally, including pre-opening training and operational setup.
• Monitor and report on operational performance across the estate, presenting findings and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and excellence across all locations.
• Liaise with department heads and senior management to align training content with business objectives, menu changes, and brand developments.
• Ensure all training content meets relevant health and safety, food hygiene, and legislative requirements across all territories of operation.

About You

Essential:

• Proven experience in an operations, training, or multi-site management role within hospitality.
• Strong working knowledge of hospitality service standards, kitchen procedures, and guest experience delivery.
• Demonstrable ability to produce high-quality training documentation, SOPs, and presentations.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills — able to train and influence at all levels, from floor staff to franchise operators.
• Highly organised with strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Comfortable with extensive UK travel and international travel as required.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a franchise model.
• Exposure to international markets, particularly the Middle East or North America.
• Familiarity with hospitality management and scheduling platforms (e.g. Fourth Hospitality).
• Food Safety Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification.
• Second language is advantageous but not required.

Travel Requirements

This role requires regular travel across our UK estate and periodic international travel to our locations in Kuwait and Pakistan. With our upcoming US expansion, international travel will increase accordingly. Candidates must be comfortable with a travel-heavy schedule and hold a valid passport.

What We Offer

• A pivotal, company-wide role with genuine influence over how Haute Dolci operates and grows.
• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Travel and expenses covered in full.
• The opportunity to be part of an ambitious, fast-growing premium hospitality brand.
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial working culture.

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (required)