Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Temporary 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive commercial performance.
  • Company: Join Heartwood Collection, a fast-growing hospitality group with ambitious growth plans.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, private healthcare, and generous holiday allowance.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of hospitality and making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in operations management with a strong hospitality background.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and development in a vibrant environment.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

About the Role

We’re offering an exciting opportunity for a driven and commercially astute Operations Manager to join the Heartwood Collection leadership team. We’re looking for a hands‑on, entrepreneurial operator who thrives in hospitality and delivers results through people, pace, and performance. You’ll be someone who acts like an owner, spotting opportunities, solving problems fast, and driving momentum across the site you lead. Ideally based to cover a region that spans from South Buckinghamshire to Staffordshire, and reporting to the Operations Director, you’ll take full accountability for the P&L performance of your region. You’ll partner closely with your Area Chef and General Managers to deliver exceptional guest experiences, grow sales, and maximise profitability, all while developing capable, motivated teams who love what they do. This would be a maternity cover contract in the first instance, with the option to review to a permanent role at the end of the contract.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and inspire your regional teams to achieve excellence in guest experience, operational standards, and financial performance.
  • Act with ownership and urgency, turning insight into action and delivering results through decisive, pragmatic leadership.
  • Drive commercial performance through smart P&L management, cost control, and labour optimisation.
  • Be a visible, hands‑on leader: regularly in venues, coaching, supporting, and holding teams accountable.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, challenging the status quo and finding better ways of working.
  • Play a key role in new openings and growth initiatives, ensuring each launch delivers on brand and commercial goals.

The Ideal Candidate

  • A proven multi‑site operator with 3+ years’ experience in an Operations, Area, or Regional Manager role.
  • Strong hospitality background—ideally from the premium pub sector, or similar high‑quality, guest‑focused environments.
  • A commercially sharp leader who understands the levers of profitability and how to drive them.
  • A natural problem‑solver who acts decisively and thrives in fast‑paced, evolving environments.
  • Known for developing people, building high‑performing teams and strong leadership pipelines.
  • Entrepreneurial and adaptable, with the energy, credibility, and ownership mindset to make things happen.
  • Ideally located between Hertfordshire and Birmingham.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary plus quarterly performance bonus.
  • Company car allowance.
  • Private healthcare (Bupa).
  • Laptop and mobile phone provided.
  • 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to buy 5 more.
  • Enhanced maternity and paternity packages.
  • Access to coaching, mentorship, and leadership development programmes.
  • 50% discount on food at Heartwood Inns or Brasserie Blanc.
  • Discounts on stays at Heartwood Rooms and retail perks via The Pantry.

About Heartwood Collection

Heartwood Collection is one of the UK’s fastest‑growing hospitality groups, operating the award‑winning Brasserie Blanc and Heartwood Inns brands. Backed by Alchemy Partners, we’re on an ambitious growth journey—set to triple profits and expand our pub‑with‑rooms estate to over 500 bedrooms by 2027. Join us, and play a defining role in shaping the next chapter of Heartwood’s success.

Operations Manager employer: Heartwood Collection

Heartwood Collection is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work culture, ideal for those passionate about hospitality. With a focus on employee growth through coaching and leadership development programmes, team members are empowered to thrive in their roles while enjoying competitive benefits such as a performance bonus, private healthcare, and generous holiday allowances. Located between Hertfordshire and Birmingham, this rapidly growing hospitality group offers a unique opportunity to be part of an ambitious journey, making a meaningful impact in the industry.
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Contact Detail:

Heartwood Collection Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at Heartwood Collection. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your personality! When you get that interview, let your passion for hospitality shine through. Share stories about how you've led teams to success or solved problems on the fly. We want to see that entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on approach that makes you a perfect fit for the Operations Manager role.

✨Tip Number 3

Do your homework! Research Heartwood Collection and understand our values, brands, and growth plans. This will not only help you tailor your answers during interviews but also show us that you're genuinely interested in being part of our journey. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and serious about joining our team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager

P&L Management
Cost Control
Labour Optimisation
Leadership
Coaching
Problem-Solving
Commercial Acumen
Guest Experience Management
Team Development
Continuous Improvement
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Adaptability
Decisive Leadership
Operational Standards

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Hospitality: When writing your application, let your love for the hospitality industry shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our values and how you can contribute to creating exceptional guest experiences.

Be Specific About Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your successes! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've driven performance and profitability in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you've made.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Operations Manager role. Refer to the job description and align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone!

How to prepare for a job interview at Heartwood Collection

✨Know Your Numbers

As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L management. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've driven profitability in previous roles. This shows you’re not just a hands-on leader but also commercially savvy.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership approach. Think about times when you’ve inspired teams or turned around underperforming venues. Be specific about the actions you took and the results achieved, as this will resonate with their focus on developing high-performing teams.

✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve

Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely. They want to see how you act decisively in fast-paced environments, so have a few examples ready that showcase your quick thinking.

✨Understand Their Culture

Research Heartwood Collection’s values and culture. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding guest experience and continuous improvement. Showing that you’re a cultural fit can set you apart from other candidates.

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