At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive commercial performance.
- Company: Join Heartwood Collection, one of the UK's fastest-growing hospitality groups.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced family leave, and discounts on food and stays.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for coaching and leadership development.
- Why this job: Be part of an ambitious growth journey and shape the future of hospitality.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in operations management with a strong hospitality background.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 every 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Business Development and Management
Industries: Hospitality and Restaurants
Operations Manager in England employer: Heartwood Inns
Contact Detail:
Heartwood Inns Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the hospitality industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up local pubs to chat with managers. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you get an interview, let your passion for hospitality shine through. Share stories about how you've turned challenges into opportunities and how you’ve inspired your teams. We want to see that entrepreneurial spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Heartwood Inns, and express your interest. A well-timed email can make all the difference and show you’re serious about joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest trends in hospitality and operations management. Consider taking a short course or attending workshops. This not only boosts your skills but also shows potential employers that you’re committed to continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Operations Manager role. Highlight your multi-site management experience and any achievements in hospitality that showcase your ability to drive performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams, improved guest experiences, or managed P&L effectively.
Show Your Passion for Hospitality: We want to see your enthusiasm for the hospitality industry! Mention any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and your understanding of the premium pub sector.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to review your application and get you one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heartwood Inns
✨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 commercially sharp and ready to take ownership.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your hands-on leadership approach. Think about times when you’ve inspired teams or turned around underperforming sites. This will help the interviewers see you as a natural leader who can develop high-performing teams.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Practice articulating how you’ve tackled challenges in fast-paced environments, showcasing your ability to act decisively and drive results.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Heartwood Collection values innovation and improvement. Prepare to discuss how you’ve fostered a culture of continuous improvement in your previous roles. Share specific examples of how you’ve challenged the status quo and implemented better ways of working.